In South Africa, many commercial strawberry growers still buy their seedlings from external nurseries. For some, that means spending around R5 per plant at the start of the season. Some strawberry farmers can spend R25 million on 5 million plants just to get started!
If you’re one of these growers and you’re looking to reduce your starter costs, what if the solution were your own nursery?
Reusing drain water in your greenhouse is a real win. It saves money, cuts waste, reduces your environmental footprint and just makes sense.
But there’s a catch.
That leftover water is full of salts, nutrients, and (if you’re not careful) disease.
This article explores how to reuse drain water, get the nutrients we want, and filter the disease and dirt we don’t.
The secret to greenhouse success isn’t more plants. It’s knowing the optimal spacing between plants to maximise yield and quality from each one.
Greenhouses have fundamentally changed what’s possible in farming. By controlling lighting, temperature, humidity and irrigation, growers can harvest crops once limited to brief seasonal windows all year round.
Walk into any South African supermarket, and you'll find tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and fresh basil regardless of the season. It’s an abundance we've grown accustomed to, largely thanks to innovative greenhouse farming. But have you ever considered that our plates today no longer reflect the natural rhythm of the seasons? Imagine for a moment what your meals might look like if you only ate foods naturally in season.
Hydroponics offers precision, sustainability and control - especially in regions where soil quality and climate pose challenges. Here’s why it’s worth a closer look.
Greenhouses are complex. They consider many factors that affect your ability to grow excellent produce. That’s why receiving a quote for a greenhouse operation should take time…
With fast quotes, there’s a good chance something’s been missed. And that something could deeply impact the success of your operation, whether in the long or short term. Or both.
We hope that explaining our own quoting process will help you understand why a quick quote is probably not an accurate quote.
We’re in the business of growing your growing business.
When it comes to farming, success isn’t just about what you grow—it’s about how you grow it.
Money out, money in.
Expenses, profits.
If you can reduce the former, you’ll increase the latter.
“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” – Leonard Bernstein
At any given time we have hundreds of people working on dozens of greenhouses. For all these projects, the stakes are high and timelines are tight. Without our tried and true project management structures, things could go wrong very quickly and jeopardise our 30-year reputation as Africa’s leading greenhouse engineers.
Effective lighting is a key component of modern greenhouse farming. By utilising the right grow lights, growers can optimise conditions for photosynthesis, significantly enhance plant growth, and ultimately increase crop quality and yield all year round.
Let’s explore the science and technology behind grow lights. The more you understand this invaluable tool, the better-informed choices you can make for your greenhouse operation.
Farmers understand the increasing demand for organic produce. Consumers are willing to pay more for food that is perceived as healthier and more environmentally friendly. And high-end retailers offer premium prices for organic products, but that comes with strict requirements.
Let’s explore why greenhouses are ideal for organic farming and how Vegtech Netafim can help you achieve the highest standards of organic production.
A greenhouse’s goal is to create the perfect microclimate for plant growth. This involves a delicate balance of temperature, light, and humidity with the climate outside. It’s no surprise that greenhouse designs and coverings vary according to climate, weather patterns and plant requirements, and the choice of greenhouse covering is deeply tied to crop yield.
Welcome back to our "Green Thumb Guide," where we dive into the art and science of greenhouse cultivation. Today, we're tackling a hot topic: balancing heating practices and the need for CO2 in a way that maximises plant growth and minimises your heating bill.
Have you ever paused before biting into a perfectly ripe fruit, wondering what was sprayed on it to keep it looking so good? Many people wash fruits and veggies not just out of habit, but from a real concern over pesticide residue. It adds even the tiniest bit of repulsion (at worst), and doubt (at best) in our minds, before eating something delicious and healthy.
Welcome to another instalment of our Green Thumb Guide, where we dive deep into the nuances of greenhouse farming. Today, we're focusing on a topic that often takes the backseat in discussions about plant health and yield: the importance of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2); and how their careful balance is crucial for optimal plant growth.
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