Mar 17, 2025

Greenhouse training program expands with new irrigation courses

University of Florida IFAS Extension is expanding its Greenhouse Training Online program in 2025 with three new courses focused on irrigation and substrate management. The courses, made possible by a donation from Ken and Deena Altman and an education grant from the American Floral Endowment, aim to enhance professional development for greenhouse and nursery workers.

The new offerings include Professional Irrigator Train the Trainer, Advanced Irrigation Management and Substrates for Container-Grown Plants. These courses are part of the Root Zone Expert program, designed to help growers improve water management practices.

Greenhouse Training Online offers 11 courses annually in English and Spanish, with the first course, Greenhouse 101, beginning June 2. The program provides online instruction through pre-recorded videos, interactive discussion boards with university instructors, and quizzes. Course material is available anytime, with new modules released weekly over a four-week period.

Participants who complete the courses receive a certificate from UF/IFAS. Since its launch, more than 6,200 growers have taken part, with a 79% completion rate.

“This program is accessible and practical and provided a foundation to open professional doors,” one participant said.

Supervisors also praised the training, noting that employees could apply their new knowledge immediately.

For more information or to register, visit hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training.