Field of studies Horticulture (studies in Polish) - University of Agriculture in Krakow (Uniwersytet Rolniczy im. Hugona Kołłątaja w Krakowie), URK (Cracow) - Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Poland

1. On a placement at a plant nursery, some of the seedlings start turning yellow. What do you do?

Check the growing medium, watering, pH and signs of pests, then plan what to do and monitor the results. Add more fertiliser and wait. Throw them out and get new ones.

2. Which subjects from your undergraduate degree did you enjoy most?

Plant physiology, soil science or crop protection – and I want to go deeper. The practical classes – the theory interested me less. None of the natural science ones.

3. An orchard owner wants to cut back on chemical sprays. What do you suggest?

Integrated pest management: monitoring pests, using natural predators, resistant varieties and spraying only when it’s really needed. Spraying less often with the same products. Tell them it can’t be done without chemicals.

4. Lectures, research papers and group projects will be in English, and you’ll study in an international group with people from very different climates. How does that sound?

Great – comparing crops and growing practices from different climates is hugely valuable, and I read research papers in English anyway. I’ll manage, though I need to catch up on the technical vocabulary in English. I’d rather study only in my own language.

5. What do you think of new technology in horticulture, such as moisture sensors, soilless growing or controlled lighting?

It really interests me – I want to be able to design and fine-tune systems like that. Interesting, but I prefer tried-and-tested traditional methods. I don’t see the point of it.

6. Your supervisor suggests an experiment comparing several growing media. How do you respond?

Happily take it on – planning the layout, replicates and statistical analysis of the results. Agree, but I’d rather someone set out the whole plan for me. I’d prefer a thesis without any experiments of my own.

7. A city is planning green roofs and rain gardens. What interests you most?

Choosing plants that can cope with both drought and waterlogging, and how they’ll hold up season after season. Mainly how it will look. Nothing in particular.

8. How do you feel about working outdoors, in greenhouses or on plantations – even in bad weather?

I enjoy it – you have to see plants in person, not just in the data. I can, but I’d rather work in an office or a lab. I’d much rather avoid it.

9. Where do you see yourself after graduating?

At a nursery, a seed company, a horticultural advisory service, a research centre or working on urban green spaces. Anywhere with a steady job. As far from farming and horticulture as possible.

10. What motivates you most to pursue a Master’s degree in Horticulture?

Developing modern, sustainable growing methods and deepening my knowledge of plants. A love of gardens and plants. I’m not sure it’s for me

Horticulture

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