Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve research space? Fill out and submit a Research Space Request Form.
What is the charge fee for bench space? We are currently charging $.29/sqft/month. Costs are billed directly to your fund code. We do not generate invoices.
What services are included in the bench fee? The charge includes watering 365 days a year, fertilizing, conventional pest control, HID lighting, expertise plant care including advising users in pant culture and horticultural technique.
What services ARE NOT included in the bench fee? Not included: pot washing, repotting, sowing seeds, harvesting, soil, labels, pots, trays, or other materials. These items are sold separately.
How do I purchase soil or other materials? On a workstation on the southwest side of the headhouse is a clipboard with a price list of items that we sell and a sign out sheet. We work on an honor system. Simply write in the amount of material that you need and help yourself or find a staff member for help. Some items are stored in the Phytotron.
How can I get help with a project? Researchers are required to supply their own labor for large jobs. Work-studies, lab techs or hourlies are usual suspects. Greenhouse staff can occasionally help but please don't assume. Ask in advance.
Do I have to wash my own pots? Yes. Researchers are required to clean up after themselves. This means leaving counter space and sinks free and clean for others to work on. Occasionally we have hired work-studies to wash pots and the researcher pays a percentage of their salary. If you have a situation where you will need this service, contact Marcia Kirinus.
What should I do with my plants after I'm done with my project? You can load up your discarded plants onto a cart and bring them into the headhouse. Place all discarded plants and soil in the "plant trash" container. Please clean up after yourself. If you need help or have unusual waste materials see Beverly Calhoun.
Can I grow tomatoes or other personal plants in the houses? No. Our space is very limited with a long waiting list of researchers.
Where do I find Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the pesticides used in the greenhouses? They are kept in alphabetical order in a bright yellow notebook near the control computer and insect diagnostic station in the headhouse. Use them but please do not remove them.
How can I get my research plants sprayed for pests? Pest control is part of the basic service that you pay for in the bench fee. All staff members are licensed and certified by the State of NC to spray pesticides. If you notice a problem with your plant, seek out Beverly Calhoun for advice and a plan. Pest scouting happens weekly and spraying is on an as need basis. We reserve every Friday morning for this task.
Is it true that you have your own weather station? Yes, the weather station is on the roof of the Phytotron and helps us determine how we program our climatic control system. The information that is available from it is accurate wind, light in PAR units, relative humidity, dew point and temperature readings. In most cases it is possible to get an accurate record for the past three months.
Can I get information on the environmental conditions within the greenhouses? Yes. Our computer control system gives us relative control over temperature, humidity and light levels. One of the great things about having this system is that it also monitors and stores critical environmental information. We can pull up both current and historical information for reference. This is a valuable diagnostic tool that researchers find helpful.
Would I be able to borrow tools from the greenhouse? We have most tools needed for both outside and inside plant care and we are happy to lend them out. The tools are not intended to go home with you for a brutal weekend project but should be used when you need to work on your outdoor research plot or if you are going on a field trip. Please see greenhouse staff to sign out and obtain tools.
I am a researcher and need to work in the greenhouse at odd hours . How can I get in? The Greenhouse is usually open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 to 5:00. The main door is at the Phytotron loading dock entrance. On weekends the doors are automatically locked. We have card readers on both ends of the facility. To gain access, please email Beverly Calhoun with your query.
What soil mixes do you offer? Fafard 3b - Fafard 4p - Fafard Germinating Mix - Metromix 200, Metromix 52. We can also mix special blends.