Cultivate’25 preview for nursery professionals

Learn ways to sharpen your growing and management skills at Cultivate’25. Our preview identifies some of the nursery-centric educational seminars that you may find valuable for you and your staff. For the full list of educational sessions, go to cultivateevent.org. Refer to AmericanHort’s on-site guide for up-to-date session times and locations.

MORE: Are you ready for Cultivate? Check out these trade show dos and don'ts

Education sessions by topic:

Best Management Practices for Production of Container-Grown Boxwood

Boxwood is a cornerstone of the nursery industry, valued for its versatility and year-round appeal. However, producing high-quality container-grown boxwood requires precise management practices. This session will cover essential strategies and principles for growing boxwood from start to finish. The speaker will also address best practices for disease prevention and pest control.

• Saturday, July 12
• 9-10 a.m.
• A210
• Speaker: Miranda Bradley, woody grower at Saunders Brothers, Inc.

Best Management Practices for Growing Container-Grown Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a top-selling crop, but producing high-quality plants in containers requires precise management. This session will cover best practices for growing containerized hydrangeas, including optimal propagation methods, pruning techniques, irrigation strategies and nutrient management. The speaker will also address common production challenges such as disease prevention, growth regulation and seasonal timing for peak market readiness.

• Saturday, July 12
• 1-2 p.m.
• A210
• Speaker: David Roberts, director of plant breeding at Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Best Management Practices for Growing Container-Grown Roses

Roses remain a staple in the nursery industry, but growing high-quality containerized roses requires careful attention to production techniques. This session will explore best practices for optimizing rose health and performance, including proper propagation, pruning methods, irrigation management and nutrient strategies. The speaker will also address key challenges such as disease and pest control, growth regulation and seasonality to ensure consistent, market-ready plants.

• Saturday, July 12
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• A210
• Speakers: Steve Ramsay, general manager of Pennsylvania Facilities at Star Roses and Plants; Alex Wharton, assistant general manager at Star Roses and Plants

Boost Your Roots with Foliar IBA Rooting Hormone Applications

Rooting hormones can be used to promote rooting of greenhouse herbaceous and woody ornamental cuttings. This session is designed to share the ins and outs to boost your roots during cutting propagation with foliar IBA rooting hormones. The speakers will also cover the crops that benefit from rooting hormones and those where its use is essential for rooting success.

• Saturday, July 12
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• A120
• Speakers: Roberto Lopez, associate professor at Michigan State University; Garrett Owen, assistant professor and extension specialist of sustainable greenhouse and nursery systems at The Ohio State University

Container Conifer Production

Conifers are a staple in the nursery industry, but successful container production varies across different climates and regions. This session will explore best practices for growing containerized conifers, from the rainy Pacific Northwest to the humid Southeast and beyond. The presenter will discuss key factors such as propagation techniques, container selection, irrigation strategies and nutrient management tailored to different growing environments. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming regional challenges, optimizing plant health and improving marketability.

• Saturday, July 12
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• A213
• Speaker: John Ruter, Armitage endowed professor of horticulture and director of The Trial Gardens at UGA at University of Georgia

Utilizing Rice Hull and Other Non-Chemical Weed Control Strategies in Container Nursery Production

Weeds pose a constant threat to nursery profitability, reducing crop growth by up to 60% and marketability. While preemergence herbicides are effective, many growers face challenges with crop tolerance and application timing due to labor constraints. As a result, some nurseries are exploring alternatives like mulch, including rice hulls, to manage weeds.

This session will provide practical guidelines for using non-chemical strategies to control weeds in ornamental plant production. Attendees will learn how to select the best mulch based on nursery conditions, optimize application techniques and evaluate durability and efficacy against key weed species.

• Sunday, July 13
• 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• C170
• Speaker: Chris Marble, associate professor at University of Florida/IFAS

H-2A & H-2B Bootcamp: Build Your Seasonal Workforce Strategy (Extended Session)

This hands-on bootcamp is an extended session designed for employers looking to cut through the noise and get straight to what matters. Whether you're just beginning to explore hiring H-2 workers or looking to optimize your current approach, you'll leave with a clear plan to streamline your seasonal hiring. Get equipped with the essential tools to navigate the application process, meet compliance standards and efficiently manage your seasonal workforce. With real-life examples, actionable advice and plenty of Q&A time, this session is your crash course on how to make the H-2A and H-2B programs work for you — minus the confusion.

