Have you heard of horticulture and want to know what it is? Do you like orchards both in land and urban? Then keep reading because in this EcologíaVerde article we are going to teach you what is horticulture. We will talk about the different types that exist and what are the main differences with agriculture. We will try to teach you all the basic concepts in a simple way, as well as give you a series of tips so that, if you are not an expert yet, you can start producing your own vegetables for your consumption and that of your loved ones.
What is horticulture – definition
The horticulture term comes from the Latin root hortus which means garden or orchard. Likewise, within it, the word culture refers to cultivation. Hence, the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines horticulture as the cultivation of orchards. Or, more broadly, to the set of techniques and knowledge related to the cultivation of orchards. In a more simplified way, we can define horticulture as the discipline that deals with the production of vegetables or herbaceous plants on small surfaces intended for consumption.
What is organic gardening
Organic horticulture refers to the cultivation and production of vegetables, fruits and herbs using completely ecological techniques to improve and conserve the land. In addition, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used.
What is ornamental horticulture
Ornamental horticulture is based on aesthetic principles for the cultivation of both vegetables and fruit trees and flowers. In this case, its cultivation is not intended for consumption, but for a purely decorative purpose, either for exteriors or interiors.
What is protected horticulture
Protected horticulture is carried out through a production system based on improving the natural environment of the crop itself. This achieves better results, both in production and in the quality of the products obtained, surpassing in resources and benefits those produced by traditional horticulture.
Difference Between Agriculture and Horticulture
There are several key points to differentiate agriculture from horticulture.
- Agriculture refers to the cultivation of large tracts of land to obtain greater production. In contrast, horticulture refers to the cultivation of small plots to obtain direct products for consumption.
- Agriculture includes other activities such as irrigation, pruning or working with animals on the land to be cultivated. Horticulture only refers to the cultivation of vegetables or herbaceous plants.
- Agriculture not only produces in order to obtain food, but also other products for purposes such as textile production, the wood industry and paper production, among others.
- Another big difference is that the term horticulture is a specific type of agriculture, so its specificity can be seen more clearly compared to a more global concept.
- The main difference is that horticulture does not need a large area to be productive since the cultivation of vegetables is something much more specific. In fact, it can be carried out outside the large fields to be produced completely autonomously and in a domestic environment.
- Finally, as they require less space, the production costs of horticulture are much lower than those of agriculture.
Basic gardening tips
If you have finally decided to start with a small vegetable garden, either in the garden of your house or in your own apartment thanks to make an urban gardenwe want to give you a series of basic tips that you should take into account before starting.
Land for the orchard and farmland
The first thing you should take into account is the space you have for your garden. This point is very important to decide both the type of vegetables that we are going to grow like placing the garden in a sunny spot. In addition, we must check the status of the farmland and improve it using other products for cultivation such as peat and compost. If you are going to grow in a small space inside your home, you could also use other natural elements such as coconut fiber or earthworm humus. This will help create an optimal environment for plant growth.
Sunlight and access
In the same way that it is necessary for the garden to have between 6 and 8 hours of sun per day it is important that it be easily accessible. We must be aware, day by day, especially the first few days, so it has to be in a place where we can go or access easily. Thus, we will avoid other derived problems such as signs of pests or diseases in the orchard.
More tips for gardening at home
Finally, remember that what is really important is that you pamper that space that you have turned into the new home for your plants. Not only for its aesthetic value but because it can provide you quality food that will help you have a healthy life and save you money at the end of the month.
In this other EcologíaVerde article we explain in more detail how to make an urban garden at home.
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