One of the most intriguing demonstrations at this year’s AmericanHort Cultivate Expo was from Dr. Krishna Nemali, Ph.D., assistant professor of controlled environment agriculture at Purdue University. He showed how floriculture and nursery growers, using nothing more than the cameras on their smartphones, can measure plant nitrogen status. (more…)
In my last column, I wrote about a process that turns waste hop biomass into nanofibers. Good news! Another group of scientists have learned how to turn hazelnut shells into a potential renewable energy source. Isn’t science neat? (more…)
With re-opening your business and acclimating to your specific pandemic-related regulations, an important factor to take into account is keeping your customers informed by signaling your intentions. (more…)
Following their “go big or go home” mantra, the Richardsons originally planned for 10,000 tulip bulbs and ended up planting 300,000. They’re expanding their flower attractions this year with sunflowers too. Photo courtesy of Richardson Adventure Farm
by Sally Colby
The Richardsons takes a big approach to everything they do, and it’s paid off for the multi-generation Spring Grove, IL, family. (more…)
“There’s all this energy and parents say that for months their kids have been looking forward to coming to the farm,” said Mike Waldvogel. “When leaving, they say that it’s the most fun they’ve had in a long time and they can’t wait to come back.” Photo courtesy of Waldvogel’s Pumpkin Farm
by Gail March Yerke
The 2020 pandemic brought challenges and opportunities (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Anxiety is the feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. Its symptoms often arise when it seems like things are out of your control – during a global pandemic, for example, or in the long recovery from it. (more…)
(L – R) Ken Fisher, Dr. Charlie Hall and Craig Regelbrugge of AmericanHort. Photos by Courtney Llewellyn
by Courtney Llewellyn
“After fighting together to remain essential, we proved we are,” stated Ken Fisher, (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
August means back to school time for much of America. And back to school – especially post-pandemic – means teachers and students will also be heading back out on field trips too. Fortunately, those who have experience (more…)
by Sally Colby
The ultimate goal of the poinsettia grower is beautiful plants, free of insects and disease. However, that doesn’t happen without careful monitoring and planning.
Doug Barrow, biological control advisor with BioWorks, said that in addition to being highly effective, biological control agents (BCAs) (more…)
Kelco Industries had just a fraction of their holiday decor options on display at this year’s Cultivate. Photo by Courtney Llewellyn
by Courtney Llewellyn
Why sell holiday décor? “Joy!” was the simple response from Caroline Puller, the vice president of visual design at Seasonscapes. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
With summer vacation well underway, and people desperate to start traveling again, farms hosting tours and overnight stays are likely filling slots quickly – if they’re not already booked up for the rest of the year. (more…)
Many years ago, I visited Rodale Institute. It seemed at that time the terms sustainable and organic were used interchangeably and denoted a range of meanings from a very strict personal farming philosophy/lifestyle to a marketing strategy and everything in between. (more…)
