Expert advice on getting the most out of your growing media

Keep reading for insights from a range of suppliers on their best production tips.

"Do not over irrigate your production. A good media will hold moisture and doesn't require irrigating as often." — Bob Bollinger, CEO, ASB Greenworld

"I strongly believe that a proactive approach to soil and water testing can help avoid a lot of issues. It is definitely worth investing the time and effort. If you are only dusting off your pH/EC meter once an issue is underway, it may be too late to salvage. With routine testing, you can establish your baseline and take action way before things get out of hand." - Pierre-Marc de Champlain, Director-Technical Services, Berger

"Many growers tend to soak their plants, which means that the roots don't get enough air. That's why our best tip is a simple one: stop overwatering!" — Karoliina Moberg, Marketing Manager, Professional Growing Business Unit, Kekkila-BVB

"Focus on uniformity and consistency. Without these, it is difficult to make the right decision. A lot of variation in the media means a lot of variation in the plants. You want the ability to steer and control the substrate, so you can water at the right times." — Phil Johnson, Business Support Manager, Grodan

"We've found there is no substitute for cleanliness. Clean environments produce healthy, disease-free growing conditions, which yield vibrant, robust plants. Keep spent plant debris such as dead leaves, old soil, and plant trimmings in a closed receptacle, preferably outside of the greenhouse or immediate growing environment. Always clean or disinfect cutting tools between plants. This will stop the spread of vascular diseases like wilts and blights, both bacterial and fungal." — Eric Appelbaum, Director-Brand Engagement, Harvest Hero, a division of Dicalite Management Group

"If you want to improve the water holding capacity of your mix, increase the percent of fine particles. That extra water comes at the expense of air-filled porosity, so extra discipline is required." — Miguel Meneses, Product Manager Substrates, Jiffy Group

"Growers need to walk their crops, observing and recording any possible problems. Clogged emitters, malfunctioning injectors, and insect/disease infestations need constant monitoring. Keeping good records on each crop and rotation allows the grower to constantly improve consistency." — Mark Thomas, Sales Director, Klasmann-Deilmann Americas

"The best tip I would offer is to look at the individual plant varieties and the growing media you are using and use the correct water-soluble fertilizer based on the plant's needs. A one-type-fits-all fertilizer approach is not going to give you the optimal results you will be looking for. Also, take advantage of testing services for water, fertilizer solutions, and media, so you are sure you have all the critical elements dialed in properly." - Kris Warren, Horticultural Products Sales Executive, Masterblend

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Photo by Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash

Source: Greenhouse Grower