What is the definition of horticulture?

Horticulture is defined as the art or science of cultivating gardens, which encompasses a wide range of activities focused on the growth and improvement of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This field not only involves the practical aspects of growing plants, but it also incorporates knowledge of plant biology, breeding, landscape design, and pest management.

The emphasis on gardens highlights the practices and techniques that increase the aesthetic and functional quality of outdoor spaces, making horticulture vital for both food production and landscape improvement. By contrast, the other options either focus on specific agricultural practices that don't encapsulate the broader scope of horticulture or pertain to entirely different fields of study, such as aquaculture with aquatic produce, animal husbandry with livestock, and soil science with soil management. Thus, the definition of horticulture as the art or science of cultivating gardens encompasses a diverse and vital domain in agriculture and environmental management.