Jan 21, 2012

Bedding Plant Educational Series to Cover SubstratesSource: Purdue University

The second installment of Purdue University’s Bedding Plant Educational Series for Greenhouse and Nursery Growers and Garden Centers will take place Feb. 1, 2012 at Alsip Home and Nursery in St. Johns, IN. Purdue University and the Indiana Flower Growers Association received a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to fund this series. Dr. Jamie Gibson, technical services Manager for Conrad Fafard, Inc. will discuss choices when it comes to choosing the correct substrate for growers. Attendees will learn what components make up a substrate and what they do. Sampling, soil analysis interpretation and media additives and alternative substrate components will also be addressed. There is no cost to attend the educational sessions (except IFGA meeting). Growers and educators from other states are welcome to attend. Future topics in the series include light and temperature; water quality, alkalinity and pH management; height control; disease management; insect management; and marketing. Organizers request that you confirm your attendance three days prior to the event by contacting Tammy Goodale at tgoodale@purdue.edu.