The newly constructed glass greenhouses were placed into service in June 2011 and cover approximately 10,400 sq. ft. of area serving the needs of the Department of Horticulture faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students.

This "21st Century" range consists of eight 20 ft. x 25 ft. separate bays for research purposes and approximately 5600 sq. ft. of space divided into four bays for instructional use. The range has steam converted to hot water perimeter base lines with overhead snow melting capabilities and in-floor coil heat tubes. A dual purpose shade curtain/thermal blanket system is used for heat retention in cold periods, and sun shading during the summer. Fan and pad or fog cooling systems provide superior growing conditions during hot periods. The control system is web based and is equipped with auto dialer environmental alarms and can be accessed anywhere that a smart phone has a signal. 

The Department of Horticulture Greenhouses are attached to Horticulture Hall and support activities related to specific courses, research projects, extension demonstrations and departmental functions. The greenhouses cover about 10,400 sq. ft. separated into two areas designated as "Research" and "Instructional" wings.

These new wings were completed in June 2011 and replace an older set of glass houses built in the early 19^th century with additions in the 1980s. The “Research” wing consists of eight bays approximately 20 ft. x25 ft. with supplemental lighting to extend day length or photoperiod. The “Instructional” wing covers approximately 5600 sq. ft. divided into four bays. Approximately 300 sq. ft. of bench space has intermittent mist irrigation for plant propagation.

All bays are heated with steam converted to hot water and pumped to in-floor coils, base and overhead snow melting heat lines with automatic side or roof venting and shade/thermal blanket systems for heat retention or exclusion. Additionally, each bay has programmable receptacles, connections for tempered, deionized, domestic waters and water with fertilizer at a high and low rate. The greenhouse environmental control system is web based and is equipped with auto dialer environmental alarms and can be accessed anywhere that a smart phone has a signal.

The public is invited to visit from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Groups larger than ten are encouraged to call 515-294-2100 to make arrangements. There is no admission fee. 

Greenhouse Map