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Mycorrhizae: fulfill the genetic potential of your cannabis plants
Achieving such a feat as reaching the optimal result with a specific cannabis strain doesn’t happen just by chance. Science and technologies are essential to bringing the best out of the hidden power of your plant. Active ingredients, such as mycorrhizal fungi, are definitely part of the equation. Let me explain why.
Nutrition Tips for Seed Germination and Young Plants
Seed germination and young plant production starts with the right growing medium or substrate. It is important to have a substrate with good physical characteristics, such as air porosity and water holding capacity, however chemical characteristics are equally important.
How to Maintain the Proper pH of a Growing Medium
When asked “How do you maintain the proper pH of a growing medium?”, often the answer is to adjust the water pH to achieve a growing medium pH in the ideal range of 5.6-6.2. This is simply not true.
The 6 Steps to Restore a Peat Bog
Since 1995, Premier Tech has executed restoration works by reintroducing Sphagnum on more than 1,900 acres of bog across Canada and the United States. Find out about the 6 steps to restore a peat bog.
Value-added PRO-MIX Growing Medium with Active Ingredients: That’s the key!
PRO-MIX with active ingredients work together to enhance plant performance, quality and yield.
Plant growth cycle: Growing solution steps
Using PRO-MIX® growing media with both Mycorrhizae and Bacillus inside these connections steps.
Compost Tea Use with Soilless Media
Compost tea is basically stabilized organic matter (compost) and water mixed together.
PRO-MIX Products for Organic Crops: Advantages and Properties
Mixing your own growing medium for organic crop culture can be quite a challenge. Learn more about the subject here.
Insect Suppression in the root zone - PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE
Offers growers the benefits of plant protection from root diseases caused by specific root pathogens, plant growth enhancement from MYCORRHIZAE and insect suppression aimed at fungus gnats and thrips.
Coir – A Component of Growing Media
Coco coir is the term given to a range of natural products manufactured from coconut husks that are used in horticultural applications. Although sometimes referred to as ‘coco peat’, coir is not peat at all, and it is incorrect to call it by this name.
Best PRO-MIX Growing Media for Edible Crops: Peppers
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about different ways to produce peppers and what PRO-MIX growing media are best to grow peppers.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained: Vermiculite
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about one of PRO-MIX growing media components which is the vermiculite.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained: Perlite
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about one of PRO-MIX growing media components which is the perlite.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained: Coir, Chunk Coir
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about one of PRO-MIX growing media components which is the coir.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained: Processed Bark
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about one of PRO-MIX growing media components which is the processed bark.
PRO-MIX Professional Organic Growing Media
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about our certified organic growing media. They are OMRI-listed and Quebec Vrai. They can be used for vegetables, herbs, small fruits and organic flowers.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained: Sphagnum Peat Moss
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about the sphagnum peat moss ingredient used in our PRO-MIX professional growing media and its benefits for your crops.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Components Explained
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about the ingredients included in our professional line of growing media such as sphagnum peat moss, bark, coir, perlite and vermiculite and their benefits for your crops.
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about our nursery container growing medium for trees and shrubs grown in gallons or larger.
Root Disease Profile: Thielaviopsis
Thielaviopsis root rot is characterized by dark brown or blacked spores within the root, followed by black lesions on the root, which give the characteristic name of “black root rot”.
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about the PRO-MIX BK55 bark-based growing medium which is designed to be used in greenhouse but also outdoors production.
PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about our unique growing solution with PRO-MIX active ingredients BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE, the most innovative and advanced growing medium in the industry.
Critters Down Under: Root-Knot Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic round worms that are not visible to the human eye and are the most abundant members of the animal kingdom on Earth.
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about our PRO-MIX LP15 MYCORRHIZAE general purpose growing medium for the production of flowering plants, perennials, mums, vegetables, small fruits and more.
Air Porosity: What Is It and How Important Is It?
Air porosity refers to the measurement of the volume of pore space in a growing medium occupied by air after it is saturated and allowed to drain.
Best PRO-MIX Growing Media for Edible Crops: Herbs
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel goes over the ideal PRO-MIX growing media to match your specific needs.
