Introduction to Horticulture – SS1 Horticulture and Crop Production Lesson Note (First Term)

Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers on small plots with careful attention.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define horticulture and state where the word comes from;
2. list the key characteristics of horticulture;
3. name the three main branches of horticulture and give Nigerian examples of each;
4. state the importance of horticulture in Nigeria;
5. describe horticulture in the rainy season and the dry season;
6. identify common horticultural tools and state their uses.

What is horticulture?

Horticulture is the art and science of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers.

• Origin of the word: it comes from the Latin words Hortus (garden) and Colere (to cultivate).
• Art: it needs skill in planting, shaping and caring for plants.
• Science: it uses knowledge of soil, water, pests and plant growth.
• Intensive gardening: it is often described this way because each plant gets close attention.

How is horticulture different from general agriculture?

General agriculture covers large-scale crops such as maize, cassava and cocoa. Horticulture covers fruits, vegetables and flowers grown with close care.

What are the key characteristics of horticulture?

Horticulture is marked by small plots, high-value crops, delicate care and fast-spoiling produce.

• Small area, big effort: it is usually done on smaller plots than a large cocoa plantation.
• High value: the crops are often in high demand and sell at good prices.
• Delicate care: the plants need regular watering, weeding and protection from pests.
• Freshness matters: most products are eaten fresh or used quickly because they spoil fast.

What are the three main branches of horticulture?

There are three main branches of horticulture: pomology, olericulture and ornamental horticulture.

1. Pomology (fruit production)

Pomology is the study and cultivation of fruits.

• Citrus: oranges and lemons.
• Other fruits: mangoes, pineapples and cashews.

2. Olericulture (vegetable production)

Olericulture is the growing of non-woody plants for food, as seen daily in Nigerian markets.

• Leafy vegetables: soko, tete and ugwu.
• Fruit vegetables: tomatoes and peppers.
• Bulb vegetables: onions.

3. Ornamental horticulture (beauty and landscaping)

Ornamental horticulture is the growing of plants to make the environment look and feel better.

• Floriculture: growing flowers for bouquets or gifts.
• Landscaping: planting grass and shrubs to beautify homes, parks and roadsides.

Summary table of the branches

Why is horticulture important in Nigeria?

Horticulture is important because it improves health, gives income, supplies medicine and beautifies the environment.

• Better nutrition: fruits and vegetables supply many vitamins and minerals needed for good health.
• Income: many Nigerians earn a living by selling tomatoes in the market or designing gardens for hotels.
• Employment: it creates jobs for young people in farming, selling and landscaping.
• Medicinal value: plants such as aloe vera, ginger and garlic are used in local medicine and health care.
• Environmental beauty: trees and flowers help cool our cities and make our surroundings pleasant.

How does the Nigerian climate affect horticulture?

Horticulture can be practised in Nigeria in both the rainy season and the dry season, with irrigation in the dry months.

The rainy season

Most vegetables and fruits grow well in the rainy season because rain supplies the water.

• Water supply: rainfall reduces the need for watering.
• Main challenge: pests and diseases that thrive in damp weather.

The dry season (fadama farming)

Dry season horticulture is the growing of crops in the dry months by irrigation, often on fadama (low-lying, wet) land.

• Water source: farmers use watering cans, buckets or pumps.
• Crops: tomatoes, peppers and leafy vegetables are commonly grown.
• Profit: fewer farmers grow these crops then, so prices are usually higher.

Rainy season and dry season compared

What tools do horticulturists use?

Horticultural tools are mostly small hand tools used to plant, care for and harvest garden crops.

What is the future of horticulture in Nigeria?

Horticulture is a growing part of Nigerian agribusiness.

• Growing cities: more people want fresh salads and fruit juices.
• Events: flowers are in demand for weddings and decoration.

Evaluation

1. Define horticulture and state the two Latin words the term comes from.
2. List four key characteristics of horticulture.
3. Name the three main branches of horticulture and give two examples of each in Nigeria.
4. State three reasons why horticulture is important in Nigeria.
5. State the use of each of these tools: hand trowel, pruning shears, budding knife.

Assignment

1. Explain why horticultural products are usually eaten fresh or used quickly.
2. Describe how horticulture is carried out in the dry season and why farmers earn more at that time.