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 we have added three new courses to our 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 PhD 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 8 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 http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/training/. Or watch our YouTube video for details.
Online course schedule for 2025:
| Course | Dates | Level* | Cost |
| Greenhouse 101 | Jun 2 to Jun 27 | • | $285 |
| Nutrient Management 1 (Introduction) | Jul 7 to Aug 1 | •• | $285 |
| Professional Irrigation Train the Trainer NEW!** | Jul 11 (Ongoing)** | •• | $99 |
| Advanced Irrigation Management NEW! | Aug 4 to Aug 29 | ••• | $285 |
| Costing and Profitability | Aug 11 to Sep 5 | ••• | $550 |
| Success with your Latino Workforce | Sep 8 to Oct 3 | •• | $285 |
| Field Diagnosis of Plant Diseases | Sep 8 to Oct 3 | •• | $285 |
| Substrates for Container-Grown Plants NEW! | Oct 6 to Oct 31 | •• | $285 |
| Weed Management | Nov 3 to Dec 5 | •• | $285 |
| Practical Disease Management | Nov 10 to Dec 12 | •• | $285 |
| Climate Management | Nov 10 to Dec 12 | ••• | $285 |
*Level: • Introductory: Practical experience but without formal horticultural science education; •• Intermediate: Some experience and training, or entry university level; ••• Advanced: Experienced, well-trained grower, or upper university level
**Available any time 11-Jul-25 onwards, 5-hour short course
Join over 6200 growers who have participated in Greenhouse Training Online courses. Participants average 79% completion rate and provide enthusiastic reviews: “This program is accessible and practical and provided a foundation to open professional doors”, “Courses are very well crafted by growers for growers.” Supervisors that have enrolled their employees also said: “The courses provided knowledge needed that can be applied instantly.”
We offer a 20% discount when completing 5 or more registrations. For more information, including discounts for multiple registrations email us at: greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu.