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Department of Horticultural Science

Man standing in front of a crepe myrtle trunk

Jul 10, 2018

Louws Steps Up As Head of CALS’ Department of Horticultural Sciences

Frank J. Louws has been named head of the Department of Horticultural Science in NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

Purple light in greenhouse with tomato plants.

Jun 19, 2018

Inside the Box: NC State Indoor Farming Research Gets Boost

CALS' Ricardo Hernandez breaks new ground when it comes to controlled environment agriculture, the increasingly popular practice of producing crops indoors. A recent gift boosts his research and teaching programs. 

Middle school students examine pollinating plants.

May 3, 2018

Program Plants Leaders in Agriculture and Science

Rising 7th and 8th graders can dig into science through Project PLANTS' exploratory field trips and hands-on projects in horticulture and agriculture. Students examine the scientific world and have the chance to develop positive social connections. 

Pink blossom

Apr 24, 2018

Five Fun Facts: NC State’s JC Raulston Arboretum

Dubbed Raleigh’s “hidden gem,” NC State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum is a peaceful place to enjoy thousands of plants from all around the world. Arboretum Director Mark Weathington outlines five reasons to check it out. 

Cole Smith and Nick Basinger will graduate soon with graduate degrees in horticultural science.

Apr 20, 2018

Taking Aim at Destructive Weeds

Palmer amaranth is one of the biggest production challenges farmers in the Southeast face. At NC State, scientists and graduate students are making progress toward lessening the weed’s impact in a range of crops. Here, we highlight the work of soon-to-graduate students Nicholas Basinger and Cole Smith. 

Grocery store produce section with appleas, cider, plums and more.

Apr 12, 2018

Extending Health Across The State

A grant from NC State Extension’s new Health Matters program allowed two Halifax County churches to build a community garden that now provides produce to over 350 families. It was one of 60 wide-ranging projects by four Health Matters associates and their 110 community partners last year to increase access to healthy food and physical activity. 

Closeup photo of magnolia flower

Mar 23, 2018

Destination: Raulston Arboretum

NC State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum is becoming a popular destination for plant experts: Over the next six months, it will host tours for three national and international plant groups. 

a garden shed with all the tools of the gardener

Mar 20, 2018

Long-Awaited Extension Gardener Handbook Now Available

A new award-winning gardening handbook published by NC State Extension has arrived on the market. The North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook offers practical guidelines for bringing the best in research-driven, environmentally responsible gardening practices right to your own garden, lawn or landscape. 

Head and shoulder image of Chris Gunter in his Kilgore Hall office.

Feb 27, 2018

Faculty Focus: Gunter Gears Up for Yet Another Challenge

Chris Gunter talks about his unique role as an extension vegetable production specialist, researcher, teacher and, soon, administrator with NC State’s Department of Horticultural Science. 

Student surrounded by tropical plants

Feb 23, 2018

Student Spotlight: Hooked on Horticulture

David Denton’s quest to become a plant scientist started, humbly enough, with curiosity over backyard weeds. Now, the NC State senior in horticultural science is well on his way to a plant breeding career.