Best PRO-MIX Growing Media for Edible Crops: Berries and Small Fruits
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel goes over the ideal PRO-MIX growing media to match your specific needs.
PRO MIX MP ORGANIK BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE for the production of organic greenhouse crops
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about our OMRI-Listed PRO-MIX MP Organik Biofungicide + Mycorrhizae for the production of organic greenhouse crops.
PRO-MIX Growing Media Active Ingredient: MYCORRHIZAE
Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about one of the active ingredients contained in our PRO-MIX growing media: MYCORRHIZAE.
Thrips are a common insect pest that most growers have had difficulty controlling due to their small size and ability to hide in plant parts.
Critters Down Under: Root Aphids
There are aphids that grow and feed from the root system of several plant species and are classified as root aphids. These aphids are not the same as those that feed from the upper parts of the plants.
Critters Down Under: Fungus Gnats
While fungus gnats rarely cause significant damage to larger plants, they can cause root damage and may stunt young and weak plants.
Substrate Handling Influences Water Holding Capacity
A mixture of coarse and fine particles can be prejudicial for a substrate because the macropores will be filled by the fine particles, which reduces the air porosity of the growing medium.
Grower Profile: Conroe Greenhouses
Conroe Greenhouses consists of more than 300,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse production with another 50,000-sq. ft. of outside growing space for the exclusive production of bedding and color crops.
How Substrate Structure Influences Water Holding Capacity
Choosing the right substrate not only depends on the physical properties of the substrate, but also on the type of plants to be grown, the growing environment and the availability of the substrate.
Sclerotium is a fungal pathogen that can cause considerable crop damage, but it is more common in the warmer climates of the southern United States.
What is Sphagnum Peat Moss and Where Does It Come From?
When you see a picture of a harvested Canadian peat bog, it looks like any other field that is made up of mineral soil.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, better known as white mold or cottony mold, is not talked about as a serious greenhouse disease.
Alternaria is a genus of ascomycete fungi that is often associated with decay and decomposition of plant residues.
Critters Down Under: Shore Flies
Shore flies are the unquestionable ring leader of nuisance insects found in the greenhouse.
Peat Moss: A Sustainable Component of Growing Media
In Canada, peatlands cover 280 million acres (113.6 million hectares), or 13% of the land area of Canada.
Grower Profile: Brohl’s Greenhouse, Inc.
Brohl’s Greenhouse, Inc. was started in 1966 by Jack Brohl as a small greenhouse that sold vegetables and some flowering plants to the community of Macomb. Detroit, Michigan
How to Reduce Overwatering of Growing Media
The purpose of watering a plant is to replenish the water that was used by the plant for the above actions and to leach salts from the growing medium.
Root Disease Profile: Botrytis
Botrytis mainly affects the tender tissues of plants, such as flowers, fruits and seedlings.
Root Disease Profile: Fusarium
The combination of plant material, moisture and certain environmental conditions can favor plant root diseases.
Substrate Handling Influences Air Porosity
There are many factors that influence the air porosity of a substrate, such as how the substrate is handled, the compaction in the container, the water pressure, the shape of the container used, the time of year and the temperature.
Sphagnum Peat Moss Influence On Physical Properties Of Growing Media
Sphagnum peat moss as a component of horticultural growing media has been very important because of the unique properties of the sphagnum cells to hold and release water.
What Are the Grades of Peat Moss
Because peat moss is a natural product, there are degrees of variation.
How Substrate Structure Influences Air Porosity
How the substrate structure and particle sizes affect the air porosity in the substrate.
Root Disease Profile: Phytophthora
Pathogens are always present in the greenhouse and are a continuous challenge for growers.
One of the most important ingredients of soilless substrates, peat moss, began in peat bogs shortly after the last ice age about 12,000 – 14,000 years ago.
How To Prevent And Solve Root Diseases in Poinsettias
Poinsettias have a longer production cycle than most greenhouse crops, and also one of the smallest sales windows.
Rhizoctonia Root Rot: Symptoms And How To Control
With a wide host range, Rhizoctonia can cause a variety of diseases including stem rot, root rot, damping-off in seedlings and aerial blight of leaves.
