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A Controlled Curtain
Greenhouse Product News
February 2006
By Meghan Boyer
Together the EnviroSTEP environmental control unit and the PowerPull energy curtain reduced energy and labor costs and gave these growers some peace of mind.
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The finance of automation
Greenhouse Product News
April 2005
By Bridget White
Specifically, we will be addressing the two major concerns when assessing affordability: return on investment and cash flow.
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The Complete Automation Guide
Greenhouse Product News
April 2005
By Bridget White
This is a project that has been in the works for several years and one that we hope to bring you at least twice each year.
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Integrating Automation
Greenhouse Product News
April 2005
By Mackenzie Gaffney
Putting off total integration only leaves you farther behind with less time to catch up. Fortunately, it’s never too late to create an integrated greenhouse automation plan.
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Growth in a Flat Economy
Greenhouse Product News
April 2004
By Bridget White
If you’re looking for signs that the economy is starting to turn around, a large new greenhouse build should do the trick.
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International Travel
Greenhouse Product News
March 2004
By Bridget White and Carrie Burns
It seemed that the people behind the marketing schemes in Europe are risk takers and are willing to do a lot to get their ideas across to the consumers.
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Clearstream Myco Media Filter
Greenhouse Product News
February 2004
By Neda Simeonova
The Myco filtration system is unique in that it is extremely effective but doesn't require frequent maintenance such as backwashing or cleaning.
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Preparing Automation
Greenhouse Product News
February 2004
Mike Porter
Spring can be a mad scramble or a well planned and orchestrated exercise. In most operations, I suspect, it is a combination of both.
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Grower 101: Workstations --Designed for Efficiency
Greenhouse Product News
January 2004
John Bartok Jr.
Workstations-- used for seeding, transplanting, potting, taking cuttings and preparing plants or vegetables for shipping-- are areas where employees do repetitive tasks. Having everything needed within arm's reach and providing a comfortable environment are key to good workstation design.
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Financing the Industry
Greenhouse Product News
December 2003
Bridget White
Our industry finances itself. Many greenhouse operations do not have a line of credit with their bank, and most don't even work with a bank enough to consider it "their bank."
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ITS Boom Irrigation System
Greenhouse Product News
December 2003
Neda Simeonova
The ITS Boom Irrigation System from Solaris, a division of McConkey Co., Sumner, Wash., offers the versatility growers need. This system is highly automated, has uniform application and a free maintenance track record.
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Repairing Automation
Greenhouse Product News
December 2003
Mike Porter
Today's equipment is more sophisticated than that of 10 years ago and relies more heavily on electronics. This does not, however, mean it is harder to keep in service. In fact, today's equipment is more reliable and easier to keep in full production. . . if the grower knows what to expect and how to perform preventative maintenance.
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Blackmore Puncher/Planter and Tagawa/Ball Punch 'n Grow System
Greenhouse Product News
November 2003
Neda Simeonova
The Blackmore Puncher/Planter and Tagawa/Ball Punch 'n Grow System from Blackmore, Belleville, Mich., is an entry-level transplanting system that allows for high-speed transplanting at an affordable price. Here is what some growers had to say about it.
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Mist 'R Drench Sprayers
Greenhouse Product News
October 2003
Neda Simeonova
Because selecting dependable and long lasting equipment is a key factor for a successful business, we asked growers to evaluate and share their experiences with Mist 'R Drench Sprayers.
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The Finances of Automation
Greenhouse Product News
October 2003
Mike Porter
Since we are now in the prime season for purchasing automation equipment, it is time to address some of the concerns growers have about plunging into automation.
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Grower 101: Heating Systems--Maintenance Pays
Greenhouse Product News
September 2003
John W. Bartok, Jr.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas prices will triple this winter. (For more information see Headlines in the August 2003 issue of GPN.) With the continuing unrest in the Middle East, propane and fuel oil will probably follow suit. Now is the time to get your heating system tuned up for the long, cold winter ahead.
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Nexus Greenhouse Systems: The XY System
Greenhouse Product News
September 2003
Bridget White
This automated system allows a grower to know where every plant, flat or bench is located on this grid and to quickly access product using grid-based automation. This is very important to growers who produce a large number of varieties and are dependent on a very compressed shipping season.
