SOP of Horticulture Department

1. Introduction

 Purpose: To ensure that all horticultural activities are carried out systematically and
efficiently, following best practices in plant care, maintenance, and operations. This SOP
is designed to ensure the efficient working of gardeners in well-disciplined
 manners under the office of CAO
 Scope: This SOP applies to all personnel working within the Horticulture Department,
including gardeners, supervisors, technicians, and Horticulturist
 Responsibility: The Horticulture Department is responsible for ensuring the
implementation of these procedures. Staff members are responsible for following the
procedures outlined.

2. General Guidelines

 Work Hours: Define the working hours, including seasonal adjustments (e.g., longer
hours during peak planting season).
 Safety Protocols: Ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including
gloves, hats, and proper footwear.
 Environmental Concerns: Follow eco-friendly practices like water conservation,
reducing pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity.
 Equipment Maintenance: Regular checks and servicing of gardening equipment such as
lawnmowers, trimmers, watering systems, etc.

3. Plant Care & Maintenance

 Planting Procedures:
o Selection: Choose plants suitable for local climate and soil conditions.
o Soil Preparation: Ensure soil is tested for pH, nutrients, and drainage.
o Planting Depth & Spacing: Follow specific guidelines for each plant species
regarding planting depth and spacing.
 Watering:
o Frequency: Watering schedules based on plant species and climate conditions.
o Method: Use of irrigation systems (e.g., drip irrigation, sprinkler systems) or
manual watering, ensuring water conservation.
 Fertilization:
o Type of Fertilizers: Use of organic or chemical fertilizers based on soil test
results.
o Application: Guidelines for the frequency and quantity of fertilizer application.
 Pruning & Trimming:
 o Frequency: Regular checks for dead or diseased branches.
o Techniques: Proper pruning methods to encourage healthy growth and aesthetic
appeal.
 Pest & Disease Control:
o Monitoring: Regular inspection for pests and diseases.
o Treatment: Use of non-toxic or organic pesticides when possible, and integrated
pest management (IPM) practices.

4. Landscape Design & Maintenance

 Design Principles:
o Incorporate aesthetic principles, functionality, and plant diversity when
designing gardens or landscapes.
 Maintenance Tasks:
o Lawn Care: Mowing, aeration, seeding, and fertilization schedules.
o Flower Beds: Seasonal planting and deadheading.
o Shrubs and Trees: Regular checks for pruning and health.

5. Seasonal Activities

 Spring: Planting annuals, pruning trees, and preparing flower beds.

6. Record Keeping & Reporting

 Plant Inventory: Maintain records of all plants, including species, location, and care
requirements.
 Work Logs: Daily or weekly logs of activities carried out, including plant care, pest
management, and equipment maintenance.
 Reports: Regular reports on the health and progress of plantings, pest/disease
outbreaks, and the overall status of horticultural projects.

7. Waste Management
  Organic Waste: Proper disposal or composting of plant clippings, leaves, and organic
waste.
 Vermi Compost Setting Up a Vermi Composting System. Fill the bottom of the bin with
shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir. Moisten the bedding with water to
create a damp environment.
 Feed the worms regularly but avoid overfeeding. It's best to add organic waste in small amounts
and bury it in the bedding.

8. Training and Development

 Onboarding: New staff must undergo training on the standard procedures and safety
protocols.
 Ongoing Training: Regular workshops on new horticultural techniques, pest
management, sustainability practices, and equipment use.

9. Emergency Procedures

 First Aid: All staff must be familiar with first aid procedures for common gardening-
related injuries.
 Natural Disasters: Steps to protect plants from extreme weather, including frost,
storms, or drought.
 Injury Prevention: Encourage staff to follow ergonomic practices to prevent repetitive
strain injuries.
 Emergency Procedures: Develop a procedure for natural disasters, such as floods,
storms, or extreme temperatures, and ensure the protection of plants and staff.
 Chemical Safety: Follow strict protocols for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of
pesticides and fertilizers. Staff must wear PPE when handling chemicals.

10. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

 Regular Review: The SOP should be reviewed and updated annually or after any
significant changes in procedures.
 Feedback: Encourage feedback from staff members for improvement in the SOP
 Everyone will complete his daily assigned task and report his supervisor after the completion of task.

 All gardeners should be in uniform during their duty hours.

 No one will leave the campus without informing his immediate supervisor.

 A gardener must have good knowledge of plants, must be organized and able to follow schedule.
  Must be aware of Health and Safety requirements noting that all duties must be carried out to comp

 The gardeners will be responsible for following activities under the supervision of horticulturist (

 Care of all plants including (trees, shrubs, palm, groundcovers, grass and seasonal).

 Daily cleaning and general maintenance of lawns, grounds and surroundings

 Daily irrigation of all areas up to the adequate requirements of plants and grass

 Care and maintenance of nursery.

 Propagation of plants through sexual and asexual techniques

 Mowing of grass when required

 Adjustments of mower height and quality of cut, etc.

 All regular cultural practices: Irrigation ,Weeding, Hoeing, Fertilization, Pruning/trimming/cutting, D

 Paint of pots and planters

 The use and maintenance of hand tools and machinery

 Spray of fertilizers and insecticides whenever required.

 Sowing of seasonal, shifting of seedlings from bags to pots and their arrangements

 Report equipment malfunctions when noticed

 Keep the tool shed / store room clean and tidy.

 Pruning and trimming of trees and hedges whenever required

 Shifting of pots and their arrangements

 Shifting of garden sittings and benches

 Ensure all equipment’s, machinery are stored securely and clean after use.

Compliance: All personnel are expected to adhere to these guidelines and contribute to the
success of horticultural projects and the well-being of the plants and environments we care for.
Commitment to Sustainability: The department strives to be a model of sustainable
horticultural practices, promoting biodiversity, resource conservation, and environmental
stewardship