Sharper, more technical and commercially focused than ever, Hort Science Live 2026 (HSL) will examine critical decisions that influence plant uniformity, labour input, substrate performance and cost control – ultimately determining your profit per pot. Attendees will leave with practical, evidence-based strategies ready to implement immediately.
10 years of applied horticultural expertise
Since 2017, HSL and its associated masterclasses have become established fixtures in the UK professional horticultural calendar. Hosted at leading nurseries and horticultural research centres – from Kent and Surrey through to Preston and Edinburgh – these events are recognised for delivering practical, technically robust and proven guidance grounded in real production systems.
In 2026, HSL will be hosted at Coles Nurseries in the East Midlands, continuing its tradition of bringing relevant, site-based learning directly to growers.
ICL combines proven product technologies with industry-leading technical support. Its technical area sales managers – many with commercial growing backgrounds – bring extensive, hands-on expertise. HSL is structured to translate that knowledge and expertise into tangible, operational benefits.
Event details
HSL 2026 will run as two identical one-day events, on Tuesday 30 June and Wednesday 1 July, at Coles Nurseries, Gaddesby (near Leicester).
As one of the UK’s largest producers of trees and shrubs for amenity and commercial markets, Coles Nurseries provides a highly relevant commercial setting for this event – helping ensure all discussions remain grounded in real-world production challenges and scalable solutions.
Technical programme: cost, consistency and control
The programme focuses on the core drivers of nursery profitability:
Prepare for what’s next
UK and European developments in peat-free systems, biodegradable fertilisers and emerging inputs.Is your growing media making or losing you money?
Compare AFP, water-holding capacity and EC across mixes, including woodfibre blends and Osmocote integration.Ornamental nutrition: optimise or overspend
Select the right fertiliser, time applications precisely and eliminate hidden cost inefficiencies.If you can’t measure it, you can’t control it
Build data-driven nutrition programmes, including practical Dosatron calculations.Weed control that improves finish and efficiency
Evaluate strategies using ICL’s award-winning pot topper, with live machinery demonstration.Biostimulants: apply with purpose
When and how to use the Vitalnova range to improve resilience and reduce crop losses.Growing media has changed – should your pot?
Align container choice with modern substrates.Tailored nutrition with GreenBest
Bespoke fertiliser solutions.Additional guest speakers (to be confirmed)
Why attend?
As in previous events, HSL 2026 is structured around small-group, workstation-based sessions to maximise engagement and technical depth. The format encourages direct discussion with specialists and peer-to-peer exchange with other commercial growers.
Attendees can take a guided tour of the Coles Nurseries site, which offers further insight into large-scale production systems.
Register now
Attendance at HSL 2026 is free (includes lunch), but places are limited to maintain the quality of interaction. To register, click on the relevant link below.
HSL Tuesday 30 June
HSL Wednesday 1 July
Click here for further information on Levington Advance growing media, Osmocote controlled-release fertilisers and ICL’s technically advanced Peters and Universol water-soluble nutrition ranges, or here to find your local ICL technical area sales manager.