Sep 12, 2025
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is gaining traction across the U.S., and hydroponic greenhouses are leading the charge as one of the most scalable, accessible, and energy-efficient ways to grow food.
But here’s the hard truth: We’re building more greenhouses than we have trained people to run them! 😬 I have seen all too many times, projects small and large that are planned and built and then don't have the skilled labor to run them. The projects often fail or spend far too many years to get their operations running efficiently. What a waste!
As someone who has spent over a decade at the intersection of agtech, food systems, and education, I believe workforce development is a critical driver of CEA success. I'm certainly not alone in that thinking as USDA-funded research with Cornell University have made it clear that we need more experiential learning opportunities that focus on real systems, not just simulations. And that’s why I’m heading to Lodi, Ohio, this September 18-19—to attend CropKing’s Two-Day Grower Workshop.
I’m going because this is one of the only hands-on, small-group trainings where participants learn inside a functioning greenhouse, alongside seasoned growers and technical experts. Even though I am not a grower myself, I want to freshen up skills with hands-on learning that will benefit my consulting work.
What You’ll Actually Learn at the Workshop
CropKing’s greenhouse campus includes active NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and Dutch bucket hydroponic systems growing leafy greens and vine crops. Over two full days, attendees move between classroom instruction and direct in-greenhouse learning.
The workshop fees are $399 and here’s a breakdown of the agenda:
🌱 Day 1: Greenhouse Foundations
- Introduction to Soilless CEA and hydroponics principles
- Guided greenhouse tour with system components explained
- Overview of CropKing’s proprietary growing systems
- Key concepts in greenhouse design & construction
- Business planning for new growers
- Basics of plant biology in soilless systems
- Step-by-step intro to growing lettuce and leafy greens
- Tomato crop care: harvesting, pruning, leaning & lowering
🍅 Day 2: Applied Growing Skills
- Understanding and testing water quality
- Nutrient solution formulation and monitoring runoff
- Deep dive into system operation in a working greenhouse
- Managing unexpected challenges: pests, climate, equipment
- A session with an active CropKing grower to share insights
- How to choose the right crops for your goals, site, and market
Use code AGRITECTURE for $50 off registration: 👉 Register here with discount
This is not a passive lecture. You’ll ask questions, get your hands on the equipment, and leave with clarity on how CEA systems really work. All within a limited group training environment.
Upcoming Fall 2025 Workshop Dates
All workshops take place at CropKing's Lodi, Ohio headquarters and include breakfast, lunch, and greenhouse access.
- September 17 – Educator Add-On (1–5 p.m. - see below for more info)
- September 18–19 – Grower Workshop (I’ll be attending this one)
- October 16–17
- November 6–7
Spots are limited to keep instruction personal and interactive. These aren’t conference halls — they’re working greenhouses with live systems and real teaching. Use code AGRITECTURE for $50 off registration: 👉 Register here with discount
👩🏫 Bonus for Educators: Half-Day Add-On on September 17
The day before the full workshop, CropKing is offering a dedicated Educator Add-On Workshop (Sept 17, 1–5 p.m.) for just $99.
This session is designed specifically for:
- Teachers, professors, and school administrators launching hydroponic programs
- STEM educators integrating agtech into curriculum
- Districts or organizations looking to scale food production education
You’ll learn how to adapt hydroponic systems for classroom settings, access curriculum ideas, and exchange experiences with other educators. It’s an invaluable way to train the trainers who will build the next generation of greenhouse growers.
Why This Is More Than Just a Workshop
We talk a lot about innovation in agriculture, but the truth is that you can’t build resilient food systems without skilled people who know how to run them.
Greenhouse hydroponics isn’t just a growing method—it’s a cornerstone of local food security, education, and climate adaptation. And as CEA expands into schools, correctional facilities, community gardens, and private farms, we need growers who can turn knowledge into action. The CropKing workshops this Fall is one step in that journey.
Want to Join Me in September?
Use code AGRITECTURE for $50 off registration: 👉 Register here with discount
Or choose another Fall session if September doesn’t work. Better yet, share this with someone who’s ready to level up their growing skills—especially educators and aspiring ag professionals.
CEA’s future depends on those willing to get their hands dirty in the greenhouse. I hope to see you there!
Learn more about the workshops and register with discount code "AGRITECTURE"