UF Greenhouse Training Online Program Starts June 2

Jennifer Zurko

Shortage of trained labor is a challenge for all growers. Today’s production methods are increasingly technical and staff need to know the “why” of their day-to-day work. Providing young employees with professional development opportunities is also a great way to increase staff retention.

To meet these needs, University of Florida IFAS Extension (UF/IFAS) has an award-winning program called Greenhouse Training Online, where all courses are taught in English and Spanish. The first of 11 courses of the year, “Greenhouse 101,” starts on June 2, 2025.

Thanks to a very generous gift by Ken and Deena Altman, and an education grant from the American Floral Endowment, this year they’ve added three new courses to the program.

“Professional Irrigator Train the Trainer” provides grower managers the tools to train other staff on how to water. Dr. John Lea-Cox and Dr. Loren Oki join the program to teach “Advanced Irrigation Management” and “Substrates for Container-Grown Plants,” respectively. These three new courses are part of the new program for 2025, Root Zone Expert. A professional program to help participants grow their career.

Each course is completely online and includes pre-recorded videos, an interactive discussion board with Ph.D. professors, helpful resources and quizzes. Course material is available any time of the day, with two new modules added each week over the four weeks of each course, for a total of eight learning modules. Experienced university instructors are available to help and graduates receive a personalized certificate of completion from UF/IFAS. There are courses for every level of knowledge and experience.

To register, visit hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training or watch the UF/IFAS Extension Greenhouse Training Online YouTube video for details. UF/IFAS offers a 20% discount when completing five or more registrations. For more information, including discounts for multiple registrations, email greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu. GT