2026 Nursery Scout Training Program

Come join us for the Nursery Scout Training Program, where we'll learn how to care for plants and create beautiful green spaces together! Come join us for Nursery Scout Training where we'll learn how to care for plants and create beautiful green spaces together! Nursery Scout Training Join us for a 3-day, hands-on training designed for nursery professionals, growers, and plant health enthusiasts. Learn to scout effectively for pests, diseases, weeds, nutrient issues, as well as field tours, microscope labs, hands-on monitoring, and expert-led lessons! This in-person event is perfect for anyone interested in improving their nursery management skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with other nursery professionals and expand your knowledge in the field. Register now to secure your spot! Classes and Tours will be led by local UF/IFAS Extension Agents and UF/IFAS professors specializing in plant production. Participants will receive full-color pest identification booklets and a hand lens. 10/29/26 - Day 1 8:30 - 8:45 Registration 8:45 - 9:00 Pre-test 9:00 - 9:05 Welcome to IPM Scouting 9:05 - 9:35 What is Scouting & Benefits of Scouting 9:35 - 10:00 Introduction to Insect ID & Other Pests 10:00 - 10:15 Break 10:15 -12:15 Scouting for Insects & Beneficials 12:15 - 12:45 Lunch 12:45 -1:00 How to submit samples 1:00 -1:45 Look out for Invasive Species! 2:00 Depart for Local Nursery to Practice 2:30 - 4:00 Nursery Tour: Hands-On Scouting 11/5/26 - Day 2 8:45 - 9:00 Check-In 9:00 - 9:45 Significance of pH and EC 9:45 - 10:30 Monitoring for pH and EC 10:45 - 11:30 Let’s Talk Dirt: Growing Media 11:30 - 12:15 Water Quality and Quantity 12:15 - 1:00 Lunch 1:00 - 1:45 Florida’s Flora, Fauna, and her Foes 2:00 Depart for Local Nursery to Practice 2:30 - 4:00 Nursery Tour: Hands-On Scouting 11/12/26 - Day 3 8:45 - 9:00 Check-In 9:00 - 10:30 Weed ID & Control 10:45 - 12:15 Scouting for Diseases 12:15 - 12:45 Lunch 12:45 – 1:15 Scouting from the Sky 1:15 - 1:45 Plant Clinic Tour 2:00 - 2:50 Scouting for Abiotics 2:50 - 3:10 Post-test 3:10 - 3:30 CEUs, Class Evaluation, & Certificate of Completion CEUs Available *All three days must be attended in full to receive credit for CEUs earned. * • 8 Ag Row Crop • 8 Ag Tree Crop • 4 CORE • 2 Lawn & Ornamental • 2 Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance • 2 Limited Fertilizer • 8 Ornamental & Turf • 4 Private Applicator