Categories
Energy Technical

Making sure your oil burner runs efficiently

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key

 

For 15 years I burned oil to heat my greenhouse.  Some call it waste oil or recycled oil, basically it is oil that comes out of your car or truck, collected by a certified company. Impurities are then removed through a cooking and cleaning process before delivering the reconditioned product back.

In the mid 1990’s it was very different, the waste oil would be delivered with minimal treatment and you got what you got.  Once I received oil with sand in it.  Yes, this totally blocked my filter system and blocked my gold spot burner.  Fun times.   However, in the early 2000’s, with improvements in the ‘filtering process’ of the used oil, the number of breakdowns declined.

Many growers still use oil to heat greenhouses today.  It is still a relatively non expensive way to heat your greenhouse and serves as a way of safely disposing of oil otherwise bound for who knows wear. 

Mastering how to efficiently use an oil burner is complicated.  The air flow and oil pressure have to be aligned.  Preheating of oil is another must, if you don’t regularly maintain the pre-heater then it is very hard to ignite oil.   The temperature of the oil needs to be high for ignition.  In winter I always found that when the oil, in the holding tank outside, became colder it would affect its flow and the dab-pump, which pushed the oil to the preheater, would have to work harder.  To minimise the electricity cost, of the preheater, my engineer father diverted the cold oil via an inventive coil, which wrapped the already warm boiler, so when it entered the preheater it was already tepid.  This would reduce the time from when the boiler was started to when the oil ignited. 

Different systems require different needs for filtration of the oil.  The outlet from our storage tank, to the preheater, was 10cm up from the base of the oil tank.  We had another outlet below which acted as a water trap.  This was essential in the early years before the oil was processed correctly. 

However, the biggest job with the oil burner was the cleaning.  For a boiler to run as efficiently as possible regular cleaning is essential.  Depending on the number of hours it operated, in the middle of Winter it was every week and sometimes twice a week it would require cleaning.  For Autumn and Spring every two weeks.  I had a three-pass boiler so there was the main chamber, the second and third pass smaller tubes to be cleaned.   There is no sugar coating it, this was the hardest job I ever did as a grower, but if you want to sleep well at night it has to be done.   If the boiler is running to its maximum potential you will still end up with soot.  All the tubes were cleaned each time.  The largest chamber is where the flame is the hottest, so this is the most important part to clean. 

Gowers that use oil, and don’t have access to other heating sources, will continue to use oil to heat their greenhouses.  It is hard work maintaining an oil system but extremely necessary. 

 

To do list:

  1. Oil Pumps: clear of blockages
  2. Air compressor: Air pressure is constant
  3. Pre heater: Elements are clean and all working
  4. Filters are regularly checked and cleaned
  5. Main boiler chamber and tubes regularly cleaned
  6. Main oil holding tank is free of water
  7. Safety: Mineral sponge or similar products are on hand in case of accidental spills.
  8. Make sure you wear full protective clothing and face masks when cleaning the boiler.  I believe this to be just as important as when you are spraying.

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Supporting Services

Horticulture suppliers COVID-19 updates

What you need to know

 

In response to the last edition I asked suppliers to send me short messages to let growers know what services they had available during the level 4 lockdown:

 

Educhem:

To all our valued clients.  This is a difficult time for us all, but as long as we follow the COVID-19 advice rules, and remain patient and positive, we will get through this.  Although we are unable to undertake any training at this time, we are pleased to advise that we have been classified as an Essential Service for the following:

Repairs and maintenance of spray equipment’s

Supply and fit new componentry for sprayers

Calibrations (Ground)

Supply HuwaSan and Silifert-p to growers

Contact Educhem http://www.educhem.co.nz/contact-us for more information

Gellert Nurseries:

I just wanted to touch base to say we at Gellert’s are taking all precautions at the moment for everyone’s safety so I apologise for the visits I had to cancel this week.  While I know a lot of people that are working from home, I am working from the office this week and I am still contactable by phone and email like normal. 

I know quite a lot of the seed companies are doing a similar thing and asking me to give them as much notice as possible for placing orders as they are not all working on site.

