Designing and Building Germination Chambers - A Case Study
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Other needs, such as size,building material, and monitoring equipment type were extremely variable. However, understanding the underlying needs of most chambers was very helpful in informing the design process.
Based on this process, agricultural engineers started to create designs for the growers but ultimately growers created their own designs, with the support of Teresa and Crystal. Of the designs which were created, two seemed to offer wide appeal due to their cost-effectiveness, versatility, and the quality of the transplants grown.
Cold Spring Farm Germination Chamber (pdf; 1593KB)
Poughkeepsie Farm Project Chmber (pdf; 1306KB)
- Wooden frame chamber

Upcoming Events
New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People (Hudson Valley)
March 10, 2026 : New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People
Millbrook, NY
Are you moving into a supervisory farm management role this season and want to get off to a good start? Are you an experienced manager who wants to connect with other "people" managers and work on your skills? This one-day workshop is for you!
SPARC WSU Tree Fruit Heat School
March 11, 2026
As part of our multi-state SPARC SCRI project on mitigating orchard heat and cold stress, the WSU Tree Fruit Heat School will focus on understanding and managing heat-related challenges in apple and pear production. The program brings together research-based insights and applied discussions on sunburn physiology and mitigation, red color development in apples and pears, and the impacts of heat on postharvest storage and fruit quality. Each session will include an expert presentation, followed by a panel discussion with panelists from across the US.
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!
