UF/IFAS launches free irrigation training series for greenhouse and nursery staff
UF/IFAS launched a free bilingual irrigation training series for greenhouse and nursery staff. Explore the modules, learn practical watering skills and reduce overwatering.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension launched a new online training series designed to help greenhouse and nursery employees improve irrigation practices and reduce overwatering.
The Professional Irrigator training series includes six free “Lunch and Learn” modules available through Back Pocket Grower. The short sessions are designed to fit into production schedules and include instructional videos, hands-on activities and printable summaries. Materials are offered in English and Spanish.
The program focuses on helping employees understand why irrigation decisions matter, along with practical lessons that can be adapted to individual greenhouse and nursery operations. Training materials use everyday analogies instead of technical terminology to make concepts accessible to workers with different education levels.
According to UF/IFAS, the training is intended to improve employee confidence in making independent irrigation decisions and support more uniform plant growth while reducing overwatered areas.
One featured module teaches the use of a 1 to 5 moisture scale through video instruction and greenhouse-based activities.
UF/IFAS also offers a paid Professional Irrigator “Train the Trainer” course for supervisors. This course includes staff evaluations, certificates of completion, access to the Irrigation HortBot AI chatbot and future training updates covering injectors, drip irrigation and subirrigation.
The program is supported by the American Floral Endowment and a gift from Ken and Deena Altman.