The workshops and masterclasses are a great opportunity to catch up with developments in key areas of production, see a range of trials and demonstrations undertaken within a commercial environment, hear about new products, exchange findings and results, and generally network with other growers and colleagues.
There will be two workshops and two masterclasses as part of the 2026 programme of events, commencing on 16 June. Topics include two-spotted mite control, maintaining soil structure and fertility, nursery hygiene and disinfectant use, and devising an integrated pest management programme, all specific to ornamental crops. Workshops will be capped at 30 delegates, two per business, and because of the format of the masterclasses, they will be capped at 10 delegates, one per business. Please click on the links in the table below to book your place. Please notify us if you are unable to attend any workshop or masterclass having booked on.
|
Title and format |
Location |
Date |
Provisional content |
|
Two-spotted spider mite control Masterclass |
Harper Adams University, Newport |
16 June 2026 |
This masterclass will include presentations on spider mite identification, the lifecycle of the two-spotted spider mite and other common pest mite species and integrating the use of their corresponding biocontrol agents and plant protection products. The event will include an exercise to devise and implement a two-spotted spider mite integrated pest management programme and will be rounded off with a summary quiz. Places will be limited to 10, one per business. |
|
Maintaining soil structure and fertility Workshop |
J&A Growers Ltd, Warwick |
28 July 2026 |
This demonstration nursery-based workshop will examine the management of soil health in the production of field-grown ornamental crops. Discussion will cover the appropriate use of farmyard manures, soil improvers, and the management of cover crops, along with nursery soil sampling plans, result interpretation and implementing fertiliser recommendations. Places will be limited to 30, two per business. |
|
Nursery hygiene and disinfectant use Workshop |
Kinder Garden Plants, |
29 September 2026 |
This workshop will feature presentations covering the disinfectants currently used in horticulture, nursery hygiene maintenance and sources of pest, disease, and weed infestations. The biocidal regulations will be introduced and how they may impact the ornamentals sector, along with a review of mechanical cleaning machines and the various benefits they provide. Places will be limited to 30, two per business. |
|
Devising an integrated pest management programme Masterclass |
Robin Tacchi Plants, Thetford |
17 November 2026 |
This masterclass will include presentations on optimising the use of biological control agents in commercial crops, integration with plant protection and biorational products, and building an integrated pest management programme for three key pests of protected and outdoor ornamental crops. The event will include a practical demonstration of a number of biocontrol product types and will be rounded off with a summary quiz. Places will be limited to 10, one per business. |
After the delivery of each event, content is recorded on a webpage for future reference. Each webpage contains a technical summary of the key points discussed on the topic, relevant images from each event, videos of some of the presenters answering key questions, and the presentations and handout from each event, which can be downloaded. All the workshops and masterclasses delivered so far are summarised below, with links to the relevant webpage.
Getting to Grips with Biological Pest Control Workshop
Autumn Potting Deadlines and the Effects of Late Potting on Overwintering and Pathogen Susceptibility Workshop
Herbicide Tolerance in Container- and Field-Grown Herbaceous and Hardy Nursery Stock Workshop
Propagation in Peat-Free Substrates Workshop
Nutrient and Water Management in Peat-Free Substrates Workshop
Non-Chemical Weed Control in Field-Grown Crops Workshop
Improving Nursery Water Use Efficiency Workshop
Biostimulant Use Workshop
