Introduce the fundamentals of a being a floriculturist. For example, introduce the profession. Talk about the types of bedding plants, potted flowers, foliage plants and cut flowers that are grown in floriculture.
Discuss the type of greenhouse settings, such as a plastic covered hoop house or a glass panel greenhouse. Talk about the type of plastic used to cover the hoop house, different dimensions and shade clothes. Speak to the class about how a glass- panel greenhouse ventilates and controls the temperature.
Discuss growing plants from seedlings and the process of transplanting the seedlings into individual pots. Inform the class of the different growing times of flowers, bedding plants, foliage and cut flowers.
Discuss the environmental problems that may arise when growing cut flowers. Talk about a irrigation systems needed to help control the moisture content of the ground.
Discuss the harvesting process and storage for cut flowers. Discuss how to market cut flowers to retailers and to the general public.
Speak about pricing, sales tax permits, packaging, insurance, transportation, operating costs, seasonal demand, pest management and liability. This includes all aspects of setting up a business. Talk about the ups and downs of the economy and how this can affect the sales of the floral merchandise.