Northern Arizona University
Research Greenhouse Complex User Policies
Space Allocation
1. Greenhouse space is acquired by filling out the Request for Space form and
submitting it to Philip Patterson, Research Greenhouse Complex (RGC)
Manager. Space allocation is based on a first come, first serve basis, but we
will try to accommodate all suitable requests.
2. Greenhouse space will be allocated only for the specific time period required
by the project. No greenhouse space will be allocated for an indefinite period
and projects will not be expanded without approval.
3. Upon approval of the space request form, greenhouse keys will be distributed.
Keys should be returned at the end of a project. A $10.00 charge will be
applied for each set of keys issued to individuals and lab groups.
4. RGC users will be charged for the resources they use according to the rates
and prices found in the Rates and Price List.
5. All first time users of the greenhouse facilities are required to schedule an
orientation session with RGC staff. This session will introduce the user to
resources within the RGC. The correct procedures for handling containers,
soil mixes, fertilizers, disease and pest avoidance and control, watering and
other topics that will be discussed and demonstrated.
6. The RGC staff will arbitrate conflicting environmental requirements for
greenhouse users, and attempt to accommodate the needs of all users. In
general, environmental conditions will be determined on a first come, first
served basis.
7. In order to efficiently use the greenhouse space and resources, the staff may
elect to consolidate or move plants, in consultation with the Principle
Investigator.
Greenhouse Project Requirements
1. Because changes to horticultural practices, watering regimes, greenhouse
environmental conditions, programs, etc. can affect other users, they must be
requested in writing or by e-mail and approved by the Manager.
2. The RGC is a secured facility; users are required to keep facility and
greenhouse doors locked when not in use, unless otherwise noted.
3. RCG user who use general supplies are required to record amounts and
dates used in their project notebook.
4. The RGC staff encourages users to apply a “green” philosophy to their
projects. This might include but is not limited to: turning off lights when not in
use, recycling soil and containers, minimizing use of disposable supplies(ie.
latex gloves, paper towels, trash bags), making sure hose bibs are turned off,
and notifying RGC staff of any problems you notice with the facility.
Greenhouse Sanitation Procedures
1. General Sanitation Procedures
• Use clean containers and tools. All containers are to be washed in a 10%
bleach/water solution, before being used in any greenhouse project. Hand
tools are to be cleaned with alcohol, and shovels and hoes in 10% bleach
to prevent spreading diseases.
• Greenhouse users are expected to supply their own growing containers for
their research. Please take note, a need for large quantities or unusual
types of supplies requires advance planning. The staff can assist with the
ordering of containers given prior notice. The RGC also has a large
quantity of various new and recycled containers in stock that can be
rented on a first come first served basis
• Put dirty containers and tools in their proper place. Communicate with
RGC staff as to where to place them. These items are not to be reused
until they have been sanitized.
• Wash your hands before working with plants. This is especially important
when working with propagation materials (seeds, seedlings, cuttings, and
planting media) or if you use tobacco products. There is no smoking in or
within 20 feet of the RGC. Latex gloves are available for use. They are
not free and will be charged to users accounts.
• Avoid putting plant material, containers, tools or water wands on the floor
or other contaminated surfaces. The floor is not a desirable work surface.
• Keep sterilized soils sterile. Use only washed plastic scoops. Do not put
these items on the floor. Do not reuse spilled soil including that which
accumulates on the floor or tables during repotting. Avoid walking or
stepping into soil storage bins.
• Do all of your work with the plants first. Then clean up the work area and
greenhouse as a separate operation. Sweep up debris from your area,
away from the drain, and then dump into the trash. Fallen dead leaves and
dirt piles are havens for diseases and insects. Brooms and dustpans are
available. Areas not cleaned up will be cleaned by RGC staff and projects
will be charged $16.00 per hour for clean up.
• Keep all hose ends clean and hung up off the greenhouse floor when they
are not in use. Hoses, couplers, and watering wands are the property of
the RGC and may not be removed from the facility.
