Standards - Career & Technical Education

Incorporate safety procedures in handling, operating, and maintaining equipment; utilizing materials and protective equipment; maintaining a safe work area; and handling hazardous materials and forces.

Demonstrate effective workplace and employability skills, including communication, awareness of diversity, positive work ethic, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork.

Explore the range of careers available in the field, investigate their educational requirements, and demonstrate job-seeking skills including resume-writing and interviewing.

Demonstrate digital literacy by using digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically.

Participate in a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) to increase knowledge and skills and to enhance leadership and teamwork.

Participate in Supervised Agricultural Experiences and/or work-based, experiential, and service learning.

Describe characteristics of greenhouses and create a list of factors to be considered when planning and designing greenhouse facilities, including physical location, market potential, utilities, climatic conditions, and production goals.

Maintain, operate, and repair greenhouse and nursery facilities and equipment.

Determine types of soil and growing media to support optimum growth of a variety of landscape and ornamental plants.

Collect and analyze soil samples.

Formulate appropriate soils and growing media for greenhouse and nursery crops.

Adjust soil pH and nutrient levels.

Compare uses, methods of application, advantages, and disadvantages of chemical and organic fertilizers.

Demonstrate sexual and asexual propagation techniques in greenhouse and nursery crops.

Apply concepts of scientific taxonomy and industry-specific terminology in identifying greenhouse and nursery crops.

Identify and control environmental factors for optimal greenhouse and nursery plant growth.

Produce annual and perennial greenhouse and nursery crops.

Describe common greenhouse and nursery diseases, pests, and environmental problems and assess their effects on profits

Select appropriate pest control methods based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Develop a pest management plan for a commercial nursery.

Locate and explain information on pesticide labels, including target pests and crops, application rates, and requirements for PPE and safe handling.

Produce or purchase quality greenhouse and nursery plants for market.

Create a marketing plan for a selected greenhouse or nursery crop.

Demonstrate customer service and managerial skills for successfully operating a plant sale.