In a survey conducted by the Kentucky Horticulture Council, commercial cut flower growers indicated that they would like to learn more on cultivating cut flowers in low and high tunnel structures as well as how to control insect and disease pests for specialty cut flower production. UK Cooperative Extension, Center for Crop Diversification, and the Kentucky Horticulture Council answered these needs by collaborating together to offer 2 commercial cut flower short courses to teach these identified topics. Both educational sessions were offered virtually via Zoom and were a part of the Virtual Commercial Cut Flower Short Course. Programs were marketed across several social media sites and in the Center for Crop Diversification newsletter.

Dr. Garrett Owen, University of Kentucky Extension Greenhouse Specialist, provided research based information on growing cut flowers in low and high tunnel structures in late September 2021. The winter integrated pest management (IPM) class was co-taught in January 2022 by Dr. Jonathan Larson, UK Extension Entomologist, and Dr. Nicole Gauthier, Extension Plant Pathologist. They covered insect pests and diseases affecting commercial cut flower production. 

Participants pre-registered in Zoom, so they would gain access to the meeting. The structures cut flower short course attracted 70 total registrants with 40 people being in attendance for the actual meeting. The winter IPM course attracted 83 total people to register with 40 actual people being present for the virtual meeting. By registering, 40 percent of attendants were categorized as commercial or pre-commercial growers. 

Post-evaluation surveys generated in Qualtrics were distributed to all participants registered. Surveys showed: 100% gained new knowledge on growing cut flowers successfully in low and high tunnel structures, 69.23% plan to implement new practices and techniques as a result from the structures course, 100% gained new information about insect and disease affecting cut flower production, and 8 growers noted that they plan to implement new practices presented in the IPM to help them scout for various pests. 

Class recordings were later posted on the Center for Crop Diversification website. To date, the structures video recording has received 98 views and the winter integrated pest management course recording has received 51 views. For new and interested growers, these 2 recordings serve as helpful resources in getting commercial cut flower production blooming in Kentucky.