Anyway, let’s hope as a country we get through this soon and support all in any way we can.

http://www.gellerts.co.nz/vegetable-propagation

Kind regards

Debbie

Sales and Customer Liaison

Phone 021-285-0070

Please note our change of phone number to 09 294-8178

Karaka, R D 1, Papakura, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone 09 294-8178 Ext 2

Apex Greenhouses:

During the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, we are currently operating our office sales, accounts, and logistics departments remotely and able take all enquiries via phone or email.

Our factory and warehouse are closed but we will be able to process urgent orders to essential businesses. Likewise, we have teams available for on-site service and maintenance. Please call James Harris 021 956 947 to make a booking.

We wish all our customers the very best during this time and take care.

 

James Harris

Operations Manager | Apex Greenhouses

james@apexgreenhouses.co.nz  | P +64 9 235 8618  | M +64 21 956 947 | apexgreenhouses.co.nz

 

EXTRUTEC:

Extrutec’s COVID-19 update on EarthTwine production

 

Like every other business Extrutec has been impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown.  While we are not able to ship our compostable twine for the duration of the lockdown, we are ready to do so as soon at MBIE regulations allow us to do that.  For any grower’s keen to give EarthTwine a go, we recommend that you get in touch and give us an indication of the quantity of compostable twine you require as well as the type of crop you plan to use it for. 

Expressions of interest will give us the information we need to plan our production and procurement of raw materials for the rest of 2020.  We appreciate that there is a lot of uncertainty around when the lock down will end and what the world may look like by then, so we will treat your interest and estimates as just that – we will not lock you into quantities or timing at this stage, unless you clearly indicate that it is your intention. 

This pandemic has confirmed just how vitally import agriculture and horticulture are to the world population and we are proud to be a supplier to the NZ industry.  Stay safe and stay healthy.  We are looking forward to catching up real soon with as many of you as possible.

http://www.extrutec.co.nz/

 

PREMIER SEEDS:

Premier Seeds is an essential business, so our team will continue to operate under reduced circumstances.

We are all working from home observing the reduced travel restrictions, but we are available via phone, messenger, email and WhatsApp.

The safety of our customers as well as our team is our number one priority. This is why visits have been stopped.

As required, our office staff all work from home and we are dispatching orders from our Airport Oaks facility Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If you have any seed requirements or need any advice, please talk to Imke (027 2444 611) or Benjamin (027 2444 651)

We are fully stocked and our suppliers are also working, but please allow an extra day or so for the seed delivery.

 

Stay safe stay healthy.

 

Wishing you a good week and a fun Easter weekend ��

 

With kind regards,

 

Imke Blackett   Dipl. Eng. Hort.

Greenhouse Product Development / Sales

Premier Seeds Limited 

71F Montgomerie Road  |  Airport Oaks  |  Auckland 2022  |  New Zealand

T 0272 444 611  |  E imke.blackett@premierseeds.co.nz  

W www.premierseeds.co.nz

 

 

PURELED:

We are currently all working remotely and orders are processed for essential services only. We are can provide all design, project advice and quoting remotely.

 

Regards

Daniel Deere 

Chief Executive

PURE LED LIGHTING

Pure LED: 07 394 6112 | Phone: 022 043 4864 | Email: danieldeere@pureled.co.nz | www.pureled.co.nz

 

 

NUNHEMS:

BASF Vegetable Seeds (NUHHEMS) is still in operation as an essential business and seed can still be dispatched via Egmont seeds.

We have plenty of stock but allow a day extra for delivery.

We are following the Covid 19 guidelines and working from home except for essential business which does not involve customer visits for the safety of all.

We know how important and challenging your work is during this time of uncertainty and are thankful for your effort to ensure a stable food supply for all of us.
Although, I cannot visit you personally, I am available via phone, email or text. Paula O’Hanon (021731009) paula.ohanlon@vegetableseeds.basf.com

Best Regards,

Paula O’Hanlon

Vegetable Seeds
Market Development Vegetable Seeds

Mobile: +64 (0) 21 731 009, Email: paula.ohanlon@vegetableseeds.basf.com

Postal Address: BASF New Zealand Ltd, Regus Auckland Airport, Level 1, Quad 7,

6 Leonard Isitt Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland, 2022, New Zealand

https://www.nunhems.com/au/en.html

Categories
Technical

Reduce Stems per m2

Winter density

 

As April fast approaches it is very easy to forget, with the beautiful weather we have had, that winter is just over two months away.  For tomato growers, who still have summer stems per/m2 planting density, there is still enough light to support the summer stem density and the fruit.   It is easy to observe how strong the plants are and how they are easily coping with summer density.  However, in seven weeks when the flowering truss is close to harvest you will end up in a potential pickle unless you have already pinched the heads on the extra stems.  The only exception to this is if you have artificial lighting. 

