Feb 18, 2015

Aquaponics Training Courses Announced By Jasmina Dolce

Nelson and Pade Inc., a leading aquaponics supplier, has announced its 2015 training schedule. The purpose of the company’s course offerings is to share science-based knowledge of aquaponics to help people get started and become successful in aquaponic production.

The Aquaponics Master Class is a comprehensive three-day class that covers the science, methods, technology and economics of growing fish and vegetables in an integrated aquaponic system. Over the past few years, individuals from all 50 states and more than 70 countries have attended the Aquaponics Master Class to participate in hands-on learning and to gain knowledge they can apply in their own aquaponic ventures.

The first Aquaponics Master Class of 2015 will take place in Camp Verde, Arizona, on Feb. 19-21. It will be hosted by The Fish’s Garden Aquaponic Farm and will be a unique opportunity to meet hands-on aquaponic farmers.

The next class will take place March 26-28 at Nelson and Pade Inc.’s new facilities in Motello, Wisconsin. This is a great opportunity to see the new, state-of-the-art, 14,000-square-foot aquaponics greenhouse.

The Master Class offerings continue throughout 2015, with classes scheduled for May 7-9, June 11-13, July 23-25, Sept. 17-19, Oct. 22-24 and Dec. 3-5. To register for any of the classes, click here.

Nelson and Pade Inc., in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (UWSP), offers Master Class attendees the opportunity to earn undergraduate and graduate credit. The credit is transferable to other colleges and universities.

For more information, visit www.aquaponics.com or call 608.297.8708.

– Jasmina

Attend the e-Gro Webinar on Hydroponic Lettuce & Herb Production

Are you looking to diversify your production? Is hydroponics something you are interested in? Then hydroponic lettuce and culinary herb production may be for you. Hydroponic lettuce, greens and culinary are some of the most popular crops being grown in greenhouses. Join Chris Currey of Iowa State University and Brian Krug of the University of New Hampshire for a webinar covering the fundamentals of producing leafy hydroponic crops. They will cover everything from hydroponic systems, substrates and fertilizers to light, temperature and cultivar selection. The webinar is THIS FRIDAY, Feb. 20 at 12:30-1:30pm (Eastern). Click here to register.

Greengro Technologies Announces Store Grand Opening

Greengro Technologies recently announced the grand opening of its newest superstore Vertical Hydrogarden in Orange County, California, slated for April 20, 2015. Due to increasing medical marijuana use and a shift toward healthy eating habits and organic foods, the hydroponic industry has grown significantly over the past 10 years. Many consumers are beginning to grow their own produce or purchase locally grown organic foods. According to James Haas, Greengro CEO, the company’s core business is the sale of systems, equipment and supplies for green agriculture with a large percentage being legal cannabis clients. He adds, “Market estimates for the overall size of of the core market Greengro addresses is in excess of $685 million annually growing at 20 percent. We believe this new location gives us the footprint model to continue our nationwide expansion and revenue growth.” To learn more about the Vertical Hydrogarden superstore, click here.

Urban Farming at DePaul University Continues to Grow

Thanks to the university’s weather-proofed garden, students at DePaul University in Chicago are now able to grow crops year-round and provide the community with fresh greens. During the winter, operations for DePaul’s Urban Farming Organization (UFO) moved from an outside garden into a greenhouse. The organization has grown since beginning in 2011 and has the ability to experiment with new and sustainable practices that can withstand the cold of winter. At the outdoor garden, the organization works on more than 30 plots to grow crops for donations or for their own farmers markets. With hopes of expanding the capabilities within the greenhouse, members and volunteers are able to incorporate their own projects into the organization; Rosie Fitz, an environmental studies and studio art major, provides the organization with an aquaponics system she designed for her urban agriculture class. “[The garden and greenhouse] kind of serves as a sanctuary and a social spot, a safe space, as well as a learning space,” said Kristen Holdsworth, UFO co-president and an environmental studies senior. “It’s really nice because you can experiment with things like planting and you can mess up and it’s ok.”