Plant Growth Facility
PLANT GROWTH FACILITY
PLANT RESEARCH FACILITY
The Biological Sciences Plant Growth Facility (BIOL-PGF) at Virginia Tech is a research space designed to support and advance plant science scholarship. This 3,240-square-foot facility offers specialized growth bays with computer-regulated environmental controls. Researchers are charged bench fees based on usage duration to help cover maintenance costs. Facility staff provide once-daily watering (additional watering is user-provided), regular pest monitoring, and pest treatment and control. The facility also offers Research Support Services at an hourly rate, providing flexible, project-specific assistance with activities such as plant propagation, specialized plant care, and customized growing support.
| Service | Internal Rate | External Rate |
|---|---|---|
Bench Rental |
$5.15 per bench per day ($0.041 per square foot per day) |
$8.29 per bench per day ($0.066 per square foot per day) |
Project Support |
$25.00 per hour |
$40.25 per hour |
Initial Inquiry and Consultation
Begin by contacting the greenhouse manager or executive director to discuss your project’s requirements and ensure compatibility with the facility. Be prepared to provide details on plant materials, climate needs, and any experimental or safety considerations. Please review the User Handbook for full facility policies.
Bench Fees and Facility Services
Researchers are charged bench fees based on usage duration to help cover maintenance costs. Facility staff provide once-daily watering (additional watering is user-provided), regular pest monitoring, and pest treatment and control. The facility also offers Research Support Services at an hourly rate.
Project Form & User Agreement
Once approved, complete and submit the Project Form & User Agreement, confirming that you and your team have reviewed and understand the policies outlined in the User Handbook. A copy of your Biosafety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan must be kept in your research area, and all VT safety guidelines must be followed.
The Plant Growth Facility offers project-specific support beyond standard facility operations. Research Support Services are billed hourly and are available based on staff availability and project needs.
Services may include:
- Plant propagation and production support, including starting plants from seed or cuttings, transplanting, and preparing plants for research use
- Project-specific plant maintenance, such as staking, pruning, fertilization, or customized growing protocols
- Other greenhouse services developed in consultation with facility staff
Research Support Services provide researchers with flexible access to greenhouse expertise and additional support for projects requiring specialized plant production or hands-on assistance. Researchers interested in requesting support should contact the Plant Growth Facility manager to discuss project needs, timelines, and estimated costs.
All facility users are required to read and agree to the User Handbook policies before beginning their projects. The handbook outlines essential guidelines for facility use, safety protocols, and operational standards. Users must follow all rules and regulations, including maintaining assigned spaces and adhering to safety requirements. Non-compliance may result in additional fees or suspension of facility access. Please review the full User Handbook for details.
Once your project is approved, all users who will be working in the facility must complete and submit the Project Form & User Agreement. This form confirms that you and your team have read and understood the policies outlined in the User Handbook. A copy of your Biosafety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan must be kept in your research area, and all VT safety guidelines must be followed at all times.
To learn more about the mission, administration, and operational guidelines of the Biological Sciences Plant Growth Facility, please refer to our Facility Charter.