Sphagnum Peat Moss Production and Sustainability in Canada
In Canada, there is an abundance of peatlands and producers follow "wise use" guidelines for the harvesting and preservation of peat bogs.
When it comes to growing poinsettias, one expense that increases towards the end of the crop cycle is heating costs.
Common root diseases of Chrysanthemums
Nicknamed “mums”, chrysanthemums are one of fall’s quintessential flowers. Chrysanthemums are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
Poinsettias are a beautiful crop grown for the Christmas season. It is a longer crop than most grown in the greenhouse, so it can come with additional challenges.
Urban Horticulturists See the Benefits of Mycorrhizal Fungi
The vast majority of plant species used in urban horticulture will benefit from the presence of mycorrhizal fungi.
Preventing Premature Budding in Mums
What causes premature budding and how can it be corrected?
Tips on Fertilizing Mums with Water Soluble Fertilizer
Young plants and flowering mums require lower fertilizer application rates (due to slower growth rates), while mums that are actively growing require higher fertilizer application rates.
Role of Magnesium in Plant Culture
Do your plants have a deficiency or a toxicity related to magnesium? This article will help you better control this secondary nutrient.
Mycorrhizae and Plants Make Great Allies
Mycorrhizal fungi live in symbiosis with the roots of a large variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials.
Soluble Salt and pH Rollercoaster in Fresh Organic Growing Media
In this article, we will discuss the rollercoaster ride of changing pH and soluble salt levels that justifies a “resting” period for organic growing media.
Toxic Nitrogen Forms in Fresh Organic Growing Media?
If you formulate an organic growing medium by adding starter organic fertilizers, the growing medium should not be used immediately.
Simplifying Organic Growing: The Best Growing Media Components
Formulating a growing medium that works for organic growers can be a challenge depending on what a grower is looking for.
Simplifying Organic Growing: The Starter Fertilizers
Formulating an organic growing medium for starting vegetable and herb seeds can be a challenge, depending on what a grower is looking for.
10 Must-Know Growing Media Facts
When potting in a greenhouse, the growing media used can have a major influence on crops. There are some common questions or issues growers have concerning their soil. Here is a summary of 10 must-know regarding growing media in the industry.
Fertility Trends: Petunias Yellow? It May Not Be Iron Deficiency
Most growers have seen yellowing in the new growth of their petunias, calibrachoa and other crops as listed in this article.
Common Pythium Species in Greenhouse Crops
Pythium is a large class of water molds, several of which are plant pathogens. They can infect plant roots, causing root disease and crown rot in plants or damping-off of seedlings.
PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE & MYCORRHIZAE
PRO-MIX offers a unique growing solution with PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE, the most innovative and advanced growing medium in the industry.
15 Post-Planting Tips to Minimize Root Diseases
It is important to ensure that the growing environment for any crop is as free of pathogens as possible.
Featured Root Rot Pathogen: Pythium
Of all the root rot pathogens, Pythium is the most common problem that growers experience.
Fertility Trends: Low Phosphorus Fertilization
The importance of phosphorus in horticulture has changed throughout the years. Prior to the use of soilless media, field soil was used to grow potted plants.
Basics Of Controlled Release Fertilizers
Controlled release fertilizers are commonly used in the nursery industry for fertilizing trees and shrubs.
How Much Acid Is Needed to Reduce Water Alkalinity?
To limit the upward climb of your growing medium's pH, acid may need to be injected into your water to reduce excess alkalinity.
Pre-Plant and Planting Tips on Minimizing Root Diseases
Root diseases can lead to considerable losses in crops, increased fungicide applications and reduced crop quality.
Relationship Between Fertility Extremes and Growing Medium pH
The pH of a growing medium increases or decreases depending on the fertilizer used, the crop grown, and the water alkalinity.
Acid Choices for Reducing Water Alkalinity
Some water sources cause the pH of a growing medium to rise rapidly over time. This has nothing to do with the pH of the water, but rather with the alkalinity in the water.
The process of respiration in plants involves using the sugars produced during photosynthesis plus oxygen to produce energy for plant growth.
Introduction to Root Diseases – Disease Triangle
When growing greenhouse crops, it is simply a matter of time before problems occur.
