A gray watercolor illustration of a building.

Plant Growth Facility

WSU Mount Vernon NWREC faculty carry out research and education programs that help solve problems and create new economic opportunities for area farmers and the agricultural community. Research conducted in the new NWREC Plant Growth Facility will lead to better understanding of how environmental factors impact crop growth and development, crop disease diagnosis, soil bioassays, soils and crop nutrient analyses, new crop varieties, new plant propagation methods, and other practical impacts for area farmers. For example, the annual Spinach Soil Bioassay identifies pathogen-infested fields, saving Skagit seed growers and companies hundreds of thousands of dollars per field each year. These critical outcomes are essential for keeping Skagit County farmers and agricultural businesses economically competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing and challenging local and global marketplace.

Phase 1: Headhouse

Phase 1 of the WSU Mount Vernon NWREC Plant Growth Facility was completed in 2021.

The Ruth Wylie Headhouse building includes a 900 square foot research office and a 610 square foot field laboratory.

A 1 story building with a sloped shed roof.
The Ruth Wylie Headhouse

Phase 2: Greenhouse

Phase 2 of the Plant Growth Facility will include a 4,000 square foot greenhouse. We have received a 2025 Skagit County Economic Development Grant of $750,000 toward Phase 2 and have secured an additional $250,000 in matching funds. Phase 2A (site and utility work) is under way with construction of the greenhouse envelope (phase 2B) to follow. We hope to complete construction by June 2026.

Phase 2A Site Work. Excavation work, install site utilities, and construct 43 ft x 84 ft foundation slab with piers or monolithic footings. Estimated $400,000 (as of April 2025). Illustration of Greenhouse (Phased Construction) location behind to completed Headhouse. Connect to utility service and run feeds to pad.

Phase 2A: Site Work

Excavation work, install site utilities, and construct 43 ft x 84 ft foundation slab with piers or monolithic footings.
Phase 2B Install greenhouse. Construct 41 ft x 80 ft existing greenhouse kit divided into two large bays (40 ft x 41 ft). Each bay to include man door for access and provisions for mechanical cross-ventilation. Optional double width or overhead doors for load-in. Estimated $650,000 (as of April 2025). Illustration of Greenhouse with 10 feet below gutters (Phased Construction) erected on pad behind Headhouse.

Phase 2B: Install Greenhouse

Construct 41 ft x 80 ft existing greenhouse kit divided into two large bays (40 ft x 41 ft). Each bay to include man door for access and provisions for mechanical cross-ventilation. Optional double width or overhead doors for load-in.
Phase 2C System Fitout and Commissioning. Purchase/install greenhouse mechanical & control systems, lighting, benchwork and other functional equipment. Perform pre-operational shakedown testing, and officially commission facility for use. Estimated $300,000 (as of April 2025). Illustration of Greenhouse showing benches and lighting installed. Optional overhead rolldoor between bays in red.

Phase 2C: System Fitout and Commissioning (future)

Purchase/install greenhouse mechanical & control systems, lighting, benchwork and other functional equipment. Perform pre-operational shakedown testing, and officially commission facility for use.