Hydroponics Symposium - Friday, November 6, 2026

Hydroponics Symposium

Hosted by UGA DeKalb County Extension, Southern SARE, and the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture

Join experts for a half-day Hydroponics Symposium focused on practical approaches to hydroponic production, troubleshooting, and integrating hydroponic systems into your operation.

Learn about hydroponic production systems, nutrient management, water quality variety selection, plant bredding, and strategies for managing insect pests and diseases. Participants will also have an opportunity to explore different hydroponic models and engage with speakers during a Q&A session.

DATE: Friday, November 6, 2026

TIME: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: UGA DeKalb County Extension

ADDRESS: 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 200, Decatur, GA 30032

COST: $20 per person; registration deadline is Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Program Schedule:

• 9:00 - 9:10 a.m. - Welcome, Introductions, & Workshop Overview - Caston Noorullah, DeKalb County ANR Agent
• 9:10 - 9:50 a.m. - Introduction to Hydroponic Production Systems - Whitney Ottinger, UGA Center for Urban Agriculture
• 9:50 - 10:30 a.m. - Hydroponic Systems and Management - Greg Crafter, Produce'd
• 10:30 - 10:40 a.m. - BREAK
• 10:40 - 11:20 a.m. - Variety Selection and Plant Breeding in Hydroponic Systems - Dr. Andrew, Ogden, UGA Horticulture Department
• 11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Pest and Disease Management in Hydroponic Systems - Dr. Ruchika Kashyap
• 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. - Q&A, Systems Discussion, Closing Remarks, and Evaluation

What You Will Learn:

• Introduction to hydroponic production systems
• How to integrate hydroponics into your operation
• Nutrient management and water quality
• Variety selection and plant breeding
• Troubleshooting hydroponic systems
• Managing insect pests and plant diseases
• Different hydroponic system models and approaches
• Practical strategies for successful hydroponic production

Who Should Attend?

• This symposium is ideal for growers, farmers, agricultural professionals, educators, beginning hydroponic producers, and anyone interested in controlled-environment agriculture.
• Whether you are considering addiing hydroponics to your operation or already have a hydroponic system, you will leave with practical information, new ideas, and resources to help you move forward.

More information about the Hydroponics Symposium, contact Caston Noorlullah, UGA DeKalb County ANR Agent at c.noorullah@uga.edu or 404.298.4080.

University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran, Disability Institution. If you need reasonable accommodation or language access services, contact the DeKalb County Extension office at 404.298.4080 at least three weeks prior to the program date.

Photo by Denis Sobnakov on Unsplash