How to Train for Hydroponic Gardening

Academic Training

• 1

  Go to your local community college's website and go to the department page for Agricultural Studies/hydroponic gardening programs.

• 2

  Review the schedule of classes and descriptions. Choose the classes that best fit your interest and schedule.

• 3

  Look up the syllabi online of the courses you are interested in, including the books that are required reading.

• 4

  Call or email the department chair or professor, let him know your objective and ask if there are any prerequisites required for the classes you want to take, how comprehensive each class is, what courses you need to fulfill the level of training you want and how long it will take to complete your goal.

• 5

  Tour the hydroponic facility at the school. Go to the college bookstore and look over the assigned books.

Community Training

• 6

  Contact a hydroponic facility in your area. Many facilities also offer seminars and workshops.

• 7

  Visit the facility and, if possible, take a tour. Most hydroponic farmers are passionate about their work and enjoy sharing what they know.

• 8

  Ask for information on the following issues: is the level of training you want to receive covered by a workshop, what training or education is required to work at a hydroponic facility (if that fits your goal), can he can recommend a book, website or other training materials and what does he know about programs in your area.

Self-Training

• 9

  Do an online search for hydroponic programs and materials. Some inexpensive programs are offered on DVDs or online. Don't buy anything until you've completed your research.

• 10

  Visit the websites of several hydroponic suppliers. Make a list of the types of systems and their prices.

• 11

  Visit a local nursery that sells hydroponic supplies and include information about their systems and prices to your list.

• 12

  Visit a working hydroponic facility, if possible.

• 13

  Build or acquire a hydroponic gardening set up. Many local nurseries have hydroponic kits and supplies. The University of Florida’s website has free instructions on how to build your own.