Tomato growers, who planted in December and January and planted at summer density you will have started picking already.  Many growers now plant with a Triple Headed Grafted (THG) plant in December or January for several reasons.  Double Headed Grafted (DHG) can be difficult to control from becoming too strong/vegetative, even if growers take an extra side shoot after planting.   With a triple you have a better chance of controlling and balancing a plant with the added benefit of planting straight away at summer density.  If you time it correctly you should be able to get a minimum of eight trusses set form this extra stem before removing their heads and going back to your winter density.  Please see article news/post/triple-headed-grafted/

If the extra heads have not been removed by now you could find that later in autumn you will create unnecessary stress on your plants, which could adversely affect plant health. Growers I consult to, that planted THG, are currently having a higher degree of success with both the balance of their plants and a huge increase in production compared to planting DHG at similar times to previous seasons.  There is extra work involved, including having several different coloured strings to identify the shoot that needs to be removed, but this also gives the grower the option to increase to summer density again in early spring.  By having different coloured strings, it is easy to identify and make sure you have three heads all coming off the same block.  If you don’t do this you run the risk of some blocks having four heads and some staying at two.  To explain to non-growers, who are not familiar with layering systems, when plants are layered it is not easy to trace back what stem belongs to which block/bag because the stems are already very long and entangled.  The string takes the guess work out of the equation. 

Triple heads will initially mean an increase in costs, with extra hooks/string needed and extra labour needed to carry out the increased plant work but the extra production and achieving a balanced plant will give plants a better opportunity to grow through the winter with less fungal pressure. When the extra stems have finished picking in May you will need to cut them out and this is a job that is necessary but again the benefits for me far out way the negatives.  You might even wish to paint the wound with protective product to protect the wound from infection. 

This photo of a THG crop was taken on the13th of March.  The fruit was just starting to colour.

 

Cover photo.  Next edition I will discuss the benefits of truss arching.

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Shading

When should I remove the coating?

Light levels fall a little further every day in March. The decision as to when to remove a coating is partly rational and partly depends on the weather and your green fingers. 

When is the best time to remove a coating? The answer to this question depends on the type of coating, the crop, its current status and the grower’s judgement. It’s a trade-off between the light loss caused by the coating and the benefits it offers, such as heat dissipation or diffusivity. Any coating cuts out some light, but how much is lost depends very much on the type of coating.

 

When to remove ReduSol

The purpose of ReduSol is to deflect light. In general, 1% more light means 1% more production, but only as long as the crop can handle it. Above a certain ceiling, more light can actually damage it. Therefore, there comes a time in spring when it’s good to deflect some of the light with ReduSol. Once the light level starts to drop again in the autumn, you are faced with the question of whether the benefits of screening with ReduSol still outweigh the extra light obtained by removing it. 

There are tables with average light levels throughout the year, in joules per day, for every region in the world. This makes it relatively easy to set a date for removing ReduSol. This can be fine-tuned based on the weather at the time. Mardenkro can also advise on this.

 

When to remove ReduHeat

Over time we have come to understand that it is not the light level but a rise in the plant temperature that can damage the plant. With ReduHeat, you can benefit from the yield-boosting effect of light without the plant becoming overheated. However, like all coatings, it also screens out some of the light. 

Once the risk of heat stress drops, that extra light is welcome again as it boosts yields. What’s more, the air starts to become more humid from the end of March onwards, which reduces the intensity of the light.

The number of joules per day is the main guiding principle in this case too. Furthermore, growers are generally able to judge for themselves how the crop is doing and whether the extra light level obtained by removing the coating would be useful. 