Function of Limestone in Growing Media
Greenhouse growers know that in order to achieve optimum nutrient availability for plant growth, the growing medium's pH for most crops should be in the 5.5-6.5 pH range.
Grower Profile: Ornamentales de Adjuntas
Ornamentales de Adjuntas in Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of poinsettias in different container sizes.
Photosynthesis is the chemical reaction where carbon dioxide and water form sugars and oxygen in the presence of light energy.
What is CEC and Why Is It Important? Part.2
In this article, we will discuss why CEC is not very important when it comes to soilless growing media.
PRO-MIX YP BIOFUNGICIDE* for Young Plant Production
Our popular BIOFUNGICIDE* bacterium for the suppression of root diseases is now incorporated into PRO-MIX YP BIOFUNGICIDE*.
What is CEC and Why Is It Important? Part.1
CEC is an acronym for cation exchange capacity and refers to a soilless medium or soil’s capacity to hold and exchange mineral nutrients.
PRO-MIX HPCC BIOFUNGICIDE + MYCORRHIZAE
Premier Tech Horticulture has been working with natural microorganisms that can be incorporated into the growing medium to improve crop production for more than 30 years.
Myth Series: Peat-Based Growing Media are Sterile
There is an assumption that peat moss and peat-based growing media are sterile.
Over the past decades, there has been a growing interest amongst plant scientists in the field of beneficial soil organisms.
Myth Series: Does Growing Media pH Change in the Package?
Often, the assumption is made that the pH of an unused, professionally manufactured growing medium in a compressed bale, loose-fill bag or tote will not change over time.
PRO-MIX growing media for Poinsettias
Growers are getting ready for the upcoming poinsettia season and will soon be planting their crops.
Media and Tissue Testing - Measuring pH and E.C. of Media
In this series on horticulture testing, we will discuss how to prepare the sample for testing and then how to test the pH and electrical conductivity (E.C.).
MYTH Series: Epsom Salt Decreases the pH of Growing Media
Epsom salt is used by many growers as a fertilizer supplement to provide magnesium and sulfate when they are low in the fertilizer solution.
Pythium Root Rot on Poinsettias
The most common root-rot pathogen that infects poinsettias late in the production cycle is Pythium. Here are the steps to identify and eliminate this root disease.
Growing media are one of the most widely used materials for growing greenhouse crops.
Media and Tissue Testing - Media Testing Methods
In this series on horticulture testing, we will discuss the necessity to periodically check the pH, electrical conductivity and individual nutrients in a growing medium to monitor crop status.
MYTH Series: Gypsum Changes the pH of Growing Media
Some believe that gypsum increases the pH of growing media as well as limestone. Why?
PRO-MIX for Mums and Perennials
We often receive questions as to which PRO-MIX product is best suited for mums, perennials and small nursery containers. In this article, we will review the various PRO-MIX products offered and explain the intended uses.
Media and Tissue Testing – Why Test?
In this second part of our series on horticulture testing, we will discuss the proper way to collect and take samples for testing.
MYTH Series: Sulfur Drops the pH of Growing Media
In the horticultural industry, many myths exist that can greatly affect how containerized crops are grown in the greenhouse environment.
Influence of Light on Crop Growth
Plants require light for optimum growth and development, but the three different aspects of light, quantity, quality and duration, also have a significant influence on growth.
Sampling Procedures for Testing Water and Fertilizer Solution
Testing water and fertilizer is important as they directly influence the pH and nutrient levels in the growing medium.
Grower Profile: Ritter Greenhouse
Ritter Greenhouses, located just outside St. Louis in Bridgeton, MO, was started in 1966 as a small greenhouse operation growing vegetable transplants used solely on the Ritters' family farm.
MYTH Series: Water pH Relates to Medium pH
The pH of the water is important when it comes to mixing with pesticides and dissolving micronutrients in water.
Water Sanitation Part 3b: Oxidizers Used for Water Sanitation
This article will focus on other types of sanitizing systems used for irrigation water, how they work and their advantages and disadvantages.
How Does Humidity Influence Crop Quality?
Humidity can be the most difficult environment factor to control in greenhouses.
Tips on Producing Excellent Rooted Liners
Production of high–quality liners has long been the basis of success in the woody ornamental nursery and forestry plant industry.
