
Research at Work: Ornamental Horticulture
University of Georgia horticulture faculty works to advance sustainable plants and practices for commercial greenhouses, nurseries and gardens. This research improves property values, enhances water conservation practices, reduces the carbon footprint, refines pest management strategies and introduces superior ornamental varieties.
Rethinking standard plant containers
Alternatives to plastic containers in the horticulture industry are commercially manufactured and available for an extended period of time. Yet the use of biodegradable containers appears limited by the nurseries, greenhouse operators and landscape installation firms. A UGA agricultural and applied economist surveyed the environmental horticulture industry in 2017 about the awareness and performance of biodegradable containers. Results from this will help UGA researchers better equip the industry to improve the economic efficiency of the use of biodegradable containers, and indirectly contribute to a decrease in water and fertilizer use.