The ideal fertilizer program provides all the essential elements in required amounts and ratios to coincide with plant nutrient demands, minimizing waste and maximizing crop quality and profits. Unfortunately, there are inefficiencies, waste (nutrient runoff) and/or luxurious consumption (such as excess phosphorous and stretching) in many current fertilizer programs. Nutrient deficiency symptoms often are not
Using CRF in the greenhouse isn’t quite as straightforward as using it in a nursery setting. However, by following these tips, growers can effectively implement CRF in the greenhouse: 1. Remember, root zone temperature drives CRF nutrient release. Thus, CRF will release nutrients more quickly as temperatures rise. It’s important to consider this carefully when
In today’s tight economy, it’s only natural that growers are carefully monitoring all their production costs and cutting back on expenses in the hopes of maximizing margins and profits. It’s easy to understand their motivation; however, some growers may perform an inadequate analysis of their cost structure. This may result in some production decisions that
Today’s growers are faced with ever-increasing pressures to be efficient and profitable. The days of “doing things the same way we always have” are waning, and many growers cannot afford to be complacent about their crops and production systems. Fortunately, there is a constant wave of new crops, products and practices that can help growers
The Scotts Company celebrated its 140th anniversary this year, and it evolved greatly since the days of O.M. Scott. The last 25 years have certainly brought many innovative changes to the ornamentals industry as a whole. What will happen in the next 25 years? There will surely be many changes in ornamental production, some that
Poinsettia season will soon be upon us, so it is worthwhile to review the nutritional needs of poinsettias and the corresponding fertilizer practices that will maximize crop quality. From a nutritional standpoint, poinsettias can be a rather finicky crop that challenges even the best growers. Poinsettias readily exhibit both deficiency and toxicity symptoms linked to
The spring season presents some unique challenges for even the best growers. It can be a time of rapidly changing environmental conditions – some beyond the grower’s control – that may negatively impact crop quality. Often, growers plan multiple crop turns to meet desired shipping dates that are subject to last minute shifts due to fluctuating
There are several types of fertilizers commercially available to growers: water soluble fertilizers (WSFs) and controlled release fertilizers (CRFs). Historically, WSFs have been used mostly in greenhouse production while CRFs have been used mostly in nursery crops grown outdoors. Both types of fertilizers offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. WSFs are dissolved
Growing media pH impacts nutrient uptake and utilization. Pictured is an example of high pH, low micronutrients on the left. Spring is a very busy time for most greenhouse growers. Multiple activities are taking place simultaneously: potting, shipping, merchandising, spacing, growing, monitoring crop quality, spraying, etc. Weather is ever-changing and can throw a monkey wrench
Hardy mums and other fall crops are grown in the summer months for late summer/fall sale, providing many growers with a second income stream during this period. These crops are unusual when compared to most greenhouse crops, as they are most often grown outside in field conditions with fewer environmental controls. This scenario is positive
