Engaging the next generation in nursery stock production: building the future of horticulture

It’s been many years since I studied nursery stock production at horticultural college — 44 years, in fact. In those days, if my memory serves me correctly, there was an abundance of people my age, located at numerous colleges around the United Kingdom studying how to grow plants. Sadly, this is not the case today, and the sector struggles to attract young people who are important because they bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm and adaptability to the workforce. They are often eager to learn, build experience and apply their skills, contributing to team building, productivity and overall workplace morale. Additionally, young workers can possess unique skill sets, knowledge of new technologies and a growth mindset that can enhance organizational performance.

There are many reasons why young people are not entering the nursery stock profession. These reasons include misconceptions about the industry, lack of careers guidance and a perception that it’s an unattractive or inaccessible career choice. Furthermore, a lack of integration of horticulture within the education system and a shortage of workers at all levels contribute to the problem. However, whilst young people might not be entering the wider horticultural profession, it is attracting older career changers, many of whom are seeing the sector as an antidote to the fast-paced corporate world. Many career changers are drawn to garden design and maintenance, but few consider nursery stock production as a second career.

Young people in horticulture

What are business leaders doing to encourage young people to work in the nursery stock sector?

Formed in 2020, the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) aims to unite under-35s working in horticulture to encourage collaboration, education, and innovation. The association focuses on attracting younger employees and customers to garden centres while many members are working at high levels in leading nursery stock producers. Currently, there are 900 members.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation offers bursaries and grants to students in commercial horticulture, including nursery stock production. They publish a podcast, ‘Cultivate Your Future,’ showcasing various careers in the sector, from social media manager to agronomist or database manager—highlighting that not all nursery jobs are related directly to plant production.

Perhaps the real challenge in encouraging young people in the nursery stock sector is the lack of disconnect in schools. Horticulture is not widely studied in schools in the U.K. due to a combination of factors, including a perception of the industry as low-skilled and undervalued, coupled with the industry’s struggle to attract and retain skilled workers. There’s also a disconnect between what’s taught in schools and the realities of modern horticulture, as well as a lack of opportunities for practical, hands-on learning. Industry bodies are seeking to rectify this disconnect through initiatives like the British Ecological Society’s Connecting Schools to Nature project and the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for School Gardening. These programs aim to engage students and teachers with the natural world, transforming school grounds into wildlife-friendly environments and providing hands-on learning opportunities. Though not specifically aimed at plant production, these initiatives hope to inspire young people to pursue horticulture and ultimately nursery stock production.

More can be done in the U.K. to encourage interest in plant production among young people. A lack of succession planning may lead nursery businesses to close, which is a common occurrence in the U.K.