HSL 2026 announces full technical programme to enhance grower profits

ICL has unveiled the full technical programme and speaker line-up for Hort Science Live 2026 (HSL 2026), returning this summer under the theme ‘From Mix to Market – practical decisions that enhance grower profits’.

“Over the past decade, HSL events have evolved to help growers make informed, commercially driven production decisions in modern nursery systems,” says Matthew Miller, MarComms Manager at ICL.

Taking place on 30 June and 1 July 2026, the two identical one-day events will be hosted by Coles Nurseries near Leicester. Attendance is free, but places are limited to ensure high-quality technical discussion and interaction.

“The programme focuses on the key cost and performance drivers in ornamental production, with expert-led sessions delivering practical, immediately applicable insights for growers,” says Matthew.

© ICL

The full HSL 2026 workstation programme includes sessions on UK and European market developments such as peat-free production, biodegradable fertilisers and new innovations, presented by Lianne van Wijk (ICL International Technical Manager) and Adrian Thirtle-Watts (ICL Sales Manager UK). Andrew Wilson (ICL Technical Manager UK & Ireland) will offer practical guidance on ornamental nutrition, covering fertiliser selection, application timing and hidden cost reduction. Steve Chapman and Peter Robinson from ICL will demonstrate the use of AngelaWeb3.0 crop nutrition tools and step-by-step Dosatron calculations. James Whittick (Commercial Director, GreenBest) will present on bespoke fertiliser solutions and tailored nutrition programmes available through GreenBest.

Further sessions will see Chloe Whiteside (ICL) address sustainable substrate performance, including AFP, water-holding capacity, conductivity and woodfibre blends, while Anthony Clarke (Pöppelmann UK & Ireland Sales Manager) will provide insights into matching container choice with modern substrates. Carl Mason (ICL) and Steve Dunn (Hortec Director) will cover integrated weed management strategies alongside a live demonstration of pot topper solutions. Rounding out the programme, Sam Rivers (ICL) will focus on optimising plant resilience and reducing crop losses using the Vitalnova biostimulant range.

“HSL and its associated Masterclasses are now established fixtures in the UK horticultural calendar,” says Matthew. “Held at leading nurseries and horticultural research centres in the UK and Ireland, they deliver practical, technically robust guidance grounded in real production systems. Small-group, workstation-based sessions encourage active engagement, direct discussion with speakers, and peer-to-peer exchange between commercial growers. HSL 2026 delegates can also tour the Coles Nurseries site, gaining first-hand insight into large-scale ornamental production.”

Attendance is free, but advance registration is required due to limited capacity. To view the programme and register, please click the relevant link below.

HSL Tuesday 30 June

HSL Wednesday 1 July