Hydroponic Crops Production Certificate Course 2026 (North Las Vegas - McDaniel Office)

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 ( Thursday- April 16, 2026):
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 DWC hydroponic system

Week 2 ( Thursday- April 23, 2026):
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System Aeroponics System Ebb and Flow System
Lab training 2: NFT & Aeroponic System

Week 3 ( Thursday- April 30, 2026):
Substrate culture The essential plant nutrients Solution pH & EC management
Lab training 3: pH & EC test

Week 4 ( Thursday- May 7, 2026):
Culture room environment: Light, temperature, humidity and air Pest and disease management in hydroponic system
Lab training 4: lighting test

Please note: no class May 14, 2026

Week 5 (Thursday- May 21, 2026):
Harvesting Produce quality and safety
Lab training 5: Harvesting & cleaning hydroponic system

Week 6 (Thursday- May 28, 2026): Final exam & course survey