Do not miss the opportunity to attend the Shadehouse/Greenhouse demonstrations at the Mid- Florida Specialty Crops Conference on November 6, 2015. www.midfloridaconference.eventbrite.com

At the beginning of the conference speakers Bob Hochmuth and Richard Tyson from UF/IFAS Extension will provide the essential information you need to start up your vegetable production. Following this classroom session, participants will have two chances to visit the hands-on Shadehouse & Greenhouse demonstration.

Speakers at the Demonstration session are Steve Brown of A & S Horticulture and Liz Felter from UF/IFAS Orange County Extension. Both speakers have extensive experience consulting in greenhouse production. We are working to prepare a greenhouse and a shade house to demonstrate the various types of growing systems used to grow vegetables, Felter said. Participants will see a good variety of vegetables growing, including tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, among others. These crops have already been seeded and will be in a good shape for the conference, Felter said.

The five different growing systems showcased will be:

1. Hydroponic system: Deep water- troughs, filled with nutrient solution.
2. Flat Bags with coconut coir: The use of bags filled with coconut coir as a growing media for plants
3. Container Production
4. Vertical Systems
5. Nutrient Film Technique

For those growers who have worked in the foliage sector, you will learn that it is easy to switch to vegetable production, said Felter. These growers maybe looking for opportunities to diversify their operations, and local vegetable production and marketing is an attactive option. While considering the transition to vegetable production, they have various production system options to choose from. “The important thing is to determine what production system works better for you and for the structure you already have in place,” Felter said.

Additionally participants will learn the best kind of crops that will grow in Central Florida conditions and the supplies you need to establish and maintain successful vegetable production systems.

The Mid-Florida Specialty Crops Conference in Apopka, Florida will take place on November 6, 2015. Check out the Conference Program and Register online at www.midfloridaconference.eventbrite.com

Early Bird registration is $30 if you register on or before October 25. Registration is $40 after this date. Your registration includes refreshments, lunch, and educational materials.
For more information about the conference, contact Jose Perez at 352-294-1692 or joseperezoro@ufl.edu

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