Ohio State University professor Chieri Kubota is focused on helping to resolve the production and training challenges facing controlled environment growers. Trying to produce vegetables in hot, humid conditions can be difficult for controlled environment growers whether growing in a greenhouse or a warehouse. “The challenges of greenhouse growing in Ohio and the Midwest are […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 8 The benefits of supplemental carbon dioxide (CO2) on greenhouse crops are easy to quantify. Faster production times, higher yields and larger fruit are some of the results of incorporating CO2 into the greenhouse atmosphere to optimize plant growth. Greenhouse crop consultant Marco de Bruin at de Bruin Greenhouse Consulting never […]
Continue Reading
Princeton University’s Vertical Farming Project aims to improve the sustainability of vertical farm production systems for commercial growers. The lack of accurate information related to vertical farming production was one of the main reasons that Dr. Paul Gauthier decided to start the Vertical Farming Project at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. Gauthier, who is Associate […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 16 Lucayan Tropical Produce has been growing greenhouse vegetables in The Bahamas for 12 years, but it has taken some adjustments to find the best crops to grow on an island in paradise. Since Lucayan Tropical Produce Ltd. began producing greenhouse vegetables in 2004, the company has experienced three major hurricanes, […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 16 Although MightyVine has only been growing greenhouse tomatoes for a year, its sister companies have enabled its product to be sold to a variety of clients in multiple states. MightyVine has been producing greenhouse tomatoes in Rochelle, Ill., for just over a year. But company chairman Jim Murphy became involved […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 16 Although it may be difficult to create the perfect greenhouse climate for growing plants, there are variables growers can control to maximize plant growth. Regardless of the type of crop being grown in a greenhouse, the climate a grower is trying to achieve requires controlling the same variables. “Greenhouse growers […]
Continue Reading
Urban Agriculture Production Act offers growers, retailers and consumers opportunity to produce, market and purchase locally-grown food. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) introduced the Urban Agriculture Production Act in September. This bipartisan bill aims to support nutritional and farmers’ market programs and help create the next generation of local, urban farmers and food producers. Kaptur was joined […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 15 Canadian researchers at the Harrow Research and Development Centre are working with growers to determine which horticultural lights are the most effective and efficient for producing tall greenhouse vegetable crops. When it comes to the collecting data on using LEDs on tall greenhouse vegetable crops, there isn’t a clear picture […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 15, October 2016 Researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands are studying the effects of LED lights on the growth, flowering and fruiting of vegetable and ornamental plants in controlled environments. Dutch growers who are building new greenhouses or adding new grow lights to their existing operations are comparing high pressure […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 15, October 2016 Scientists, university researchers, graduate students and industry representatives from 25 countries attended the 8th International Symposium on Light in Horticulture at Michigan State University. Michigan State University hosted the 8th International Symposium on Light in Horticulture from May 22-26, 2016. This was the first time the symposium, which […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 14 If you want a recipe for how to specifically control insect pests, then you would best be served using conventional chemical pest management. “When you look at things through an organic lens, it’s all about context,” said Michigan State University entomologist Matt Grieshop. “There are options to choose from, but […]
Continue Reading
A look back at how the Coalition for Sustainable Organics has worked to keep hydroponics and aquaponics as USDA organic-certified production methods. Originally published in Issue 14, July 2016 Organic hydroponic and aquaponic growers are waiting for the results of a National Organic Program task force report which is scheduled for release this month. Members […]
Continue Reading
If you are looking to take advantage of the demand for locally-grown potted edibles, here are some “new” crops that could excite retailers and consumers. While an increasing number of consumers are downsizing their gardens, they still want to garden. University of Minnesota horticulture professor John Erwin said as the population in the United States […]
Continue Reading
Originally published in Issue 13 Know your goals before investing in a water treatment system. A water treatment system is not going to add value to your product. It’s all about reducing the risk of crop losses. One of the advantages that ornamental plant growers have over growers of hydroponic edible crops is that ornamental […]
Continue Reading