How to improve root systems on trees of any age will be the lead topic at NurseryWorks June 15-16. The event is Kansas State University’s first conference for those engaged or interested in nursery crop production and sales.
Participants can attend in Manhattan, Kan., or take part in the major sessions from their own computer online. Discussions will be interactive, using audience response systems (clickers) and Internet social media (with K-State horticulture students as guides).
Leading the “root” session is Ed Gilman, professor of urban trees and landscape plants at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Other sessions include:
* Estimating the wholesale cost of nursery production – Tom Fernandez, introducing a new spreadsheet tool from Michigan State University Extension.
* Managing your nursery’s brand online – Meg Cloud, Stark Bro’s social media expert who helped the almost 200-year-old nursery grow with and manage an online presence.
* Best management practices for your weed control program – Charles Gillam, Auburn University weed scientist and industry-recognized expert in new herbicide options.
* Best management practices for quality field-grown nursery crops – Kansas native Ted Bilderback, now director of the J.C. Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, who’ll address soil preparation and amendments, planting density, pruning, and cover crops that reduce soil erosion.
* Building local alliances: Growers and retail garden centers – roundtable discussion led by Bilderback, who has worked with North Carolina’s successful Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association.
* What you must do to sell, import or export live plants from Kansas – Jeff Vogel, Kansas Department of Agriculture expert on regulatory plant issues from the state perspective – pest threats included.
Those attending online will be able to see and hear the sessions, as well as participate in discussions.
To register, go here.