November Commercial Horticulture Programs

Hydroponic Vegetable Production Online Course – November 9 to December 11

This program teaches how to manage different hydroponics systems, as well as the fundamentals of climate, water, nutrition, and plant health in these systems. This intermediate course is designed for growers with some experience and training. Topics covered include hydroponics growing systems and structures, specific vegetable crop examples, business management, and food safety. The course is offered in English and Spanish.

The course is taught by a team of instructors from the University of Florida and Cornell University, which include Bob Hochmuth, Assistant Center Director for the UF/IFAS North Florida Research & Education Center at Live Oak and Regional Specialized Extension Agent for commercial vegetable crops, and Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Bob and Tatiana, along with other extension staff, collaborate in teaching hands-on courses on hydroponics at the UF Small Farms Academy, a popular Extension program hosted at Live Oak since 2009. These hands-on trainings have been utilized by over 1,000 attendees from 20 states in the United States as well as eight other countries.

The course runs from November 9, to December 11, 2020 (with a week break for the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States) and includes a personalized certificate of completion. The cost is $199.00 per participant (discounts are available for registrations of five or more). The last day to register is November 16, 2020. Over the four-week course, there are streaming video lessons, readings and assignments (a three to four hours total commitment per week), which can be accessed at any time of day. Participants must register online (those needing assistance with registering can call the Extension Office at 352-955-2402). More information and discounts for registering multiple staff are available online and through email at greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu.

Private Applicator & Agricultural Row Crops – A Review – November 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with Dr. Kevin Korus, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent), at the Freedom Community Center (Veterans Park, 7340 S.W. 41st Place, Gainesville)

This workshop is designed to provide training for the private applicator agricultural pest control license. The private applicator license is required for anyone that applies restricted use pesticides to their own farm, greenhouse or nursery. There will be no exams offered this day.

Up to 4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for applicators that already have their licenses. CEUs include: General Standard Core, Ag Row Crop, and Private Applicator. 

The registration fee is $25.00. Participants must register online (those needing assistance with registering can call the Extension Office at 352-955-2402) by November 13. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after November 13 or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 20 participants. There will be no refunds for the registration fee.

COVID-19 Precautions: Participants must practice social distancing during this event including wearing facial coverings to enter the facility and while indoors. Those who cannot wear a facial covering must contact the agents for online alternatives for Continued Education Units.

For more information about these programs contact Dr. Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, at 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.