 

When to remove diffuse coatings

The decision as to when to remove diffuse coatings is the hardest. Scientists at Wageningen University & Research are also regularly asked about this but are unable to give an exact answer. The advantage of diffuse light has been irrefutably demonstrated in many trials. But it is very difficult to compare the relatively small loss of light brought about by ReduFuse with the advantages of a diffuse coating. Some crops are not affected by this small loss of light and benefit more from the diffusivity. But for light-loving crops such as the tomato, the slight loss of light can result in lower yields, so it is better to remove the coating before the autumn. 
Wageningen University & Research has just launched a new project entitled “Diffuse glass – make it clear”. In this project, measurements taken by tomato, chrysanthemum and strawberry growers under diffused glass or coatings are being used to gain a better picture of the effect of diffuse light. 

 

Considerations

In tomato, the fruit grows lower down the crop. So, they won’t be harmed much by ReduFuse or ReduFuse IR being removed a little early. Sweet pepper fruits, on the other hand, are sensitive and often hang in the sun. Thus, it’s better to be safe than sorry with this crop. In addition, fruit setting can be disrupted if the plant is exposed to heat stress. 

Because ReduFuse IR reduces light transmission by more than 10%, we recommend removing this coating in the autumn. Standard ReduFuse causes so little loss of light that it could be worth considering leaving the coating in place for many crops, particularly ornamentals. After all, the advantages of diffused light is welcome all year-round. If the light is distributed more evenly and penetrates deeper into the crop, this will boost yields and improve quality. In Canada, some gerbera growers are even making use of the benefits of ReduFuse in winter.

Ask Mardenkro for more advice via https://www.redusystems.co.nz/en/team/

Article supplied by Redusystems

 

 

Categories
Integrated Pest Management

Another Week, Another Caterpillar

What a mess they can make and quickly

 

A very topical subject matter at present, and I know it may seem as though I’m repeating the theme of articles, is caterpillars. I have never seen as much damage, caused by caterpillars, to cucumber plants than what I have witnessed this season.  They are a major pain and unfortunately can be found on all of the main greenhouse crops. The rate at which they have caused damage is alarming.

On Friday I alerted a grower to the damage I found.  The damage was centred at the head of the plant.  If it wasn’t for the small holes I may not have noticed it.  When I looked hard, I saw tiny caterpillars hiding in the head.  My advice to the grower was to apply a BT spray that afternoon.  When I returned to the property, the following week, I noticed there was a noticeable decrease in the amount of damage and there were dead caterpillars, but there was also a small number still alive.  I advised to spray a further application this week to keep on top of the caterpillars.  I have read that the interval between applications for a BT is 3-14 days, but please check with your supplier first to confirm this.  

Please remember that a BT (Bacillus Thuringiensis) is a naturally occurring bacteria, so if you wish for this to work then ideally do not mix it with other combinations and give it a few days to work before applying anything that might reduce its effectiveness. 

 

 

 

Look closely

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

 

Categories
Technical

Why light transmission is so important

Not cleaning your roof reduces income potential

 

I took this photo last week. When I viewed it closely on my computer I was surprised.  While I was looking up taking the photo I could see the glass was dirty, but with the naked eye it honestly did not appear to be as dirty as the photo suggests.  However, this glass is in need of cleaning and this image definitely illustrates that.

As we are approach the end of March, light levels are decreasing.   In April the natural reduction of light, penetrating to your crops, will negatively impact on production.    One percent reduction in light equals less production.  Fifteen percent reduction in light equals a LOT less production.  The problem equating the loss of light with a loss of production is difficult because it is not always measured.  For example, if you never had the production in the first place how do you know you have lost production.  Well that’s easy to answer, you have.  Growers that keep historical production figures will have an advantage if their crop cycles are similar each season. 

There are a few issues surrounding cleaning greenhouse roofs, and one of those concerns is the health and safety requirements for staff when cleaning.  I have been attempting to find an answer to this concern, the possible solution found is in the trial phase.  Currently, the only option, if you don’t have an automatic roof washer, is to climb on the roof with your hose and brush and give it a good old scrub.  There are companies that specialise in water blasting and cleaning glasshouse roofs but the cost of this can be off putting for growers. However, this concern should be counterbalanced with the potential loss in production.  As an advisor I want your roof clean for the best possible light penetration.  This is another reason why I am so keen on the anti-condensation coatings. 

