Practical solutions take center stage at the 2026 Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo
The 2026 Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo returns Dec. 8 -10 to DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with two days of educational programming for floriculture producers and other green industry professionals. The early bird registration deadline closes November 15 so register right now!
Presented in association with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo, this year's program brings together university researchers, Michigan State University Extension specialists and industry professionals to share practical strategies for improving plant quality, managing pests, and strengthening farm businesses.
With guidance from the Western Michigan Greenhouse Association and Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association, this year's educational program was developed by the Michigan State University Extension floriculture team and covers a broad range of topics, from growing media and crop nutrition to integrated pest management, retail merchandising and specialty cut flower production.
Whether you're looking for solutions to familiar production challenges or exploring new opportunities for your operation, the Expo offers a chance to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others in the industry.
You can see the entire program on the MSU Floriculture Expo Website. Read more!
Sessions Great for Those Starting or Exploring Careers
Got a next-Gen grower or one interested in taking over your greenhouse someday? There are great sessions that could be especially interesting for students, new employees, or anyone looking to explore different areas of the industry. Some highlights include:
- Greenhouse Track, Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:20 AM: Don’t Let Those Pesky Pathogens Get the Best of You: one of the most popular sessions each year!
- Greenhouse Track, Tuesday, 2:40 - 3:30 PM: From Production Problems to Performance: Lessons from 2026, Solutions for 2027
- Greenhouse Track, Wednesday, 1:30 - 3:00 PM: Stand-Out Cultivars from the 2026 Michigan Garden Plant Tour
- Specialty Cut Flower Track, Wednesday, 3:00 - 3:50 PM: Flowers in the City: Growing and Running an Urban Flower Farm
- Small Scale & Urban Farms Track: Real Problems, Honest Talk: Support for Emerging Farmers
- Farm Business Track: Setting Goals and Making a Plan for Your Farm
Cider Contest: Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 PM and did we mention there are FREE DONUTS in the Farm Market Area Ballroom! 🍩
Also Featuring Specialty Cut Flowers and Lavender!
- Using Off-the-Shelf LEDs for Cut Flower Plug Production
- Blooming Knowledge: Growing and Selling Edible Flowers
- Beyond the Border: Shrubs as Cut Flowers
- Flowers in the City: Growing and Running an Urban Flower Farm
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Heidi Linberg
Greenhouse Extension Educator, Michigan State UniversityHeidi Lindberg is a greenhouse and nursery extension educator based in West Olive, Michigan. She serves growers in western Michigan, especially the dense number of growers in Ottawa, Kent, and Muskegon counties. She provides research-based educational programming and diagnostic support for greenhouse growers in southwest Michigan.
