1	Greenhouse Production: Vegetable and Flower Transplants Dr. J. Kim Pittcock Associate Dean – College of Agriculture Associate Professor of Horticulture
2	What is a greenhouse or greenhouse structure? -Facility for the growing of plant materials -is covered with transparent covering to allow light penetration -can be larger free-standing structure or small self-contained structure used on the ground
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7	Floriculture Flowering plants and cut flower production
8	Greenhouse and Nursery Plant Prod Plants for aesthetics and landscape utilization Both interior and exterior Bedding plants, veggie transplants, floriculture products, vines, shrubs, trees
9	Olericulture Vegetable production
10	"What are top 2 vegetables..." What are top 2 vegetables produced in the US? #1 Sugar beets #2 Tomato Where is the production? Sugarbeets – MN Tomatoes - CA
11	What is are the top bedding plants in US? Impatiens #1 Petunias Geraniums Vinca –periwinkle Pansy
12	How do you produce transplants for sale at the Farmers’ markets? ? Determine the crops you wish to sell and grow Vegetables or flower transplants Specific plant ? Dates you need to sell them ? What size containers For flower transplants – want plants in bloom or in bud* For vegetables – stocky and healthy
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15	SEED Start with good quality seed (either purchased or collected) -T, N, F, V, A on tomatoes
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18	Collecting and Saving Seed Collect as soon as mature (normally fall for woody perennials) Clean seed -remove all pulp, then air dry -outer covering (get rid of excess parts) Store in cool, dark place (not in plastic bag)
19	Seed Propagation Annuals, Biennials - predominant way Perennials - slow, may take long time to mature
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21	Seeding
22	Germination Time = 5-21 days for most crops ~average of 7-10 days (faster when hot) Warm soil aids in germination Keep soil moist but not too wet (seeds or seedlings will rot if too wet)
23	"Use soilless mix (peat..." Use soilless mix (peat moss based, but with other components to break up peat moss)
24	"Light" Light - needed by some seeds to germinate (infar red light waves) - if requires darkness, then cover lightly with vermiculite or soil to prevent light penetration and to keep moist (plastic)
25	Watering
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31	Transplanting Begin when you reach the first true leaf stage Can seed in final container to prevent the need for transplanting -need to have germination rates near 100% -smaller pot sizes (cell packs or 4” pots) Very time consuming!!! Plugs vs. open flats – advantages and disadv.
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37	Hardening off Acclimating the plants to the outdoor environment -takes at minimum 2 weeks Reason: for survivability of crop after purchased!! Repeat business $$$$$$$
38	"Process" Process: Reduce water Reduce fertilizer Expose to wind Expose to temperature extremes Expose to more intense sun
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