Winter is approaching, within reason your heating bill will be the same if your greenhouse roof is clean or not.  In the past cleaning your roof was an annual job that was a “must do” now it seems to be a job that is put in the “too hard basket”.    This does affect smaller grower’s more than large companies, as larger companies own their own automatic roof washers that clean their greenhouse roofs multiple times a year. 

Personally, I never liked doing this job and possibly don’t have the nerve for it anymore (let a forward pack run over me any day of the week, like they used to!) but there are companies that have specialised teams that carry out this essential task on your behalf.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Events/Announcements

Working with TomatoesNZ

Re-joining as a co-opted Board Member

 

It is my pleasure to announce I will be re-joining the TomatoesNZ Board as a co-opted Board Member.  I believe it presents a fantastic opportunity for me and will have benefits for covered crop growers, which include the tomato growers I consult to.  It provides another link between the board and growers.  I will be able to give first-hand information, of the many projects that TomatoesNZ is engaged with and take back, to the board, grower requests and questions.

Along with Grower2Grower I believe this will enhance the pathway for information flow directly to the growers.  It really makes sense as this is the main aim of the Grower2Grower website.

I look forward to re-joining the board and helping enhance this part of the industry, of which I have been apart of for over half of my life.  I would like to personally thank the board for this opportunity.   I look forward to catching up with you all at the next meeting.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Irrigation/Substrates Technical

Time to reduce your water content?

Daylength is Decreasing 

 

Now is a good time to consider when the first and, more importantly, when your last daily irrigation should be to start reducing water content of your substrate going into the night.  Protecting root systems in the autumn is highly critical in my view.  If you are a grower using substrates then this article is for you.

 

One concern for many growers is how will they keep their EC under control if they stop earlier.   It does depend on your substrate, which I always say, but it’s true because they all have different water holding capacity, not to mention the varying substrate per m2 each grower has.  So, I will not say stop at 4pm because that is too broad, the advice for each grower is slightly or even very different, only by understanding each individual circumstance would I offer more precise advice.   If high EC does become an issue then find a period in the mid-late morning where you have the ability to increase frequency.  Only if you are struggling to maintain your target EC figure.  What is your target EC figure?

Dry down percentage and Delta EC is critical and in some cases can adversely effect fruit quality.  For example, certain substrates dry down excessively over night so the EC build up directly under the irrigation spike/block can increase to such a high level, that when it first irrigates the next morning you can have a rapid change (decrease) in EC. As a consequence, rapid uptake by the plant, contributing to crazing or splitting of fruit (tomato as the example, but this still effects other crops negatively as well).  Some growers will use night shots to correct this and to make sure the dry down % is not too excessive therefor reduce the ‘impact’ of the first few irrigations of each day.

For a crop that is picking the rule of thumb is to achieve 8-12% dry down in the substrate.  Once you have achieved your targets then sustaining them is the challenge.  Environmental conditions have a huge impact.  If it is cold outside, your heaters are on full noise and your pipes scorching this will increase the dry down if substrates via extra evaporation (another reason why I like the minimum/maximum pipe temperatures that Frank Florus introduced me to all those years ago).

The optimum use of irrigation is the goal I want all growers to achieve.  This will ensure the best chance of protecting root and plant health without negative impacts on production.  It is currently very easy to overwater and in the short term probably safer, but looking at this in the long term for the crops growing through the winter period I feel this increases the risk of good plant health.  There is no real consensus amongst growers, there is a range of theories, but what is evident is that the growers with the ability to collect information, via sensors or scales, have a better chance of maintaining water content and EC within a range that is considered optimum.

 

 

 

Article written by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

 

Categories
Greenhouse News

Guy Morgan, Seedling Systems

BEST OF 2019

 

In this first edition of 2020 we are revisiting the two most popular articles of 2019 from the Grower2Grower e-magazine.  ‘Guy Morgan, Seedling Systems’ was the most well-read Grower Profile article of 2019.   I had a brief catch up with Guy before Christmas and was very happy with the new improvements and efficiencies to his business.