Nitrogen’s Influence on Growing Medium pH
This article will focus on the third major factor: nitrogen. In standard greenhouse fertilizers, nitrogen is supplied as ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-) or urea.
Water Sanitation Part 3a: Oxidizers Used for Water Sanitation
This article will focus on oxidizing agents used to sanitize greenhouse irrigation water.
A few years ago, Premier Tech Horticulture partnered with Freeman Herbs of Beamsville, Ontario (Canada) to develop a custom organic medium that would meet and exceed their customer expectations.
Water Sanitation Part 2: Pre-Treating Water Before Sanitation
We often think of water quality from the standpoint of chemical properties, such as alkalinity, mineral elements, pH, etc.
The primary components of commercial growing media are sphagnum peat moss and composted pine bark, which are naturally acidic with a pH in the 3.5 to 5.0 range.
To successfully produce a cyclamen crop, it is all about good planning before receiving young plants. Cyclamen have a long crop cycle and, therefore, there is more time for problems to occur.
When the issue of nutrient uptake by greenhouse crops is considered, plants can be broken down into three groups.
Water Sanitation Part 1: Biology of Pathogens in Water Sources
Sanitation is a key to restricting plant pathogen introduction and spread. In this first of a three part series on water sanitation, we will discuss the importance of knowing the biology of root rot pathogens.
The Impact of Temperature on Crop Finishing
Temperature is the single greatest environmental input regulating plant growth, which is then closely followed by light intensity. This article will focus on the impact of temperature on plant growth.
Pointers on Greenhouse Heating and Energy Conservation
In this article, we will cover three methods to increase air temperature inside the greenhouse: central heating systems, infrared radiant heating and forced air heating.
Presence of Mold on Growing Media
Mold will grow on almost any organic source, if the humidity is sufficiently high. Molds are generally created by filamentous fungi that are omnipresent in the environment.
Pointers on Greenhouse Heating and Energy Conservation
The heat loss or gain in a greenhouse occurs as conduction, convection, radiation and infiltration.
Concerns of Ethylene in Greenhouse Production
Ethylene is a naturally occurring plant hormone that acts as a chemical signal that controls several aspects in plant development and growth. In most plants, it is involved in flower senescence, fruit ripening and seed germination.
Grower Profile: The Fresh Herb Company
The Anderson family, Chet, Kristy, and sons Chet and Nick, have run The Fresh Herb Company in Boulder County, Colorado, for over 30 years. Founded in 1983, the business began in a rented greenhouse and has since blossomed into one of the region’s premier ornamental operations.
How to Avoid Problems with Growing Medium Compaction
Compaction changes the physical properties of the growing medium, defeating the purpose of having the proper growing medium for a particular crop or application. This article will cover the negative effects of growing medium compaction and how to avoid it.
PRO-MIX® PG ORGANIK™ for Plugs and Germination
With the continuing growth of greenhouse organic production, Premier Tech Horticulture introduces a new organic plug and germination growing medium, PRO-MIX® PG ORGANIK™.
Advantages of Mega Bales Over Small Package Sizes
Premier Tech offers several package sizes and formats to accommodate professional grower’s needs.
Biochar: Potential Growing Medium Component?
Have you ever heard about Biochar? This component has received a lot of attention in recent years because of its nature to lock up significant amounts of carbon, thus reducing carbon emission into the atmosphere.
PRO-MIX® CC40 MYCORRHIZAE™ is designed to be an outdoor growing medium for larger containers, perennials and nursery stock. It contains no perlite, giving the product a more natural, earthy look.
PRO-MIX® MP MYCORRHIZAE™ ORGANIK™ for Herbs and Vegetables
Organically produced herb and vegetable transplants represent an important commodity both for direct sales to consumers as well as for starter plants for organically grown field crops and potted greenhouse culture.
Fertilizer Rates and Impact on Root Disease
Ask any grower what the primary cause of root rot disease is in their plants and they will tell you it is caused by over watering.
Growing poinsettias can be a challenge considering they are sensitive to the environment, diseases, insects and watering.
