1. SOIL HEALTH
PrimeHort is at the forefront of nursery pots and growing medium for the New Zealand horticulture industry. Every day, our team are immersed in finding the best formula for superior growing and maximising crop yields. One of our strongest recommendations for soil health at a commercial level is using coco fibre.
Growing plants in a coco fibre medium offers several benefits, including improved water retention, aeration, and root development. It is pH-neutral and provides good nutrient retention, which can result in healthier plants and higher yields. Additionally, coco fibre is a renewable resource, making it environmentally friendly.
Because of its versatility, it is suitable for a wide variety of cultivation systems, making it a very popular choice among commercial growers.
Check out our best-sellers:
- COIR CRUSH BLEND (5kg Blocks) – Fine, 80/20 coco pith and chip, with no big particles. Suitable for seedling production and small pots. Also sold in smaller
- COCO FIBRE BLOCKS (5kg yields 70L, 650g yields 9L) – Just add water to expand potting mix. 80/20 coco pitch and chip.
- CHUNKY – all chips, great for Orchids with freer drainage, a highly aerated medium. Avail. on request.
- 40/60 MIX – a great all-rounder. Avail. on request.
Another excellent option for soil health is growing plants in Sphagnum Peat. There are several benefits, including:
- Water Retention – which can result in reduced irrigation frequency and water costs.
- Aeration and Drainage – the fibrous structure of Sphagnum Peat promotes good aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot – contributing to healthier root systems and overall plant growth.
- Nutrient Holding Capacity – Sphagnum peat can hold onto nutrients, gradually releasing them to plants as needed. This can result in more consistent and balanced nutrient availability, enhancing plant health and development.
- pH Adjustability – with its slightly acidic pH, it can be easily adjusted to suit specific plant requirements. This flexibility allows growers to create optimal pH conditions for various crops.
- Uniformity and Consistency – Sphagnum peat is usually processed and screened to achieve uniform particle sizes, ensuring consistent growth conditions across the growing medium. This can lead to more predictable and even plant growth.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle – makes it convenient for large-scale operations. It can also be easily mixed with other components to create custom growing blends.
- Reduced Disease Risk – the natural antimicrobial properties of sphagnum peat can help mitigate the risk of certain plant diseases, leading to healthier crops and potentially reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wide Range of Applications – Sphagnum peat can be used in various growing systems, including pots, raised beds, and hydroponics. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of crops.
- Market Demand – Sphagnum peat is considered a natural and eco-friendly choice, which can enhance the marketability of the crop.
- Longer Shelf Life – compared to other organic materials, reducing the risk of degradation and ensuring consistent quality over time.
2. APPLYING FERTILISER
Next up, controlled release fertilisers offer several benefits for maximising crop yield, including:
- Enhanced Nutrient Efficiency: Gradually releasing nutrients over an extended period, ensures a steady and consistent supply of nutrients to plants. This can lead to improved nutrient uptake, reduced nutrient losses and better plant health.
- Reduced Labour and Application Costs: Since nutrients are released slowly, they require less applications compared to traditional fertilisers.
- Longer Lasting Effects: nutrients are provided to plants over an extended period, ranging from weeks to months. This longevity can lead to sustained growth and development of plants without the need for frequent re-application.
- Improved Crop Yield and Quality: Consistent nutrient supply means plants receive nutrients when they need them most, resulting in optimal growth and production.
- Reduced Environmental Stress: Controlled release fertilisers help avoid nutrient spikes, which can stress plants. This leads to more stable and consistent growth.
- Customised Formulas: PrimeHort has collaborated with fertiliser expert, Polyon to offer both value and quality. Our controlled release formulations are tailored to a wide variety of crops, soil types, conditions and growth stages.
The effectiveness of fertilisers can depend on soil type, climate, crop type and application methods. Talk to us about a tailored solution to best suit your nursery operations.
3. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL
Smart pest and disease control will help optimise plant health and improve yields. Our products play a crucial role in eradicating pests and diseases, and some of our best-selling options include:
- Tree Guards – including biodegradable plant guards or plastic sleeves will protect seedlings from wind, frost, rabbits etc. while also providing an ideal microclimate for stronger growth.
- Bird Netting – cover your crops with our anti-bird and bug nets. Smart options for vineyard protection, along with vegetable crops and more.
- Shadecloth – again, covering crops with our premium grade shade cloth products will protect them from direct sunlight. We carry all of the additional accessories too, like sturdy windbreak clips to fasten the cloth in place.
- Chemicals and Sprayers – including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and pest control (rats and rabbits be gone!) – we have it all.
We recommend having a chat with us about your growing environment so we can provide a tailored solution.
4. ADEQUATE IRRIGATION
Adequate irrigation is essential for increasing crop yields. Smart water management plays a critical role in plant growth and maximising productivity.
Irrigation should be tailored to the specific needs of your crops – healthy water = healthy plants!
It all begins with superior water filtration to remove impurities, pathogens, and contaminants, ensuring that plants receive clean and safe irrigation. This essential step promotes plant health, disease prevention, and ultimately contributes to improved crop yields and quality. Talk to us for advice about simple manual watering solutions, right through to fully automated water booms, climate control and more.
The benefits of adequate irrigation:
- Plants receive the right amount of water to maintain soil moisture levels.
- Nutrients in the soil can dissolve and become available for plant roots to absorb, which enhances nutrient uptake and supports healthy growth.
- Water stress on plants is reduced, allowing them to focus on growth rather than surviving periods of drought.
- Supports the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert light energy into energy-rich molecules.
- Leads to better fruit quality, size, colour, flavour and nutritional content.
- Encourages healthy root development, allowing plants to explore a larger volume of soil for nutrients and water.
- Proper irrigation techniques e.g. drip irrigation, can reduce humidity and minimise disease, leading to healthier plants and better yields.
- Helps plants cope with unpredictable weather conditions e.g. drought or heat waves.
5. AFTER PLANTING CARE
After planting care plays a vital role in boosting yields. By eliminating weed competition, plants can access more nutrients and water. Reducing environmental stress caused by wind and weather events minimises physical damage and enhances growth. Collectively, these practices will promote healthier plants, leading to increased crop yields and overall productivity.
Our recommended products include:
Tree guards, herbicides, weed mat and pins, biodegradable wool matting, shelter and wind belts, frost cover, shade cloth and other smart fabrics to protect and enhance growth.
Once again, please get in touch with us for advice – we would be delighted to help!