Saturday, July 12 9-11:30 a.m. A120 Speaker: David Hubbard, account executive at másLabor Bringing a Safety-First Mindset to Your Greenhouse & Nursery Operations Greenhouse and nursery operations are complex environments with many moving parts. Adopting a safety-first mindset is essential to protect employees and ensure smooth, productive operations. This session will provide an overview of how to embed safety into your company culture. Hear from a panel of growers who will share diverse perspectives and real-world examples of safety practices in action.

• Saturday, July 12
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Union Station Ballroom A
• Speakers: Elizabeth Dunbar, product manager for greenhouse & nursery, professional & specialty solutions at BASF; Andy Fields, head grower & IPM manager at Goodmark Nurseries; Katie Jent, research manager at Metrolina Greenhouses; Lyndsey Zinni, growing operations and nursery supervisor at Millcreek Gardens

Train Your Staff How to Water

The decision of when and how much to irrigate is critical to crop quality. With staff turnover, leadership continuously needs to train new employees on how to water plants. The University of Florida IFAS Extension has developed mini-modules in English and Spanish that combine online videos with hands-on activities. After this session, attendees can become a certified instructor, with access to these training resources.

• Sunday, July 13
• 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• A210
• Speakers: Paul Fisher, professor & extension specialist at University of Florida; Nelda Hernandez, graduate student at University of Florida

In Real Time: Training Without a Net

This interactive session flips the traditional presentation format on its head, allowing the audience to determine the focus in real time.

Choose from a wide range of topics, including leadership development, decision-making, customer experience, talent retention, sales strategies, strategic planning and more. Once the votes are in, the session will dive into practical tools, insights and strategies for tackling the chosen topic.

• Sunday, July 13
• 9:45-10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• A113
• Speaker: John Kennedy, speaker, author and strategist at BoomerWrangle, LLC

Leveraging the 80/20 Rule to Make Profitable Decisions

The 80/20 Rule is a fundamental principle that applies to many aspects of life, including your business. Have you ever considered which products you should discontinue, or which customers may no longer be beneficial to retain? Making these decisions can be challenging, but relying on data and analysis rather than intuition or opinions can guide you effectively. Discover how to streamline your product offerings and refine your customer base by applying Lean Flow principles.

• Sunday, July 13
• 2:45-3:45 p.m.
• A210
• Speaker: Gary Cortés, partner at FlowVision

Decoding Environmental Claims in Plastics

As the demand for sustainable products grows, terms like “compostable,” “biobased” and “biodegradable” are increasingly used to describe plastics in the horticulture industry. However, these labels can be complex and misleading, often causing confusion for businesses and customers alike. This presentation provides a clear guide to understanding these environmental claims, equipping greenhouse and nursery professionals with the tools to make informed choices. The speaker will break down the science behind each label, discuss what they really mean in practical terms and highlight industry standards and certifications to watch for. Attendees will leave with a "decoder ring" to help them navigate the greenwashing landscape and select materials and products that align with their sustainability goals.

• Saturday, July 12
• 9-10 a.m.
• Union Station Ballroom B
• Speaker: Amy Drew, interim chief sustainability officer at CREO Group

AI to Strengthen Grower Capabilities, Not Replace Them

AI isn't just a plug-and-play solution; it demands quality data tailored to your unique operation. Properly integrated, AI cuts through the noise to streamline decision-making. Imagine synchronizing AI with your workers' tasks to manage farm labor seamlessly, adapting in real-time to daily shifts and providing clarity on top-priority tasks. It's about empowering your team with actionable guidance, from de-leafing schedules to nutrient delivery, while managers engage in strategic planning. This isn't about replacing human expertise; it's about amplifying it with smart, data-rich insights. Real-life examples will demonstrate how growers capture efficiencies with AI, multiply grower productivity and improve incentive systems.

• Saturday, July 12
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Union Station Ballroom A
• Speaker: Julian Ortiz, co-CEO at adaviv

Cutting Through the Noise: Practical AI in Cultivation Operations

AI is revolutionizing horticulture and agriculture, but where does it truly add value today — and where does the hype fall short? This session explores AI’s practical applications, from early plant stress detection and optimized workflow management to smarter yield planning and labor allocation. The speakers will also discuss the challenges of AI-powered robotics, which often struggle to replace skilled, hands-on labor.