Why Compost is Not a Good Choice for Professional Growing Media
The avid gardener will tell you that the best soil amendment for vegetable gardens and flower beds is compost. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter that can help in breaking-up heavy clay soils or improve water retention of sandy soils.
Chrysanthemums (Mums) may be the world’s most grown flowers. With over 200 varieties, they come in a wide variety of floral colors.
Grower Profile: Invernadero Tolentino
In the heart of Mexico’s automotive industry, there are two successful female entrepreneurs; Claudia Perez and Lupita Medina. They own Invernadero Tolentino in Villagran, Guanajuato, Mexico, a well known company for vegetable transplants in the Bajio, Mexico.
Use and benefits of vitamins, amino acids and seaweed in greenhouse crop production.
Grower Profile: Rudy & Son’s Greenhouse
When Rudy Wuthrich came to America, flowers were something that had been a way of life in the "Old Country".
Non-Living Plant Biostimulants: Can they benefit Your Crops? Part 1. Humic Substances
Biostimulants are becoming increasingly important in greenhouse and outdoor crop production. Many growers currently use living plant biostimulants, such as bacteria (e.g. Bacillus), fungi (e.g. mycorrhizae) and nematodes.
Peat-Chunk Coir Growing Media: Benefits for Extraordinary Drought
In the United States, when you think of places that experience drought conditions, often California and Texas come to mind. However, in the last 8 months many central and western states have experienced abnormally dry seasons causing drought conditions.
Organic Fertilizers for Crop Production
As greenhouse organic methods of plant production have increased in interest, the need for viable organic fertilizers has also increased.
DIF For Control of Plant Stretching on Bedding Plants, Ornementals and Transplants
Having a high tech greenhouse gives the grower total control over environmental parameters including temperature, light, relative humidity and CO2 and also the root zone environment.
Avoiding Root Disease in Greenhouse Vegetables
Pathogens are always present in the greenhouse and are a continuous challenge for greenhouse vegetable and herb growers.
Relationship Between Fertilizer & Plant Stretching
The three main attributes associated with plant stretch from fertilizer are: fertilizer application rate, nitrogen forms and phosphorus.
Matching Water Soluble Fertilizer to Water Quality
Purchasing water soluble fertilizer for your crops is not simply based on what is on sale or selecting a “geranium fertilizer” for your geraniums; it is based mostly on the quality of your water source.
Begonias are known for their brilliant flowers and fancy foliage. Begonias are relatively easy for the homeowner to take care of, whether they are planted indoors or outside.
Most fertilizers contain one or more of the following forms of nitrogen: nitrate, ammonium or urea. Each form of nitrogen influences plant growth differently and the plant uptake significantly impacts the pH of the growing medium.
Tips on Successful Young Plant Propagation
Most young plants are patent protected, so growers are limited to what popular plant varieties they can propagate from cuttings.
Ideal Fertilization for Greenhouse Vegetables and Herbs
Vegetables and herbs fertilization requirements are similar to bedding plants early in their crop cycle. However, as vegetable and herb plants progress from vegetative growth into flowering and fruit production, fertility rates and ratios change for each crop.
Fertilizers are necessary to feed plants with nutrients that are not available in the growing medium solution or the irrigation water.
Peat-Coir Growing Media - Benefits and Uses
Some growers in North America are showing an increasing interest in using a Sphagnum peat-coir growing medium for various crops and pots sizes.
Light is important as plants use part of the radiant energy emitted by the sun for photosynthesis. Light is usually confused with energy.
Understanding What Lab Analyses are telling you
Laboratory testing is important for not only diagnosing problems but also for identifying potential problems.
Acid Injection Benefits and Precautions
Injecting acid into a water source is needed to neutralize excess alkalinity and thereby prevent the pH of the growing medium from rising to unacceptable levels.
Preventing Nutrient Disorders with pH Management
Managing the pH of container growing-media can be a challenge. A pH too high can cause certain micronutrients to be less available to plants that can lead to deficiencies.
Fungus Gnat Attraction to Growing Media
Fungus gnats and shore flies are the two common flies that spend part of their lifecycle in the growing medium of containerized plants.
Water Alkalinity vs pH - What's the Difference?
