Students enrolled in the Rio Salado Horticulture program learn “hands-on” skills needed to be successful in the nursery industry. Classroom instruction at two units within Lewis provides students the opportunity to earn up to twenty (20) credit hours. This is combined with real world practical applications, such as the recent acquisition of a storm-damaged Cirrus cacti. The students dissected and replanted the cacti, which are now producing many offspring.

Specific skills studied include plant propogation, landscape project management, southwest plant identification, integrated pest management, irrigation systems and design, soil and fertilizer utilization, turf installation and landscape design. The newest Horticulture program will focus on vegetable and seasonal plant production, floral design and utilizing plant products grown in the on-site greenhouse and garden.

After completing the entire program, inmates are given an Award of Completion, and can transfer these credits to other accredited colleges upon release. These skills increase employment marketability and enhance successful transition into the community.