Availability of trained labor is a challenge for greenhouse and nursery growers in the U.S., and access to online education is limited in many countries. To supply this need, the Greenhouse Training Online extension program was initiated in 2015 at the University of Florida (UF). The goal of the program is to deliver bilingual professional development training on horticultural science. Four-week courses on crop management topics (basic skills, nutrients, weeds, diseases, water quality, climate management, and economics) are delivered in English and Spanish using an eLearning platform. Each course consists of eight pre-recorded lessons and associated assignments, with interactive feedback provided by instructors via email or discussion forums. Mandatory pre- and post- evaluation surveys were used to measure impacts. For 2023, a total of 563 participants enrolled in seven courses with 473 successfully completing requirements (84%). The completion rate is high for an extension program because of asynchronous delivery across time zones and work schedules, specific deadlines, a course fee to increase perceived value, interaction with instructors to customize instruction, and a certificate of completion as a graduation reward. Participants included 23% international, and 17% completed lessons in Spanish. The majority (73%) of participants were industry professionals in production and other roles, and 71% indicated that their highest level of horticulture training was either learned on the job, or in high school. The proportion of students rating their technical knowledge in the course topics as very good to expert increased from 11% to 53% following the completion of the courses. Instructors are currently from 12 institutions, and Michigan State University (MSU) and UF have collaborated since 2022 on a "Plant Health Professional" certificate program through their combined institutions. We have a keen interest in collaborating with university and industry partners to develop a comprehensive and coordinated curriculum tailored to the needs of the industry. UF is well-positioned to assist in promoting, hosting, or translating courses, to mitigate barriers to course development and enhance accessibility for learners. Overall, the Greenhouse Training Online program has proven to be a sustainable model for bridging a gap in horticultural education, and empowering greenhouse and nursery growers with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their industry.