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Subirrigating Seed Geraniums with Bonzi
Greenhouse Product News
August 2003
Douglas Cox
The Bonzi (paclobutrazol) label has been expanded to include a number of "chemigation" methods including injection through overhead sprinklers, fog systems, spaghetti tube systems and watering in with dosing equipment or application by ebb and flow subirrigation systems or saucers. Application of PGRs by subirrigation has not been widely researched despite the existence of permissive labeling.
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The XY System, Part II
Greenhouse Product News
August 2003
Mike Porter
For growers who wish to automate existing operations, variations and hybrids of the XY system are very feasible. A system similar to that described in my previous article could be installed in a new 6-acre range for less than $3.50 per square foot. And the system, which works in conjunction with overhead watering, does not require concrete floors, which themselves often cost $3.50 per square foot. We are not talking about a prohibitively expensive system.
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The XY System
Greenhouse Product News
June 2003
Mike Porter
Many bedding plant growers express two major concerns when considering systems for material movement. The first is the large amount of material that must be moved in a short time due to the compressed selling season. The second is how to deal with the large number of varieties typically grown in a bedding operation. The ability to selectively pick from anywhere in the greenhouse bay is critical. The new XY systems address these two concerns better than any other system on the market. Variations are also available that allow the same concept to be used by medium-size growers.
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TTA PackPlanter
Greenhouse Product News
June 2003
Neda Simeonova
The TTA PackPlanter, recently brought to market by Bouldin & Lawson, is a small, economical and versatile transplanter. The machine design combines the features of a high-speed production transplanter with an entry-level price point. It is a great entry-level transplanter, as well as supplemental transplanter for larger growers who need multiple automated transplanting lines for different products and container sizes.
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Grower 101: Evaluating Plant Handling Systems
Greenhouse Product News
June 2003
John Bartok, Jr.
Reducing plant handling costs is a goal of most greenhouse businesses. Carrying plants is time consuming and heavy work. It is also expensive. There are many systems that can be used to reduce this task and its cost. Purchase decisions should be made only after considering many factors.
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Now or Later?
Greenhouse Product News
April 2003
Sara Grosser
Careful analysis of your current facility, equipment and staff will guide you to make the right decision on expanding your business. Proper growth is the key to success. Expand too early, and the increased expenses may hinder your growth. Expand too late, and your customers may have already experienced the competition.
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Transporting outdoor-grown potted crops
Greenhouse Product News
April 2003
Mike Porter
This article will focus on a system that can achieve significant cost savings for outdoor nursery stock. The system is designed to facilitate the transport, placing and spacing of nursery stock and is suitable for pots ranging in size from 1-5 gal. Handling pots this size is obviously hard work, and the risk of injury and the resultant workers' compensation claims make such handling an ideal candidate for some sort of automation.
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This Year in Structures
Greenhouse Product News
April 2003
Neda Simeonova
For large and small growers alike, every year brings new uncertainties and questions about how to remain in business. A sluggish economy and soaring energy prices continue to influence trends in greenhouse structures. Investing in automation tops the list of factors that help greenhouse operations through the difficult times.
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Automating Sticking
Greenhouse Product News
February 2003
Mike Porter
There are some operations that cannot be totally automated -- at least not yet. The human mind and hand are a remarkable combination, and together, they make some tasks that have stumped mechanical equipment seem relatively simple. The process of sticking cuttings is one area where total automation is difficult.
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Where are they now?
Greenhouse Product News
January 2003
Carrie Burns
Problem: Plantpeddler signed on for a new partnership, resulting in higher demand for quality product despite a small workforce in rural Cresco, Iowa.
Solution: A new facility was built with top-of-the-line automation to produce greater efficiency and higher-quality product.
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The Sixth Annual State of the Industry Report
Greenhouse Product News
December 2002
Catherine Evans
Year after year, the Annual GPN/Summit Plastics State of the Industry Report provides the most comprehensive data available about the past year in floriculture. And now ladies and gentlemen, The Sixth Annual State of the Industry Report.
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Accessible Automation: Repluggers
Greenhouse Product News
December 2002
Mike Porter
The first place to automate should be one that is highly repetitive, employs multiple laborers, requires substantial time and/or introduces variability. For many growers, this translates into a replugging line.
