UF IFAS expands greenhouse online courses

The University of Florida IFAS Extension has added new courses to its Greenhouse Training Online program for 2026, expanding education options for greenhouse and nursery growers.

New offerings include “Plant Growth Regulators” taught by Garrett Owen of The Ohio State University and “Cuttings and Stock Plant Management” taught by Jim Faust of Clemson University and John Dole of North Carolina State University. Greenhouse and Nursery 101 also includes new material on container nursery production from Jeb Fields of UF/IFAS. That course will be offered May to June 2026 and January to February 2027.

A new Elite Grower program bundles five courses, including “Climate Management,” “Costing and Profitability” and “Greenhouse and Horticultural Lighting.” It joins existing Root Zone Expert and Plant Health Professional certificate tracks.

The Professional Irrigator Train the Trainer program also has been updated with six short modules in English and Spanish to help growers train staff on irrigation practices.

The program includes 15 courses offered throughout the year, beginning with Nutrient Management 1 on March 2. Courses are fully online and include recorded lectures, discussion boards, quizzes and eight learning modules delivered over four weeks. More than 6,800 growers worldwide have participated, according to UF/IFAS.

For greenhouse and nursery operations, the expanded curriculum addresses plant growth regulation, propagation, irrigation and cost management.

Greenhouse Training Online from University of Florida IFAS Extension.