Attendees will gain insights into adoption strategies — whether to build AI tools in-house or partner with specialized tech providers — and real-world examples of AI enhancing, rather than replacing, human work.

• Saturday, July 12
• 1-2 p.m.
• Union Station Ballroom B
• Speakers: Jonathan Buswell, director of automation at Monrovia; Della Fetzer, founder at Rebel Cultures; Aren Phillips, greenhouse systems manager at Walters Gardens; Ian Seiferling, CEO and co-founder at adaviv

Advanced Strategies for Optimizing Irrigation Pond Health and Water Quality

Take a deeper dive into assessing and maintaining your irrigation pond’s health. This session will go beyond basic pH and EC measurements to explore additional water quality parameters that provide deeper insights. Learn how to interpret test results, identify potential issues and address common water quality challenges. Discover practical solutions and corrective actions using various approaches to ensure optimal pond health.

• Sunday, July 13
• 2:45-3:45 p.m.
• Union Station Ballroom A
• Speaker: Justin Leavitt, business development manager at Moleaer

Dissolved Oxygen Requires Sanitation for Full Efficacy

There has been an increased awareness that higher dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in irrigation water can benefit plant health and growth in recent years. However, DO alone often declines as biofilms shift from anaerobic to aerobic. Proper sanitation is a necessary part of any oxygenation supplementation program. Dramm’s Les Evans and Tim Reusch will discuss the benefits of DO saturation and super-saturation along with the need for increased sanitation to eliminate biofilms and pathogens that might flourish with DO enrichment alone. 

• Monday, July 14
• 3-4 p.m.
• A223
• Speakers: Les Evans, Dramm water treatment system project manager at Dramm Corporation; Tim Reusch, Dramm water national project sales manager at Dramm Corporation

Back2Basics: Calibrating a Fertilizer Proportioner for Optimal Performance (Extended Session)

Join a team of experts for a hands-on, extended session focused on the fundamentals of calibrating a fertilizer proportioner. Whether you're new to using a fertilizer proportioner or looking to refine your calibration techniques, this session will guide you through the step-by-step process to ensure accurate dosing and efficiency. Learn best practices, common troubleshooting tips and how to optimize your system for consistent results.

This presentation will also be offered in a separate Spanish-only session.

• Tuesday, July 15
• 9-10:20 a.m.
• A223
• Speaker: Gerry Spinelli, production hort advisor for nurseries, floriculture and CEA at University of California Cooperative Extension

Survivor Perennials

In the aftermath of the 2024 drought, the industry faces a future where hot, dry growing seasons are becoming increasingly common. Rather than forcing drought-sensitive plants into landscapes, this course focuses on perennials that have proven to outwit, outlast and outgrow the harshest water shortages. By embracing these resilient plants, growers can cultivate sustainable, water-efficient landscapes that are not only prepared for the challenges ahead but will thrive for years to come.

• Monday, July 14
• 1:45-2:45 p.m.
• A113
• Speakers: Tim Fleischer and Matt Guthrie, assistant horticulturists and podcast co-hosts at City of Dublin, Ohio

Lighting Up the Market: Journey of the First Firefly Petunia Season

In this illuminating discussion on the debut season of the Firefly Petunia, the first-ever bioluminescent petunia, the speakers will dive into key insights from growers, retailers and breeders who brought this groundbreaking plant to consumers. They’ll share growing practices for this groundbreaking plant, what worked and what didn't in the pilot year introduction, retail event successes and lessons learned. 

• Monday, July 14
• 3-4 p.m.
• Union Station Ballroom A
• Speakers: Jim Devereux, CEO at Green Fuse; Jennifer Moss, CEO at Moss Greenhouses; Susie Raker, vice president/president at Raker-Roberta’s Young Plants/Rooted in Solutions; Keith Wood, CEO at Light.Bio

UVC in Integrated Pest Management: Ask the Experts

Discover how UVC technology can become a valuable part of your integrated pest management strategy in this expert-led panel discussion. Industry leaders at the forefront of UVC applications will share insights from scientific, technical, operational and business perspectives.

