Greenhouse Fundamentals Training Program

Gain hands-on experience with essential greenhouse technology for agriculture, horticulture and food production. This training program provides practical experience with plant propagation alongside the theory behind greenhouse technology.

Participants will discover the structural components of a greenhouse and its functions and practice plant propagation in a greenhouse setting.

With the skills gained in this course, participants will be able to determine the viability of various greenhouse operations and perform proper plant care.

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be able to: 

1. Compare types of greenhouses and identify their intended uses. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Describe considerations for seasonality, functionality, and operation.
• Discuss the pros and cons of different levels of greenhouse operation: full-functioning, unheated, and others.
• Describe potential power, heat and water sources and identify the pros and cons of each.

2, Discuss the structural components of a greenhouse and their functions. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• List the elements of a greenhouse shell, including benching, venting, flooring, siding, and roofing.
• Describe irrigation methods, including automation, water sources, and quality.
• List different sources of lighting and explain how they affect greenhouse operations.
• Describe cultural controls, including venting, heating, cooling, and environmental monitoring.
• Differentiate between interior and exterior biosecurity needs.
• List storage requirements of various types of stock.

3. Demonstrate the skills needed to support the basic needs of various types of plants. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Identify various plant species.
• Describe the stages of plant growth and the care needed for each respective stage.
• Describe various plant requirements, including light, temperature, fertilizer, and fertigation methods.
• List essential sources of information for plant care.

4. Practice plant propagation in a greenhouse setting. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Identify growing mediums.
• Perform best practices while operating soil mixing and propagation equipment.
• Demonstrate appropriate seed placement and product labelling.
• Demonstrate acceptable seeding speed and accurate sow rates.
• Demonstrate various seed stratification techniques.
• Identify different types of seeders, and related equipment.
• Perform vegetative plant propagation, including cuttings.
• Perform effective thinning and transplanting techniques, including cavity fill.
• Choose the proper greenhouse zones for specific plant species.

5. Practice proper plant care during various stages of growth. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Practice various irrigation methods.
• Perform pest management, including organic, inorganic, and biological controls.
• Implement crop management methods and consider food security: succession planning, maturity time, and crop rotation.
• Perform safe food handling practices, including waste management.

6. Compare the viability of various greenhouse operations. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Identify the purpose of your business.
• Differentiate between profit and nonprofit businesses.
• Define essential financial terminology.
• Identify operational, regulatory, and maintenance costs associated with greenhouses.
• Describe the necessary elements of a business plan.
• Research target demographics and clientele.
• Identify needs of local markets including product quality, timing.

7. Recommend appropriate logistical considerations associated with greenhouse operations. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this outcome:

• Identify the permits, licenses and regulatory environment of a community or commercial greenhouse.
• Determine how seasonality affects labour in profit and nonprofit cases.
• Discuss career opportunities in greenhouse operations.

Course hours: 60.0 hours

Module 1: Greenhouse Theory (15 hours)

Module 2: Plant Propagation (30 hours)

Module 3: Greenhouse Operations (15 hours)

This training program prepares participants for roles in sustainable agriculture and greenhouse operations, including Greenhouse Technician, Food Security Coordinator and Head Grower. Graduates can also pursue opportunities in community agriculture and reclamation projects, contributing to food security and sustainable food systems.

Tuition is $200 for the February 2026 intake (regularly $2,900).

Modules 1 and 3 take place at the Salmon Arm campus, in person.

Module 2 takes place in person at a local greenhouse in Salmon Arm.

For more information, contact csshuswap@okanagan.bc.ca

To register, please fill out our Greenhouse Fundamentals Registration Form.