 

 

New High Tech Greenhouse Nursery Purpose Built For Outdoor Growers

“This is why I get up in the morning”

 

This story is an inspiring insight to what can be achieved with hard graft, innovation and an amazing work ethic demonstrated by another New Zealand greenhouse grower.  Guy Morgan, owner and head grower of Seedling Systems, has recently commisioned a brand new 4000 m2 Apex Greenhouse structure, internally fitted out with a rolling bench system for growing vegetable seedlings for outdoor growers.  When you walk into the greenhouse you see that no expense has been spared with this magnificent setup. 

 

How it started:

Guy was Born in 1965, raised in Featherston and attended Kuranui College in the Wairarapa District.  How Guy became involved in growing vegetable seedlings is a fantastic story in itself.  Guy’s grandmother was an ardent gardener and from a very early age taught him how to grow plants.  From the age of 5 Guy would grow seedlings in old ice cream containers and sell them.  Guy fondly remembers having a little brief case which he would carry his money in. When he was older, he worked in local orchards fruit picking and mowed lawns to earn extra money.  When he finished college he went on to Massey University, where he completed a Hort Science Degree from 1983 to 1986.

Guy’s first job, after completing his degree, was with a greenhouse flower grower in Katikati, growing Gypsophila and Orchids.  In 1988 a position became available at Gardenza. Guy had worked there as part of his practical work experience, during holidays, while studying at university.  He continued to work at Gardenza for the next five years.  In 1990, while working at Gardenza, Guy purchased the property next door and built some plastic houses where he started to grow his own Gypsophila.  He juggled working at Gardenza, during the day, and working on his flowers at night and on the weekends until 1993.  He was then making enough money from his flowers that he was in a position to leave his role at Gardenza and work for himself fulltime.

In the mid 1990’s Guy built more growing area, in the form of plastic houses, and his family home.  He kept growing flowers until the early 2000’s.  In 1997 a horticulture trade fair was held at Alexandra Park. It was at this fair he saw a seedling machine. Guy saw an opportunity, and from here the decision to grow seedlings was made.  He started off growing young plants for other flower growers, and this slowly developed to propagating vegetable seedlings for outdoor growers.  Since the inception of growing seedlings, the business has totally transformed.  Old plastic houses were removed and replaced with modern glasshouse structures and most recently the brand-new glasshouse, with purpose-built germination rooms and rolling benches, has been built.  Seedling Systems now has over 15,500 m2 of covered area for propagation. There is over 1 ha in glasshouses and 0.5 ha in plastic houses.

The new glasshouse, and attached shed, has a brand-new Urbinati seeding machine as well as a purpose-built germination room. The intention is to change more area from static benches to rolling benches that have been installed by KG Bench Systems in the new glasshouse. 

Guy employs over 20 staff.  Many of the staff are local to the Glenbrook area.  The new mechanising and expansion of his business will continue to help this business grow.  Seedling Systems can house over 10 million plants in the peak of summer.   There is a very large product range.  Approximately 85% of the seedlings propagated by Seedling Systems are for outdoor vegetable growers.  They grow tomatoes and cucumber plants for greenhouse vegetable growers as well as flowering plants which is increasing.    Potato and kumara trials, raising kiwifruit and growing new products such as Miscanthus grass are just a few more plant species Seedling System grow.  To find out more about products grown by Seedling Systems go to the website  http://www.seedlingsystems.co.nz/

Guy has worked extremely hard, and continues working long hours, seven days a week.  It is obvious growing is a passion, his enthusiasm and positivity is evident.  Building his new high tech rolling bench system certainly sends positive signals to the industry.  Outdoor growers will be highly impressed with the new facility and the quality of the plants grown by Guy and his team.  Guy is positive about the future of growing and continuing his partnerships with all growers for many years to come. 

 

This photo (above) is the main transport area for the rolling benches on the main path in the new glasshouse.  You will also be able to see the irrigation booms running the length of the greenhouse in 8 metre runs

 

Guy has banked with the BNZ for most of his life.  The BNZ have been an integral partner in the growth and success of Seedling Systems.  This partnership is just another example of working together and the BNZ’s continued expansion and support of the horticulture sector .  Peter Butler, Agri Businees Manager from the BNZ in Pukekohe has a close working relationship with Guy and is getting a first hand look at the new Urbanati seeding machine.  The second to be installed on the property.

