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Did You Know?
Cal Poly Best In The West for the 19th Year in a Row!
In 2012, for the 19th year in a row, Cal Poly has been rated the best
public-master's university in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Cal Poly ranked seventh in the
magazine's overall list of the West's best universities, including both public and private institutions
that provide “a full range of undergraduate and master’s-level programs but few, if any, doctoral programs.”
U.S. News ranks colleges that grant doctoral degrees, such as those in the University of California system,
in a separate category.
Read more about US News Report
What's Growing On?
Catch up on the latest issue of HCS Newsletter to learn more about the Department
Cal Poly Wines Win Awards
Two Cal Poly wines win gold in Orange County Commercial Wine Competition! Read More!
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Welcome!
The class of 2015 is the first class to be enrolled in HCS's new major in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences. We have integrated the three separate degree programs of Crop Science, Fruit Science and Environmental Horticultural Science into a combined major, which will allow you to specialize in one of seven concentrations during your freshman year: Crop Science, Fruit Science, Greenhouse and Nursery Plant Production, Plant Protection Sciences, Public Horticulture, Sustainable Landscape Management and Design, or Turfgrass and Sports Field Management.
Working side by side with your professors, you'll be able to choose from a broad array of study options among the seven concentrations. You'll be able to work and study in our fields, groves, vineyards, nurseries, orchards, arboretum and gardens, and greenhouses. You'll experience real world applications through internships and other collaborations with our industry partners. You'll also develop a foundational plant science background.
The Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences major at Cal Poly offers you an opportunity not just to learn, but learn-by-doing. Prepare to get your hands dirty, work outdoors and in our labs and greenhouses, and enjoy some of the most beautiful California sunshine in the state.
We invite you to become another leader in the Horticulture and Crop Science industry and take it forward in the 21st century. After all, our department motto is Learn. Do. Lead.
Department Facilities
Crops Unit
The Crops Unit has 70 acres of productive citrus, avocados, grapes, deciduous orchard, and berries. Additional nonbearing acreage for instructional use exists and new plantings are underway. Part of the land is certified organic. Students are encouraged to gain experience and earn income by participation in the enterprise project program or by working for the campus farm. There is also a new building containing two modern teaching labs with prep rooms.
Environmental Horticulture Unit
The Environmental Horticulture Unit includes a student-operated commercial greenhouse range and nursery in which students carry on a project program involving wholesale and retail sales and a student-operated plant shop. Also included are 35,000 square feet of greenhouses, a 5,000 square-foot retractable roof greenhouse, 7,500 square feet of shade houses; a 10,000-square foot US Golf Association specification experimental green; an extensive field container growing area; and a 4-acre arboretum.
Laboratories
The department also has modern, well-equipped laboratories in the Agricultural Sciences Building and at the Units, including labs for biotechnology, landscape industries with CAD, pest management, post harvest technology, and plant materials. In addition to 200 acres of landscaped campus, an arboretum is also utilized as an outdoor laboratory. The campus is planted with many interesting and unusual trees and shrubs from all over the world, as well as native plant materials.
Plant Shop
Poly Plant Shop is Cal Poly's on-campus source for cut flowers, landscape and interior plants. The Plant Shop offers students the opportunity to work in a retail environment to get hands-on experience in all aspects of garden center management and operation. True to the spirit of Cal Poly, it is a 'Learn By Doing' full service plant shop.
Cal Poly Organic Farm
The Cal Poly Organic Farm now consists of approximately 11 acres of land used for vegetable and fruit production. Largely student managed, the Organic Farm is home to a variety of programs. Students enroll to study at the Farm through CRSC 203. Students can also become involved through the many workshops and seminars offered on a wide range of issues including composting, natural pest control, native plants, biointensive agriculture and permaculture design. Additionally, students may wish to volunteer for work activities or enjoy the farm at their own schedule.