t"Plant Grower" is a web resource developed by the Floriculture and Controlled Environment Physiology and Extension Program in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota for commercial producers, home gardeners and students.  This website contains thousands of articles from sources throughout the industry on indoor and outdoor commercial horticulture crop production and home gardening.  It also has pages specifically tailored to University of Minnesota research supporters.  Lastly, it outlines our research in three key areas of interest:  controlled environment agriculture, outdoor ornamental crop production and biotic and abiotic stress physiology.

Controlled
​Environment Agriculture

Controlled environment agriculture is the future of crop production in locations with adverse climates and/or with limited water resources.  Urban agriculture is expanding as consumers increasingly prefer locally produced food with increased food safety.  We conduct research and outreach around producing ornamentals and food crops in greenhouses in the north, warehouses, homes and commercial buildings and other controlled environments.

Outdoor
​Ornamental Production

 The majority of U.S. ornamental crop production is outdoors.  Our program is one of the few with expertise in this area. We partner with growers in CA, FL, TX, OH, GA, NJ, CO, OR and WA to conduct research to meet the needs of outdoor ornamental crop producers.  This work includes research to identify and introduce new crops, ways to ameliorate crop stress, and reducing disease susceptibility.  We focus on new heat and drought tolerant crops including cacti and succulents.

Research
and Teaching

  Our research focuses on the environmental physiology of flowering, root development and, photosynthesis.  We also identify practical ways to reduce inputs including labor and pesticides.  Our coursework aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing international horticulture industry including emerging crop production, urban horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture - including space.