University of Nevada, Reno Extension Urban & Indoor Agriculture team developed the Hydroponic Crops Production Certificate Course to teach commercial growers, educators, home gardeners, Master Gardeners and anyone interested in hydroponic systems and soil-free plant cultivation.

The course is offered in person at the University of Nevada, Reno Extension in North Las Vegas. The course consists of readings, lectures and hands-on training from experts in urban horticulture.

Master Gardeners who wish to work with the Hydroponics program must complete this class as part of the requirements for Advanced Certification in Hydroponics.

Course includes the following topics:

Week 1 (Friday - March 21, 2025):

• Fundamentals of hydroponic production: A Historical overview, advantages and disadvantages
• Brief overview of plant morphology and anatomy
• Hydroponic culture systems - Deep Water Culture (DWC) System
• Lab training 1: Setting up a DWC hydroponic system 

Week 2 (Friday - March 28, 2025):

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System
• Aeroponics System
• Ebb and Flow System
• Lab training 2: NFT & Aeroponic System

Week 3 (Friday - April 4, 2025):  

• Substrate culture
• The essential plant nutrients
• Solution pH & EC management
• Lab training 3: pH & EC test

Week 4 (Friday - April 11, 2025):

• Culture room environment: Light, temperature, humidity and air
• Pest and disease management in hydroponic system
• Lab training 4: lighting test

Week 5 (Friday - April 18, 2025):

• Harvesting
• Produce quality and safety
• Lab training 5: Harvesting & cleaning hydroponic system

Week 6 (Friday - April 25, 2025): Final exam & course survey