Foundations of Growing Cut Flowers

80 E 725 S,KAYSVILLE UT 84037-4228

12 January, 2022

Description

A course designed to teach the fundamentals of growing cut flowers in Utah. Are you interested in growing cut flowers? Then this course is for you!This course will provide participants with expert instruction, hands-on field opportunities, a soil test, seed starting supplies, harvest supplies, and bouquets of flowers to take home during the season. This course is made up of 7 workshops spanning from January to July. Workshops will be taught in person and registration is for the entire course. Workshops are not open on an individual basis and can not be purchased separately. No refunds will be given for missed workshops. Discount available for USU Garden members. Use membership number as promo code. Course content by workshop:Jan 12 – Introduction to Cut Flowers and Site Selection Topics Covered: • Course introduction and materials • Where to source information/recommended reading material • Space needed for growing • Site Selection Basics • Understanding zones and microclimates • Water, soil, light, labor needs Feb 9 – Intro to Seed Starting Topics Covered: • Ordering seeds, what to look for • Reading a seed packet • When to start seeds for transplant • Where to find specifics for each type of plant • Basic equipment needs • Hands on seed planting lab in the high tunnel (dress warm) • Participants bring in soil samples for soil test Mar 9 – Intro to Soils Topics Covered: • Soil type • Soil texture • Macronutrients • Adding organic matter to beds • Raised beds vs. in-ground plantings • Till vs. no-till techniques • Understanding your soil test April 13 – Planting Out Cool Season Flowers Topics Covered: • Plant spacing • Direct sowing • Hardening off transplants • Pinching back • How to support plants • Harvesting bulbs if in bloom • Hands on lab (harvesting bulbs and planting out cool season plants) May 11 – Planting Out Warm Season Crops Topics Covered: • Warm season plants vs. cool season plants • How to succession plant • Hardening off • Establishment • Fertilization • Dealing with tender plants and cool nights • Warm season planting lab (dress warm) June 8 – Marketing and Insect Management Topics Covered: • Finding a market • CSA, Farmers Markets, Direct Sales, Farmer Florist, etc. • Using social media as a marketing tool • How to price flowers • Insect problems in the garden • Scouting • What is IPM and how to implement it for control • Organic vs. Conventional Methods July 13 – Harvesting Basics Topics Covered: • Equipment needed (scissors, knife, buckets, floral food, etc.) • When to harvest (morning vs. evening, when are flowers at the right stage) • How to cut, strip, and feed flowers • Searing stems • Removing field heat • Vase life • Harvest lab, each participant takes home a bouquet 80 East Sego Lily Drive (725 South) Kaysville, UT 84037 435-919-1323