For garden center, horticulture retailer and roadside stand employees, master gardeners and others that serve as a resource for home horticulture. Learn about the latest research-based, unbiased information and be prepared to meet the challenges of the 2016 gardening season. For over 100 years, UMass Extension in collaboration with USDA has conducted research that addresses the needs of citizens, businesses and public agencies in Massachusetts. We are extending this research to you through this employee training program. (*Total of 2 Pesticide contact hours for categories 26, 29, 31 and applicator licenses)
Cost: $45 first registration and $40 for additional registrations from same company.
Online registrations with a credit card include a processing fee which is applied at checkout.
| Registration update as of Monday, April 4, 2016 | |
|---|---|
|
Download Printable Registration Form At this time if you would like to register for tomorrow's program, please email Tina Smith, UMass Extension |
|
8:30 – 9:00 AM Registration, coffee and pastries
9:00 – 9:50 Helping Customers Choose Fertilizers and What’s Up with Phosphorus?
Mary Owen, University of Massachusetts Extension Agriculture and Landscape Program
Learn how to interpret fertilizer labels to help your customers select the most appropriate fertilizers for their needs, particularly for lawns. Understand the elements of the new Massachusetts Plant Nutrient Regulations for non-agricultural applications, with attention to the limitations on phosphorus applications and the specific requirements for garden centers.
9:50 – 10:50 *Dealing with the Most Commonly Asked about Weeds
Randall Prostak, University of Massachusetts Extension Agriculture and Landscape Program
You get the questions…How do I control poison ivy or crab grass or Japanese knotweed or bittersweet? Randy will provide answers using a variety of weed control strategies and retail products. After this session – you too will be able answer these questions!
10:50 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 12:00 * Diagnosing Customer’s Disease Problems in Landscapes
Dr. Nick Brazee, University of Massachusetts Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
Understanding the difference between symptoms and signs of plant disease, along with when specific disease-causing pathogens are active, can aid in making a proper diagnosis. Nick will discuss these aspects of plant disease diagnostics so you can be better prepared to solve plant disease problems from your customers.
12:00 – 1:00 **Lunch on your own – See options
1:00 – 2:00 Sorting Through Bagged Potting Mixes and Soils
Dr. Douglas Cox, University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School of Agriculture
So many choices for bagged potting mixes and soils… moisture control, fertilizers, composts, garden soil….Doug will sort through what is in these bagged products, how are they best used and how storage/handling can affect quality.
2:00 – 3:00 Helping Customers Choose Plants for Difficult Areas in Landscapes
Dr. Amanda Bayer, University of Massachusetts Extension Agriculture and Landscape Program
Choosing the right plants for a difficult landscape requires an understanding of what makes that landscape challenging. We will explore situational factors that create difficult landscapes, cultural practices appropriate for these landscapes, and plant material suited for these challenges. A variety of plant material will be discussed including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
**Lunch options: Lunch options: Pre-purchase your lunch at time of check in for $13 (paid directly to the Publick House)
Pre-paid lunch includes: Build your own sandwich buffet (roast beef, turkey, ham, vegetable), chips, desert, drink
or eat in the Publick House restaurant or fast food restaurants within a short drive.
Parking at the Publick House, 277 Main Street - Route 131, Sturbridge, MA
Parking is located in the back of the building – drive is on the right side of the building. Go through the bakery door in the back. The conference room is located upstairs.
For more information contact:
Tina Smith, Univ. of Mass, Amherst 413-545-5306, tsmithatumext.umass.edu
