A hands-on workshop for researchers using plants in controlled environments.
Many researchers are expected to grow plants for their studies—with little or no training. This often results in stressed plants (and researchers), failed experiments, wasted time, and delayed research.
This hands-on workshop equips researchers-in-training with the practical skills and scientific understanding needed to successfully grow plants for research, not just survival.
Workshop participants will learn how to:
- Plan plant growth around specific research objectives
- Prepare and evaluate growth media and nutrient solutions
- Diagnose biotic and abiotic stress using real examples
- Apply best practices in controlled environment systems
- Respond quickly and confidently when plants show early signs of stress
We welcome undergraduate and graduate researchers working with plants or anyone expected to grow plants in controlled environments like greenhouses, growth chambers and vertical farms.
No prior plant-growing experience required.
Workshop details
- Date: October 30, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Location: UTM Growth Facilities
Spots are limited to 15 participants
Includes: Instruction, materials, catering, certificate of completion
This workshop is offered annually in October during U of T’s reading week.
Registration & pricing
- UTM researchers: Free
- Other U of T researchers: $50
- U of T non-research participants: $100
- External participants: $300
REGISTRATION OPENS FALL 2026
Meet our trainers
COMING SOON
From past participants
“I would definitely recommend this workshop to others. It was a great opportunity to get practical information and hands-on experience with the skills to successfully grow plants for research. Although there was a lot of content covered, the workshop was well-paced and allowed participants to maximize what they got from it.
The most helpful part of the workshop is identifying stressors/diseases. I have found it difficult to identify and differentiate between different stressors/diseases, so it was helpful to have them clearly laid out in the information section and to compare how they affect different species of plants."
“The workshop was very welcoming and had a mix of hands-on activities and lecture. I particularly enjoyed the use of different devices to measure soil conditions. It provided an intro to what equipment is available and what can be done for plant research. The small size class made the learning experience extra enjoyable.
I also find the project planning for plant growth research helpful for developing big picture thinking before executing experiments. I also find identifying plant diseases as a team helpful as it raised awareness on plants that may look healthy but have underlying issues.”
“It was very helpful to go through planning experiments and troubleshooting problems in a detailed way. I like the hands-on portion. The most helpful part was experimental design. The charted breakdown helps make big projects less intimidating. The hands-on examination of macro- and micronutrient deficiencies is also useful.”
“It was very informative and welcoming. It summarized what you need to know before you start planning for your experiments! I found the substrate and water-property basics most helpful because these are often overlooked and we usually just do as we we’re told. It is a great opportunity to ask why and understand the reasoning behind those practices.”