Sustainability: Maine Greenhouse Best Practices Workshop

Estabrook's Garden and GreenhouseWhere: Estabrook’s greenhouse and garden Center, 337 East Main Street, Yarmouth, ME 04096 (Directions)
When: Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Snow date, Wednesday, March 4)

Registration deadline February 24, 2020 at 5pm (Seating limited to 50 participants)

Every successful plant-growing operation must implement best practices to produce healthy plants while minimizing pest management costs and risks. This workshop offers an opportunity to learn how Estabrook’s integrates best practices into their operation to grow their business, ensure sustainable profitability, produce healthy plants, and safeguard the health of their employees. This third-generation family-owned and operated business grows annuals, perennials, woody plants, fruits and vegetables, ornamental grasses, and more.

Whether you are a new grower looking to get started, a more experienced grower looking to expand into new crops, or just want to see what’s new, this workshop is for you.

Speakers: Dr. Alicyn Smart, University of Maine Cooperative Extension; Dr. Anna Wallingford, University of New Hampshire; Dr. Pam Bryer, Maine Board of Pesticides Control; Sarah Scally and Carole Neil, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Pesticide credits: 5 credits offered

Agenda:

8:30-9:00  Check-in

9:00-9:05  Welcome and Introductions

9:05-10:00 Plant Disease Prevention, Detection and Management: Dr. Alicyn Smart, University of Maine

10:00-11:00 Neonicotinoids in Context: Dr. Anna Wallingford, University of New Hampshire

11:00-11:15 Break

11:15-12:15 Selection and Use of Pesticides: understanding and communicating risk: Dr. Pam Bryer, Maine Board of Pesticides Control

12:15-1:00 Lunch provided

1:00-1:30 Systems Approach to Plant Health: Sarah Scally and Carole Neil, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

1:30-3:30 Guided tour of Estabrook’s facilities (1hr) and Demo/Activity Stations (1 hour. 20 mins/station):

Demo/Activity Stations:

  • Pest scouting
  • Pesticides: product selection, timing of applications, signage, communication, record-keeping
  • Disease detection, prevention, diagnostic tools and services

3:30-4:00 Q and A. Grower discussion. Wrap up.

Registration deadline is Friday, February 24, 2020 at 5pm.

Directions

This event is presented in collaboration with The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry logo

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Terri Eldridge at 207.581.3878 to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered. If you have dietary restrictions, please contact Kathy Murray at 207.287.7616 or kathy.murray@maine.gov before the registration deadline.