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Hydroponics: Successful Surfing
Greenhouse Product News
September 2002
Elizabeth Pensgard
Following are listings of Web sites that GPN found useful for the beginner or the established hydroponic vegetable grower, as well as for those on the fence.
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Overcoming Drought Part III: Saving Waste to Water
Greenhouse Product News
September 2002
Brandi D. Thomas
If you live in an area prone to drought, where your water supply could be restricted, if you're looking for possible long-term cost savings on water, or if you just happen to be concerned about the future of our fresh water supply, you may want to start thinking about wastewater as an alternative irrigation source--the treated kind, that is.
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Overcoming Drought, Part II: Trends in Greenhouse Irrigation
Greenhouse Product News
August 2002
Beth Meneghini
The view of water as cheap and plentiful has slowly begun to change. To help reduce the demand on fresh water supplies, the idea of using reclaimed water is gaining momentum. Cities like Tucson, Ariz.; San Diego and Pasadena, Calif.; Austin, Texas; and Tampa and St. Petersburg, Fla., are using reclamation systems to conserve water and reduce heavy reliance on water sources from outside their regions.
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Tekleen Water Filter
Greenhouse Product News
August 2002
Though seldom part of the original design, irrigation systems need filtration to rid contaminants from the lines. This ensures that plants are being watered properly and reduces the frequency of irrigation system maintenance by preventing small particles from progressing through the nozzles to plants. Tekleen Water Filters take the maintenance out of the process because they are self-cleaning.
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GROWER 101: Irrigation Practices
Greenhouse Product News
July 2002
Carrie Burns
These three steps can help you utilize water properly with the minimum amount of waste. The first step should be implemented by all greenhouses wherever feasible. The second is better but more expensive, so it should be executed when financially possible. And the third is ideal.
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Maintaining Equipment
Greenhouse Product News
July 2002
Equipment maintenance is an important part of operating a greenhouse or nursery business. The development of new machines and the difficulty in obtaining good labor has led to the use of more equipment in greenhouse operations.
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Choosing an Open Roof Greenhouse
Greenhouse Product News
June 2002
Sven E. Svenson
One of the main advantages of a retractable roof system is that the size of the structure is not limited by the restrictive capacity of mechanical ventilation systems, resulting in a more uniform growth response from the entire crop. Originally designed for snow protection of forest seedlings in the 1970s, retractable roof systems are now used for all types of horticultural production, with five types to choose from.
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Automated Order Pulling
Greenhouse Product News
June 2002
Mike Porter
Dallas Johnson Greenhouses has embraced sensible automation in many areas of its operation. But the biggest reason for improved shipping efficiency has been a conceptual change. The centerpiece of the change is a large staging area that is used to fill individual customer orders.
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Improving Labor Efficiency
Greenhouse Product News
May 2002
John W. Bartok, Jr.
The smaller grower with limited resources has many opportunities to reduce labor input without purchasing expensive equipment. A good understanding of the basic principles that affect labor usage and the adaptation of low-cost purchased or home-built equipment will make operations more efficient.
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Automated Benching Systems
Greenhouse Product News
May 2002
Mike Porter
Flood floor systems and automated benching systems cost approximately the same, and automation exists for both systems that allows efficient use of labor and maximum flexibility.
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Modernity, Metamorphosis and Buffalo in the Midst
Greenhouse Product News
April 2002
Brandi D. Thomas
While changing times have been ensuring the demise rather than progress of many others in the floriculture business, a Kalamazoo-based grower, Larry Boven, has taken change in stride, working with it instead of against it.
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Using Forklift Spacers
Greenhouse Product News
April 2002
Mike Porter
Forklifts are now available with special attachments to automatically place and space plant material. These trucks were initially developed in Holland for spacing pots, but recent product enhancements include attachments to allow their use with flats as well.
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Automation vs. Mechanization
Greenhouse Product News
March 2002
Mike Porter
Mechanization is normally defined as the replacement of a human task with a machine. Automatic transplanters are an example of mechanization. But, true automation encompasses more than mechanization. Automation involves the entire process, including bringing material to and from the mechanized equipment. It normally involves integrating several operations and ensuring that the different pieces of equipment talk to one another to ensure smooth operation. Many times, true automation requires reevaluating and changing current processes rather than simply mechanizing them.