• Saturday, July 12
• 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Union Station Ballroom B
• Speakers: Jason DuBose, president and founder at Puren Solutions; Walter Mahaffee, research plant pathologist at USDA; David Markel, research and development manager at Willamette Valley Vineyard
• Moderator: Brian Haskell, chief operating officer at Puren Solutions
• Panelist: Daniel Villegas Hurtado, grower for Young Plant Division at Van Belle Nursery

Pest Management Update

Keeping up with the latest pest management technologies, products and research can be a time-consuming task. Fortunately, The Buglady dedicates herself year-round to staying at the forefront of this information. Suzanne Wainwright-Evans will consolidate and present the most up-to-date insights from meetings she has attended and products she has found.

• Sunday, July 13
• 9:45-10:45 a.m.
• Union Station Ballroom A
• Speaker: Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, owner at Buglady Consulting

Application of Biorational Pesticides: Tips and Considerations

Biopesticides can add another dimension to pest management. However, these products require a variety of considerations to ensure they are applied effectively. Dramm’s Louis Damm and BioWorks’ Michael Brownbridge will cover the basics and discuss the special requirements of these different materials that need to be implemented to get the best efficacy. 

• Sunday, July 13
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• A120
• Speakers: Michael Brownbridge, senior technical services manager at BioWorks Inc.; Louis Damm, sales manager/key account manager at Dramm Corporation

Innovations in the Applications of Macro and Micro Organisms

Explore advancements in the application of beneficial insects and microorganisms for pest and disease management. This session will highlight new methods such as direct spraying and drone applications of macroorganisms in the field. Additionally, learn about a novel technique for vectoring microfungus using predatory mites. Discover how these innovative approaches can improve efficiency, precision and effectiveness in IPM.

• Monday, July 14
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• A113
• Speaker: James Newberry, national key account manager at Anatis Bioprotection, Inc

Disease Updates

Improvements in disease control are constantly being developed. Industry professionals gather to discuss the new control methods, products and innovations that help growers protect their crops.

• Monday, July 14
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Union Station Ballroom B
• Moderator: Francesca Hand, professor at The Ohio State University
• Panelists: Janna Beckerman, ornamentals technical specialist on the Green Solutions Team at Envu; Shannon Carmody, director of plant pathology at Ball Horticultural Company; George Grant, GGSPro technical services manager at Griffin Greenhouse Supplies

A DNA Perspective: What's Trending in Ornamental Plant Virus Detection?

Get an inside look into the steps of conventional PCR detection of plant viruses. Specific examples of viruses affecting ornamental crops will be provided. A molecular technique will also be discussed as an approach to keep up with these ever-evolving pathogens.

• Monday, July 14
• 10:45-11:45 a.m.
• A123
• Speaker: Aubry Field, founder and lead scientist at Lizzy Blossom LLC.

Root Rot and Ruin

Root rots are regularly under- or misdiagnosed and as a result not given the attention they deserve. This talk focuses on the cultural and chemical management of the major root rot pathogens (Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Thielaviopsis and Fusarium). Attendees will learn tactics and strategies that will improve plant quality and the bottom line.

• Monday, July 14
• 1:45-2:45 p.m.
• A223
• Speaker: Janna Beckerman, ornamentals technical specialist on the Green Solutions Team at Envu

PHOTO: NM staff

Know What You Grow: Understanding Native Plants in Our Modern Environment

Get an understanding of themes and topics pertaining to any grower considering production of native plants. Topics of discussion will range from what a “native plant” is in context, finding out how regional specificity can be a benefit ecologically and in the marketplace and options available to growers for sourcing these plants.

• Monday, July 14
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• A120
• Speaker: Carlos Carrero, woody grower at Saunders Brothers, Inc.

Roundtable: Native & Non-Native Plant Usage in the Landscape

Join this interactive roundtable discussion led by AmericanHort Community Connectors from the nursery and landscape segments and explore the benefits, challenges and real-world applications of native and non-native plants in landscape design.

• Monday, July 14
• 10:45-11:45 a.m.
• A120
• Speakers: David McKinney, Iowa Arboretum & Gardens; Claudio Vazquez, co-founder at Izel Native Plants.