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Cut flower practical training course

I would like to invite you to a cut flower practical training course designed for anyone wishing to learn more about starting a new cut flower growing enterprise. The venue for the course will be Classroom 18, Horticulture Development Centre in Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
The aim of the course is to explain in a practical way the basics about how to successfully grow and market cut flowers.
The objectives of the course are to:
  1. To explain what are the best species and varieties of cut flowers for NI growers
  2. To explain how to grow cut flowers in protected structures
  3. To provide an overview about the marketing of cut flowers to local markets
  4. To explain about the costs and margins of producing cut flowers for local markets
Provisional Course Programme:
Day 1 - Thursday 7 June 2007 10.30 am – 4.00 pm
·Introduction about growing cut flowers and the correct species and varieties of cut flowers to grow.
·Practical session on how to prepare the soil for a cut flower crop, lay support wire, install the correct watering system and how to plant cut flowers module plants and bulbs.
Day 2 - Thursday 28 June 2007 10.30 am – 4.00 pm
·Understanding the scheduling of flower crops.
·Understanding the costs of production for cut flower crops.
·Understanding more about the market opportunities with cut flowers.
Day 3 – Thursday 26 July 2 pm – 4.30 pm
·Cut flower crop walk and discussion about cultural techniques to successfully grow cut flowers
Day 4 – August 2007 (date to be confirmed depending on harvest date for cut flowers at Greenmount Campus)
·Practical session on how to harvest and pack cut flowers for market
Day 5 – Wednesday 26 September (room number and time to be confirmed nearer the date of event)
·How to extend the shelf life of locally produced cut flowers and foliage.
If you wish to attend this course it is essential to confirm this directly with Joanne Kennedy at Greenmount Campus by either email joanne.kennedy@dardni.gov.uk or 028 9442 6771 no later than Wednesday 6 June 2007.
Yours sincerely
David Davidson
Cut Flower Development Adviser
028 3751 5605, mobile 07776 152 524 email david.davidson@dardni.gov.uk