University of California Cooperative Extension Advisors trained 107 nursery professionals during nine technical irrigation trainings at California nurseries in 2025. Trainings were conducted in either Spanish, English, or both languages, to accommodate the diverse workforce of the nursery industry. In the trainings, we covered the basics of plant physiology, soilless substrate science, and irrigation best management practices to improve water-use efficiency and plant health. After classroom instruction, students participated in a variety of demonstrations including catch-can tests of irrigation uniformity, measuring pressure at sprinklers and in-line, and leaching fraction to estimate plant water use. 

Of the nine trainings delivered, five were to wholesale nursery producers, two were to nurseries which grow primarily for local restoration projects, and two were to community-based organizations with both nursery production and workforce development built into their missions. In January, UCCE Advisors Bruno Pitton, Gerry Spinelli, and Jessie Godfrey trained employees at the Planting Justice nursery in Oakland. Planting Justice is an organization that aims “to empower people impacted by mass incarceration and social inequities with the skills and resources to cultivate food sovereignty, economic justice, and community healing”. In May, UCCE Advisors Emma Volk and Godfrey trained individuals working at Growing Grounds Nursery in San Luis Obispo. Growing Grounds is operated by Transitions-Mental Health Association with the goal of providing “therapeutic horticulture, socialization opportunities, paid employment, and soft job skills for adults with severe and persistent mental illness.” As UCCE Advisors, we are grateful to that we get to work with organizations in our communities that improve the lives of all Californians.