What is the primary characteristic of horticulture?

The primary characteristic of horticulture is gardening with man-powered tools. Horticulture is a practice that focuses on the cultivation of plants in smaller-scale gardens, often for subsistence purposes. This can include the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers using simple tools operated by human labor. Unlike large-scale agriculture, which relies on extensive mechanization and the cultivation of crops over vast areas of land, horticulture emphasizes more intensive management of smaller plots, often integrating the use of techniques like intercropping and polyculture.

By using hand tools and other non-mechanized methods, horticulturists can work closely with the land, allowing for greater care and attention to the plants being cultivated. Additionally, this practice is generally more sustainable and involves a deeper knowledge of local ecosystems compared to industrial farming techniques, aligning well with traditional and subsistence lifestyles in many cultures.