Water pH measures the amount of hydrogen (acid ions) in the water, whereas water alkalinity is a measure of the carbonate and bicarbonate levels in water.
Influence of Watering Technique on Disease & Other Root Zone Problems
Watering techniques have a major influence on crop quality and several crop production concerns.
Benefits of Using Iron Chelates
It is not uncommon for growers to experience iron deficiency in crops that prefer lower growing media pH, such as bacopa, calibrachoa, diascia, dianthus, nemesia, pansy, petunia, scaevola, snapdragon, verbena or vinca.
Growing Medium pH Influences Nutrient Availability
During the crop cycle, some growers may have experienced pH drift that can affect the quality of their plants. Improper growing medium pH can lead to plant chlorosis (yellowing tissue), distortion of growth or leaf necrosis (brown, dead tissue).
pH Meter Calibration And Sample Preparation For In-House Testing
If you have a pH meter, how often should it be used? How do you use a pH meter? Calibrating the meter, preparing the sample and taking the measurement takes some time, but knowing the pH of the growing medium can help avoid crop problems.
Selecting pH Meters For In-House Testing
Every grower realizes the importance of growing medium pH. Growing medium pH influences the availability of nutrients to plants, especially micronutrients.
Greenhouse Sanitation: Preparing For A Successfull Season
As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The cost of greenhouse sanitation is minimal in comparison to the costs associated with fixing problems, such as weeding and chemical pest control.
The Right Growing Medium For Hanging Baskets
Growing hanging baskets can always be a challenge, considering that multiple plant varieties are grown together in rooting environment that may be difficult to manage.
Proper Watering Techniques – Part 2
How much water to apply and how to correct uneven drying patterns in the greenhouse.
Proper Watering Techniques - Part 1
Some may classify themselves as ‘dry growers’, while others as ‘wet growers’. Both techniques may work well for each grower, however below are some basics to help guide the decision of when to water.
Role of Nickel in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of nickel in your plant culture.
Criteria for Growing Media for Roof Top Gardening
In this article, we will discuss the ideal growing medium and properties required for roof top gardening.
Grower Profile: Plant Pro Inc.
Plant Pro Inc. in Texas is proud to count on Premier Tech Horticulture's team for its specific needs. Find out why!
PRO-MIX® YP for Young Plant Production
‘Young Plant’ production is a growing segment of the horticulture industry.
Role of Potassium in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of potassium in your plant culture
Role of Silicon in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of silicon in your plant culture
Urban Gardening - A Growing Trend
The construction of roof top gardens and/or urban gardens can contribute not only to alleviating poor air quality in cities, but also increase sustainability of urban areas and improve overall quality of life.
Criteria for Adjusting Lime Content of Growing Media
Growers may occasionally experience high pH problems with their growing media causing iron chlorosis in petunias and calibrachoa.
Role of Molybdenum in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of Molybdenum in your plant culture
PRO-MIX® FPX and PGX – Improved products for young plant propagation in paper-wrapped pots
Over the last several years there has been an increasing trend for “Young Plant” producers to move from seed germination to cutting propagation. One of the more popular methods for cutting production is the use of the Ellepot machine. Discover more about this process in the following article.
Best Growing Practices for Organic Crops
Find out everything that there is to know about organic growing!
Grower Profile: Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery
Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery in Arizona is proud to count on Premier Tech Horticulture's team for its specific needs. Find out why!
This article will help you better understand the role of zinc in your plant culture.
Calcitic vs Dolomitic Limestone
Greenhouse growers know that in order to achieve optimum nutrient availability for plant growth, the growing medium pH should be within 5.5-6.2, depending on the crops grown.
Tissue Analysis Interpretation
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains how to interpret a tissue analysis: pH, EC, Macronutrients & Micronutrients.
Understanding Properties of Water and Air in Growing Media
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Lance Lawson, explains why plant roots require both air and water to develop a healthy root system and grow properly.
Peat Bog Restoration - Part 3/3 - Sphagnum Peat Restoration
This is the third and final part of a series discussing Premier Tech Horticulture’s efforts to restore harvested Sphagnum peat bogs to functioning ecosystems.
Peat Bog Restoration - Part 2/3 - Sphagnum Peat Harvesting
This second part of the three-part series will discuss harvesting of Sphagnum peat moss.
