Growers are invited to take part in a day long plasticulture workshop on Thursday, Jan. 11, according to Ron Goldy, Michigan State University (MSU) southwest district vegetable agent who is organizing the program. The workshop will be part of the annual Great Lakes Vegetable Growers and Farm Marketers Convention held in Grand Rapids.

He said this is the first time the plasticulture workshop will be part of the vegetable show. Those who attend the workshop will be required to be registered for the convention (the cost is $30 to pre-register and $35 at the door), but there will be no additional charges.

The plasticulture workshop is geared for those already growing crops on plastic and those who want to learn more about the system. Strawberries, fresh market tomatoes, slicing cucumbers, peppers, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, watermelon and cantaloupe are examples of commodities that can be grown with plasticulture, Goldy said. Weed control, earliness, more efficient use of water and nutrients and higher quality fruit, are some of the benefits of plasticulture.

Speakers on plasticulture will include Bill Lamont and Mike Orzolek from Penn State University, Doug Sanders from North Carolina State University, Bernie Zandstra from MSU and David Langford, a grower from the eastern shore of Maryland.
Growers who want handouts from the workshop need to register in advance as more than 100 people are expected. Growers can register by calling Goldy at (616) 944-1477, ext. 207, by e-mail at goldyr@msue. msu.edu.

Anyone at the convention will be able to attend the workshop, although preregistration is required if they want handouts.