LIVE OAK, Fla. The UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley (NFREC-SV) near Live Oak, FL will be holding a hydroponic short course March 17-18 or March 19-20, 2010. The short course Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business will feature hands-on activities inside three greenhouses, a shade house, and an outdoor production area at the facility for two days and will also provide an optional grower tour on March 19 for both classes. The topics to be covered include: planning the business and developing a marketing strategy, growing transplants, selecting hydroponic systems, soilless media choices, irrigation and fertilizer, managing pests, and the production of several crops from microgreens to herbs to cut flowers to tomatoes.
The short course is being offered in response to the tremendous increase in demand for information on using hydroponics and controlled growing systems to provide high quality locally grown products for local markets. The short course is perfect for those considering the venture or who have recently started a hydroponic business. This course was first offered in 2009 and was very well received by over 70 attendees.
The facility is one of the best in the southeast for teaching hydroponic growing in an actual operating greenhouse setting. Attendees will learn firsthand by doing it themselves. The optional tour will be an exclusive visit inside two of the most successful and modern greenhouse hydroponic operations in Florida.
The cost of the short course is $295 per person and the optional grower tour is $50. Space is limited so sign up now by calling 386-362-1725 Bob Hochmuth x 103 or Wanda Laughlin x 104.
Source: UF/IFAS
