As I was digging out some large tree stumps with my backhoe, my thoughts migrated to what the early pioneers must have experienced in clearing land for farming. I reflected on the past – windmills or hand pumps used to move water, wood for fuel, candles or oil lamps for light, and horses and wagons to transport people and produce to market. (more…)
Farmers have always had to deal with unpredictable weather. Erratic weather patterns are increasingly occurring, and dealing with the weather is simply getting more confounding as climate change becomes a day-to-day reality. (more…)
When most of us begin our flower journey we start with the easy, tender annuals such as cosmos and zinnias. They grow profusely and produce many branches. When I started I didn’t know better than to cut at the natural juncture of branches. (more…)
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…)
“You have to be a little bit crazy to grow peaches in the high desert,” said Erik Erickson, who runs the orchard with his wife Julie. Photo courtesy of Hunter Orchards
by Sally Colby
This autumn will mark the second harvest season for Erik and Julie Erickson at Hunter Orchards in Grenada, CA. (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…)