 

The brand new Urbinati seeding machine

 

The new germination room can have the benches stacked on top of each other to maximise the use of the space.  F-Tek, from Pukekohe, designed and built the lifter that inserts and removes the benches from the germination room.  Just another example of Kiwi’s working and supporting each other’s businesses. 

 

All of the plants are watered using automatic overhead booms.  It is a well thought out and designed system that if you get the chance you should go and see. 

 

The new glasshouse is quickly filling up. Mainly Brassicas are in the picture above.  Below the first lot of vegetable plants that were seeded are now coming out into the open to be hardened of before being delivered to outdoor growers.  

The final touches are being completed to the outside of the greenhouse.  This new 300,000 litre water storage tank just one of the new additions to the property.

 

Above and below are photos of Miscanthus Miscanthus x giganteus grass. It is a product that is being used increasingly throughout the world as a purpose-grown bioenergy crop as well as multiple uses in farming, as a feed and for shelter.  This is a very exciting product which can be used for so many different purposes. It is only a matter of time before its commercial benefits are realised. Guy will split cut and split the root systems too multiply production.

 

Seedling Systems supplies many plants to council for public gardens.  These violas are just one example.

 

Guy now has four large trucks to deliver the seedlings.  He has always been interested in transport and if he had not become a grower would have been involved in the transport industry.

 

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

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Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower

Categories
Greenhouse News

Time for Boiler Maintenance?

Still warm day’s but night time temperatures falling

 

This year I hope to write articles on the different greenhouse heating systems currently used in the greenhouse industry, the positives and negatives of different systems.   I am aware of gas, coal, waste oil, wood burners, co gen, and geothermal.  We are in March and the nights are getting cooler, it is an opportune time to reach out to growers who have heating systems but generally do not turn them on until late in the autumn.

Many growers are already using their heating systems and it is common for many growers to never turn them off during the summer.  There are really good reasons for this, including maintaining fruit quality and still having the ability to burn of excess vigour, especially on a newly planted tomato or cucumber crop. 

If you are a grower that decides not to turn the heater on until it is genuinely cold, that is completely up to you.  For the growers that are using heating now, especially for crops where the intention is to grow them through winter, then there are benefits.  For younger crops (tomatoes), considering the brilliant summer we have had, when you get cold nights your plant will slow and depending on its stage could become too vigorous, you need those heat inputs at night to keep the plant in balance and growing at optimum rates.  If you are not heating, but are close to picking, the opposite can happen where the head of the plant becomes thin/weak because the fruit has sat on the plant too long, because of the lack of night time heating, fruit has become too big and basically drained the life out of the plant.  It is not until you have picked the first 3 trusses that the head will recover but truss number 7-10 will suffer as a result.  The other problem many growers face is fruit sweating, with tomatoes and excessive guttation with cucumbers, undesirable but great for the chemical companies that want you to buy their fungicides.  This is not perceived as a problem now by some growers. Even in April, by not using your heating, you could counter intuitively cause plant health issues before the winter officially begins. 

It is great if you want to get your boiler serviced, but if you are using waste oil, at very least make sure you have drained any excess water, dispose of it legally and clean the filters.  I always found that when the weather was warm the oil passes easier through the filters and when it gets cold that build up of grunge would cause me grief.  It might even be an option to consider cleaning your tank now to prevent blockages during the winter.

 

Regular cleaning the heating tubes for oil burners is a necessary job to make sure the boiler is running as efficient as possible.  Three pass burners will have smaller tubes in the second pass that can block up if not attended to on a weekly basis (depending on hours run).

 

Insulating external exposed flow and return lines will save you a small fortune.   Even if you insulate the main flow pipe in your greenhouse you will improve the 'evenness' of the climate in your greenhouse.

 

I appreciate your comments.  Please feel free to comment below or on the grower2grower Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/StefanGrower2grower/

Article Written by Stefan Vogrincic, Consultant, Grower2Grower

Article Edited by Marie Vogrincic, Editor, Grower2Grower