Friday workshop focuses on growing vegetable transplants

Southeast Iowa vegetable producers can learn how to grow quality transplants at an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach workshop Friday in Fairfield.

The workshop will be 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County ISU Extension Office.

Ajay Nair, Patrick O?Malley and Joe Hannan, horticulturists with ISU Extension and Outreach, are hosting the workshop in partnership with Jefferson County Extension. The event is co-sponsored by The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

?Transplant production plays a key role in a successful vegetable production system,? said Nair. ?Growing healthy, disease-free and quality transplants is the first step growers have to take to achieve higher yields and productivity.?

Sessions will focus on nutrient medium, lighting, pests, diseases and proper hardening techniques for transplants.

Registration can be made by calling the Extension Office at 472-4166. Cost for the workshop is $35 and will include lunch.

?Growing high quality plants requires skill, proper care and knowledge of the fundamentals of plant growth and management,? said Nair. ?This educational workshop will help growers learn how to successfully grow strong and healthy transplants.?