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Growing Under Open Roofs
Greenhouse Product News
March 2002
Sven E. Svenson
What is the function of a growing structure? To control the environment or to assist the grower with manipulating healthy plant growth? Should the grower and the plants be forced to adapt to the environment the greenhouse provides, or should the greenhouse provide adaptable environments the grower needs to force the crop? Open-roof structures provide more environmental flexibility compared to traditional greenhouse designs.
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Greenhouse Curtain Systems
Greenhouse Product News
February 2002
National Greenhouse Manufacturer’s Association
Looking to conserve energy? A curtain system might be just what you need. This, the last in our three-part series with the NGMA, will help you decide if a curtain system is right for you.
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Transplanting Efficiency
Greenhouse Product News
February 2002
Mike Porter
The only reason for a grower to automate is to improve their overall operation — an improvement that can be more than cost reduction. Improvements can also increase quality and response time. With all the equipment available in the marketplace today, many growers don’t know where to start.
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From Autos to Automation
Greenhouse Product News
January 2002
Mike Porter
We’ve noticed, GPN and I that is, that there is very little quality information about the automated side of our industry. Consequently, we decided that a monthly column about greenhouse automation might be in order. We’ve noticed, GPN and I that is, that there is very little quality information about the automated side of our industry. Consequently, we decided that a monthly column about greenhouse automation might be in order.
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The Reliable Greenhouse Cart
Greenhouse Product News
November 2001
Beth Meneghini
Greenhouse carts have gone through many incarnations. The latest is a color-coded, name-plated, transportation and merchandising machine that won’t get lost and doesn’t cost too much. At least that’s what growers want and retailers expect.
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Flower bulb Transportation and Handling
Greenhouse Product News
August 2001
William B. Miller
You may not give much thought to the journey your bulb shipment takes from the fields in Holland to your greenhouse. Being aware of the steps in the process can help you identify and prevent potential problems before beginning.
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greenhouse equipment
Greenhouse Product News
June 2001
John W. Bartok, Jr.
Heating costs continue to plague many commercial growers, with no signs of fuel prices dropping soon. Perhaps this summer might be a good time to investigate a new, more efficient heating system.
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The Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report: Part I
Greenhouse Product News
May 2001
Bridget White and Andrew Wagner
How did growers fare in 2000 and what are the trends in greenhouse production? The GPN/Summit Plastics Fifth Annual State of the Industry Report has the in-depth information no one else has.
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greenhouse management
Greenhouse Product News
May 2001
Forrest E. Segelin and Paul A. Thomas
If your expenses are already as low as they can go, it might be time to reinvent the other side of the equation: income.
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Getting Back To Basics With NGMA Part III
Greenhouse Product News
January 2001
This third installment of greenhouse questions and answers from the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association provides some helpful hints (or reminders) about heating systems and environmental control computers. Whether you’re an experienced grower or a relative newcomer to the industry, this kind of no-nonsense review of greenhouse basics can always help.
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Gazing into the Crystal Ball
Greenhouse Product News
January 2001
Assorted Experts
Are we truly on the verge of entering a (greenhouse) space odyssey, or will 2001 be just another year in the industry? Some of your industry peers have braved the elements to predict where current trends will shoot us off to in the not-so-distant, biotechnology-saturated future.
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Irrigation
Greenhouse Product News
November 2000
Bodie V. Pennisi and Marc van Iersel
A new study shows that subirrigating
poinsettias may be
one way to get your crop the nutrients
it needs and spare
the environment;
all without the
need for leaching.
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The Grower as Informed Borrower
Greenhouse Product News
March 2000
Alan W. Adams
If times are good, you likely are anticipating (and dreading) going into town to convince someone to lend you a ridiculous amount of money for land or capital expansion; the more you know about what makes lenders tick, the better your odds of getting the right loan service.
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Gazing into the Crystal Ball
Greenhouse Product News
January 2000
Assorted Experts
We’ve scoured the industry for those who possess divination, or at least some clue as to where we’re heading.
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Live Loads and Dead Loads
Greenhouse Product News
October 1998
Sven E. Svenson
When dealing with building code, growers confront many new concerns, including the added weight of high-tech automated systems and the structural characteristics of retractable roof greenhouses.
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