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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreLabor 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…
Read MoreThis 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…
Read More“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…
Read MoreGertrude 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…
Read MoreRegardless of the industry, consumers increasingly share a mindset towards sustainability. They’re more sophisticated, educated and oftentimes armed with an arsenal of comparative information about sustainable products in the palm of their hands. Cannabis growers understand this reality and are now seeking cannabis fiber containers for their operations. While patrons will rarely observe the type…
Read MoreThe azalea plants you’re cultivating in an azalea pot were first grown by Buddhist monks way back in 1680 in Holland. But these sweet-scented shrubs, native to the hillsides of Japan, eventually gained popularity in greenhouses across France, England, Belgium, and even Germany. The North American region is home to some 26 native varieties of…
Read MoreAs more environmentally conscious consumers demand more sustainable options in all walks of life, growers see fiber pots and biodegradable planters as an opportunity to bring their inventory full circle by utilizing and marketing plants grown in sustainable, molded pulp growing containers. It’s a unique differentiator in a competitive industry, but it’s not without its…
Read MoreFor nursery growers throughout North America, custom branded containers are often an afterthought. Daily challenges surrounding labor, regulations, pests, and diseases, as well as the environment, are heavy and unpredictable burdens placed on the shoulders of growers both large and small, which doesn’t leave a great deal of time to devote to creating or leveraging…
Read More
