I didn't know where to put this... Horticulture.

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I'm hoping to get an apprenticeship in horticulture. I began trying to grow some simple plants when I was younger, mainly an apple tree. It was doing well for around 8 weeks, I'd tend to it daily and be excited to see the smallest of changes. And then my sister decided to rip it up, so I was off-put from trying again. The problem is that I know virtually nothing on the subject, this won't look good in an interview. I'm hoping somebody could recommend some books for me? Preferably one that I can buy in a UK bookstore, or order off amazon (preferably from a UK store though, as it means I will have quicker access).
Thanks in advance!

Hi, we are a family of plant freaks, and our 28 year old (AS but doesn't admit it) son works in a large production and retail nursery.

I'm sure we could recommend some books, but it would be helpful to have an idea of your possible areas of interest. Garden design? Plantsmanship? Gardening? Amenity horticulture? Production? Retail? Are you looking to expand plant knowledge? Or knowledge of plant science?

There is plenty of scope for young entrants, but I hope you have realised that this is a low wage/long hours/basic working conditions kind of job!

Mainly gardening. I just love the idea that the plants will be something I grow and care for, something that I can watch progress and develop. I don't mind long hours and low wage as I believe I will enjoy it, so it would simply be being paid to do something I would love to do regardless.
I would like to know any basic information that I would need to help me with growing plants and gardening in general, plant science would also be interesting, especially if it could be useful to me.
Thank you very much for your reply, I apologise for lacking the knowledge required to give you a more informative response.

Thank you - that gives me an idea of where to start, and shows that you have thought through some of the less idealistic aspects of the job (this will be important at an interview). Let me encourage you and say that we think horticulture can be an ideal career path for Aspies. Of course the obvious place to look if you haven't found it already is on the newish horticultural career website http://www.growcareers.info/

With reference to books to read.....

Look up 'how to garden' on Amazon. The Royal Horticultural Society has produced a book called 'How to Garden' - we gave this to a beginner gardener, and she found this excellent, explaining not only what to do, but why as well. Alan Titchmarsh has produced a small series called 'How to Garden' (it'll turn up on the same Amazon search), and these again will be suitable/inspiring for a beginner.

A visit to the RHS website will be rewarding, and they have a list of books for horticulture students. 'Principles of Horticulture' is the standard textbook on the science side, but is not for the total beginner. As I am no longer a member of RHS, I can in good conscience suggest you research on the RHS site, then buy cheaper on Amazon! The biggest publisher of horticulture books is called 'Timber Press', and they do a dazzling list for readers from advanced beginner to snowdrop geek!

I don't know where you are or how old you are, but take any opportunities to go and see open gardens, maybe keeping a notebook recording these visits and your thoughts and questions arising from what you see there. Have you a particular apprenticeship route in mind, and if so, what would be the timetable? We can keep this conversation going on here in the hope of interesting others, but if you want to pm me I am happy to chat by email. Hope all this helps.

Now I'm going to work in my garden: today I have a shade tunnel to cover, then I'm creating a holding bed where little tiny trees can grow big enough to plant out into the main garden!

Thank you very much! I will certainly buy the "How to Garden" book to begin with, and look for open gardens near me.
I am in the UK and 18 years old. The apprenticeship that I am currently looking at involves working 09:00-17:30 from Monday to Friday, sometimes working weekends too. I am unsure about the education timetable at the moment.

I used to work in horticulture. Worked mowing lawns too. Did a short stint helping a landscape gardener.

I recommend that if you want to make a career in it, go all out. By that, I mean it would be good if you take opportunities to do horticulture recreationally, read, and watch horticultural/gardening programmes on tv. Get books from the library.

Down here in the bottom state of Australia, if I were to get back into it, I could think of several options for practical experience. There's a rhododendron place that's several hectares and operates with volunteers. There's an organic vegetable organisation, again volunteers. Lions (or might be Rotary) do special gardening projects. I used to volunteer at a place that specialised in constructing native demo forests for dept of education. There are environmental organisations that grow trees and rely on volunteers. Community gardening programmes.

So many opportunities for practical experience. Join some of these types of groups (whatever is available in your area), you'll learn if you want to work in the industry and be a little more impressive when you approach an employer.

Thank you very much, I will certainly look into volunteer work, and I intend to do gardening work recreationally too.