How do I start a hydroponic farm
How do I start a hydroponic farm? A frequent and legit question to ask from all parts of the world; how do I start a...
The basics of producing good seedlings
It is a proven fact that the production of seedlings in seed trays will on average provide a better quality seedling which will permit earlier...
The effect of high intensity radiation on plant growth in greenhouses.
High intensity radiation is more common in equatorial regions than cold weather climates. This is because of the angle the sun rays hit the soil...
The effect of radiation on growth and yield
Understanding the effect of radiation on plants will help identify weaknesses in your greenhouse. The effect of radiation can be divided into three parts; its...
Basic pest and disease resistance management strategies in greenhouses
Resistance to chemicals is due to the intense selection pressure exerted on the population that is controlled. There is only a limited number of chemicals...
Understanding the greenhouse environment
The protected greenhouse environment The greenhouse environment is designed to allow plants to perform close to their genetic optimum so that the grower achieves maximum...
Trellising cucumbers in greenhouses
Trellising and training of greenhouse cucumbers Trellising of cucumbers should not be confused with pruning. They do go hand in hand, but are very different....
Understanding nitrogen dynamics during cucumber growth season
We all know the basics of nitrogen in plants. The good and the bad. Every grower and student knows nitrogen is important for good looking...
Optimizing income of your farm using Fibonacci
This is something that has been on my mind for a long time. So many growers ask me what is the best combination of crops...
Fertigation of cucumbers – the basics
Cucumbers are sensitive to water stress (to little water) and to water logging (over watering). Any of these two conditions will reduce plant vigour and...
The feasibility of hydroponics as empowerment concept – and why you will fail too.
There is no doubt that hydroponic farming systems are feasible as a commercial operation. Proof is in the application of this technology worldwide. I do...
Solution heating of a tomato crop has limited effect on early yields
Heating the nutrient solution of a NFT hydroponic system may sound like a lucrative option for early yields. Tampering with the nutrient solution temperature is...
How to grow spinach hydroponically
Spinach or Spinacia oleracea L. belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. The Chenopodiaceae family also includes crop such as beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) and...
When to harvest tomato fruit
The ripening stage when tomato fruit are harvested will depend on the variety, the market segment (do they want red full ripe tomatoes or does...
Nutrient interactions: Calcium and Boron ratio
Calcium and Boron have a close relationship in the plant. Their absolute concentrations and the relative ratio between the two affects how much of each...
Seedling transplant tolerances and germination characteristics
Seedling susceptibility to various climate conditions is important to growers, especially those wanting to venture into new crops. We all know that microclimate is crucial...
