Got bugs? Jump into Biocontrol for greenhouse pest control
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
“Information is power!” stated Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Lamb, NYS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, Cornell. (more…)
Dealing with deer on Christmas tree farms
by Sally Colby
Jeff Owen, North Carolina State University Extension Christmas tree specialist, knows that growers battle damage from deer, and has done extensive research on what works to minimize deer damage. (more…)
Understanding Paecilomyces Rot of apple and its effect on processed apple products
by Carl Cantaluppi
Apple growers need to spray fungicides to control destructive apple diseases that are present on leaves and fruit. Paecilomyces niveus is a fungus found in soil that can survive in orchard soils and can infect fruit through wounds. (more…)
Optimizing fruit quality via intensive nutrient management
No matter what kind of tree fruit you are growing, many factors influence the end-quality. Managing the nutrient levels during differing stages of crop development is one important aspect that can strongly influence fruit size, firmness and quality whether you are growing pome or stone fruits. (more…)
Squelching the Heat
Mid-summer marks a busy season for many direct-marketing businesses, so discussing taking on even more heat may sound illogical – especially if the heat refers to crisis management. (more…)
AmericanHort hosts another successful show
COLUMBUS, OHIO — The green industry’s leading trade association, AmericanHort, hosted Cultivate’18 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center July 14 – 17, 2018. As the premier annual event for the entire horticulture industry, Cultivate’18 brought in over 10,000 visitors and included more than 650 national and international exhibitors who displayed the newest live plants and green industry materials at the show.
More revenue, more liability
by Sally Colby
When it comes to liability related to agritourism, or agritainment, Dr. Brian Schilling says every farm is unique and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach for managing liability on agritourism farms. However, farmers can take steps to avoid messy legal issues. (more…)
Healthy pumpkins for healthy profits
by Sally Colby
There’s no doubt that pumpkins herald a new season and consumers are anxious for the arrival of this age-old icon of fall. Although most consumers still seek bright orange fruit, pumpkins of all colors, shapes and sizes are selling well. (more…)
Stay ahead of Christmas tree health and vigor issues
by Sally Colby
Christmas tree growers devote considerable time and effort to bringing a crop to harvest, but even the most seasoned growers have periodic issues with fertility, disease and insect pests. (more…)
Bountiful color through the seasons
by Sally Colby
Visitors to Rogers’ Nursery on any given day through the growing season are treated to one of the most beautiful yet understated selections of perennials, shrubs and trees in the region. (more…)
Labor issues challenge diverse lawn business
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
For Bill and Jennifer LaPlant, 24 hours in one day just doesn’t seem enough. While Bill operates LaPlant’s Lawn & Property Maintenance — mowing, trimming, snow plowing and maintaining more than 100 commercial and residential properties — Jennifer runs the couple’s garden center and greenhouse business in Lyons, NY, where they sell numerous varieties of plants, hanging baskets, bark mulch, gifts, local products and garden supplies. (more…)
First, middle and lasting impressions
by Sally Colby
Perhaps no one truly knows when the ‘everything pumpkin’ craze began, but it’s become tradition for consumers to seek pumpkin flavors, designs and decorations not long after children are back in school. While selecting the perfect, traditional orange fruit is often the highlight of a family’s visit to your farm, fall isn’t just about pumpkins. For many families, a chance to pick apples, tackle a corn maze or simply enjoy the tranquility of a farm is enough reason for a visit. (more…)