2014 ASHS Annual Conference

The traditional model of educating growers by offering tracks of in-person seminars at conferences only benefits a small percentage of growers. In recent years, attendance to many of these venues has decreased due to long-distance travel, over-night accommodations, and other cost prohibiting factors. Due to travel and registration costs, many greenhouse operations are only able to allow only head growers or a few section growers to attend. In this model some of the most critical employees- those controlling the end of the hose- are under-educated on basic growing techniques and concepts.  Use of today's digital technology (the internet, distance learning, webinars, and podcasts) has allowed some strides to be made in educating growers from the conveniences of their homes and offices.  However, in most cases these options have covered individual topics and do not serve an over-arching single purpose. A website, e-GRO.org, was developed by several floriculture Extension specialists from a cross-section of Land Grant Universities. The website is multi-faceted and includes weekly newsletters (e-GRO Alerts), addressing current plant culture issues, iBooks, over 40 recorded lectures on greenhouse production (e-GRO University) and management, instructional videos, and webinar offerings. e-GRO.org is a unique website that takes a holistic approach to the needs of greenhouse operators.