The word “sustainable” is one of those buzz words currently being attached to everything from clothing, to energy, to coffee, and yes, even gardening. So what does sustainable gardening really mean? According to Chris McLaughlin of Fine Gardening, “Sustainable gardening is a term that has no technical definition. It’s the concept of using gardening practices…
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Few industries have not experienced an impact from Covid19 in one way or another. For the horticultural industry, we’ve seen a resurgence of the home gardener and an interest in sustainability. With many still fairly isolated to their homes, families are heading out to enjoy the natural world right outside their back door. In turn, they’re using…
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Greenhouse gardening is an incredibly popular technique – especially for those living in colder climates. But it’s more than just getting a shiny new structure installed. You’ll need greenhouse supplies before you can even begin to think about cultivation. Benefits of Greenhouse Growing There are many benefits to growing crops in greenhouses, including: A consistent,…
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Containers are the backbone of nursery growers. A black plastic nursery pot may seem ordinary and rudimentary in its design, but it provides a place where plants are propagated, grown and ultimately supplied for gardens, forestry, conservation biology and agriculture. Nurseries often grow small trees, shrubs and other herbaceous plants in containerfields. There, hundreds if…
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During AmericanHort’s recent State of the Industry address during CultivateVirtual in July 2020, the leading national association for the green industry covered many topics not surprisingly related to COVID-19. One obvious and positive highlight focused on consumer spending and the “record year” the industry is having as a result. Through June 21 (week 25), the…
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The growth of the horticultural industry has been tremendous during COVID-19. This comes as many other industries have sadly experienced significant losses as they try to adjust to the unexpected changes in consumer behavior and increased governmental regulations. There are few statistical studies in existence on the growth of the horticultural industry as it pertains…
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Labor shortages continue to remain an issue in the horticulture industry, and automation-friendly containers are looked upon as the solution. Many greenhouses and nurseries are turning towards contract employees to fill the labor void. But while they provide the physical assistance required in the operation, they often have no or very limited industry experience and…
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This article appears in the August 2020 edition of Nursery Management magazine. Monrovia uses plastic growing containers from The HC Companies for general ornamental crops, anything from perennials to conifers, trees to roses. Ron Kinney, production resource planning manager with Monrovia in Oregon, says there are several factors that determine whether a container would meet…
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“Container gardens are great for beginning gardeners, people who have limited space or anyone who wants to dress up their porch or patio.” – GardenDesign.com Quarantine restrictions have increased the popularity of at home gardens – especially container gardens. They’re often considered great for beginners with little risk, less demanding on people’s schedules and often…
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Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) is often referred to as one of the first women in horticulture. Gertrude created over 400 of the most beautiful garden designs throughout the United States and Europe during her lifetime. She called Surrey, England home for most of her life, which is where she ran a modest garden center where she…
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