• All greenhouse benches, soil bins and propagation benches are to be kept
clean. Do not use or lay any unspecialized tools, containers, etc. on these
areas. Do not stand or put your feet on greenhouse benches. This will
help to avoid carrying diseases up to the crop level. Greenhouse carts are
to be hosed off after use.
• All new plant material introduced into the greenhouse should be inspected
for infestations. Infested plants are not to be brought into the
greenhouses. Please contact the Manager to discuss treatments. No
personnel plants from home or house plants are to be grown or kept at the
facility.
• The head house corridor and the RGC perimeter are to be treated as
separate non-sterile areas. After working with plants or soil in these areas,
wash your hands before working in any other part of the greenhouse. Do
not use or carry tools or containers from these areas into any other
growing area of the greenhouse.
• All insect and disease problems are to be reported immediately to the
greenhouse staff.
• All greenhouse space is to be kept clean and orderly by the user(s).
• Greenhouse rooms are not storage areas for containers and other cultural
supplies. No items are to be stored under the benches. Consult with the
greenhouse staff for alternative storage. Any clutter left in the
greenhouses or access corridors will be removed without notice by the
greenhouse staff. Small quantities of waste plant materials or containers
which are no longer useable should be discarded.
• Please label plants, flats, or benches with your name and contact
information. The staff maintains the right to discard unauthorized plants
without notice.
• You are responsible for you research logs and notes. Please take these
notes with you or put them in the file cabinet in the lobby. Misplaced logs
or logs damaged by water or greenhouse conditions are the responsibility
of the individual users.
• Do not enter a greenhouse unless you have a purpose to do so. Insects
and disease are commonly transferred from one greenhouse to another
on skin and clothing.
Responsibilities of RGC Users
In general RGC users will be expected to do the following:
• Work in cooperation with staff in the acquisition of soil, containers, seeds or
plant material required for the greenhouse project.
• Carry out all experimental treatments and make all experimental
measurements.
• Harvest all plant materials required for experimental purposes.
• Maintain an active role in the progress of the greenhouse project, including
shared or sole watering responsibilities. (The staff is not responsible for
watering, if it is considered part of the experimental treatment.
• Notify the greenhouse staff promptly at the end of a greenhouse project.
Assist with the disposal of unneeded plant material and the removal of
equipment at the completion of the experiment.
Disposal of Plant Material and Soil
1. Make arrangements with RGC staff to dispose of large quantities of waste
plant material and soil. Waste soil is stockpiled at the greenhouse and used
in campus landscaping projects or available to greenhouse users and the
general public at a nominal cost.
2. Unwanted plants may be donated to the RGC by arrangement and will be
used for campus or community planting projects.
Supplies and Labor
** Please review Rates and Price List for the following service**
1. Most supplies can be ordered by RGC staff including but not limited to
containers, soil, nutrients, labels, seeds, and plant material. Assistance with
ordering is available by prior arrangement with the Manager.
2. Assistance by the Manager or staff with design, setup, configuration of
environmental conditions, planting and maintenance of greenhouse projects.
The staff is also available to assist with problems or special needs that may
arise during the course of a greenhouse project.
3. Watering and fertilization of plants at the request of the user, if watering and
fertilizing are not part of experimental treatments.
3. Disease and pest control programs, usually after consultation with the user.
4. Growing plant materials for research use.
Safety
1. Greenhouse staff will post a notice of pesticide applications on greenhouse
doors, including what pesticide was sprayed, when it was sprayed, and the
re-entry period
2. Greenhouse users must abide by all restrictions in areas treated with
pesticides.
3. Be aware of slippery wet floors. Floors will be routinely mopped by the RGC
staff with bleach solutions to prevent algal growth.
5. Closed toed shoes are required in the greenhouses.
6. Please do not bring animals, ornamental plants, or children into the
greenhouses.
Summary
The Research Greenhouse Complex is a valuable resource for plant research on
the Northern Arizona University campus. With the full cooperation of greenhouse
users, the facility can contribute to the greater educational mission of the
university. By signing the RGC Space Request Form, the preceding policies are
acknowledged by the greenhouse user.