Peat Bog Restoration - Part 1/3 - Sphagnum Peat Formation
Sphagnum peat moss is one of the most important ingredients for soilless media, however many questions have been raised about it. Where does it come from? How much is there? How long will it last?
How watering influences root disease in your crops
Premier Tech Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel gives some advices about the relationship between watering and root disease.
How to avoid growing media compaction
Premier Tech Horticulture Specialist Troy Buechel talks about solutions to avoid compaction in your growing media.
Horticulture specialist Ed Bloodnick presents PRO-MIX® CC40, a new generation of coir growing media. The unique structure of the coir found in CC40 provides an optimized growing environment for plants such as long term crops especially under drought conditions.
Macronutrients Deficiencies & Excesses
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains what macronutrients are, and their effects on Growing Media.
Influence of Fertilizer on Growing Media
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, JoAnn Peery, explains the 2 main factors to determine the fertilizer you should use depending on your water quality and the kind of crops you are growing.
How your Fertilizer Influences the pH of a Growing Medium
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains potential acidity and potential basicity in a fertilizer and how they influence the pH of a Growing Medium.
Explanation and Benefits of BIOFUNGICIDE™ in our PRO-MIX® Product Lines
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains what a Biofungicide is, how it works and its benefits. You will find it in our two product lines: PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE™* & PRO-MIX® BIOFUNGICIDE™* + MYCORRHIZAE™.
Criteria for Selecting a Growing Media
Horticulture Director from our Grower Services team, Ed Bloodnick, explains the different criteria for selecting a Growing Media.
Benefits of Analytical Testing
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Lance Lawson, explains the benefits of an analytical testing to provide a snapshot in time of the nutrional status of your crops.
Bale Breaker, Pot Filler Storage
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, JoAnn Peery, explains how to properly break up your bales with the right equipment and how to fill out and store properly your containers for a more consistant growth and better production in your greenhouse.
How to choose the proper watering technique
Premier Tech Horticulture specialist Troy Buechel gives some hints about proper watering techniques, which will help your avoid root disease, allergies, shore flies and other problems, while encouraging better rooting of your plants.
Micronutrients Deficiencies & Excesses
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains what micronutrients are, and their effects on Growing Media.
Growing Media Analysis Interpretation
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains how to interpret a Media analysis: pH, EC, Macronutrients and Micronutrients.
PRO-MIX® MP MYCORRHIZAE™ ORGANIK™ – Improved Formula
In the Fall of 2012, we introduced PRO-MIX® MP MYCORRHIZAE™ ORGANIK™ for organic growers. OMRI Listed for Organic Use.
Growing Tough Crops: Poinsettias
Poinsettia season will be upon us before we know it. Therefore, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Role of Copper in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of copper in your plant culture.
Mycorrhizae at the Service of Your Plants!
Knowing the type and quality of the mycorrhizae you use for your plants does make a difference. There are a variety of inoculants on the market, but they are not all equal.
Outstanding Results With PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE
All PRO-MIX BIOFUNGICIDE* products have been enriched with a biofungicide that prevents root diseases. Bacillus subtilis-MBI-600 bacteria colonize developing root systems and suppress disease causing organisms such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium.
Grower 101: Getting the Most Out of Your Mix
A variety of commercially prepared potting mixes are available for today’s commercial growers. Selecting the formulation that performs best for your particular situation can be a difficult task, unless you know the specific needs of the crop, your cultural practices and the characteristics of the growing medium. To get the best results for your crop, the key is to work closely with your supplier.
Volumetric Water Content Sensors
Proper water scheduling and duration are not only essential for the production of good quality crops; they can also save water, fertilizers and energy.
With the increased popularity of indoor gardening, the term hydroponics has been associated with growing media like PRO-MIX. While in the truest definition, plant production in soilless media is similar to hydroponics, there are some differences in the way it is managed.
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains how to test water EC.
Stabilize a Growing Medium's pH with Water and Fertilizer
For growers, it is important to closely monitor pH to avoid swings in a growing medium's pH, which can lead to potential nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Discover how you can stabilize a growing medium's pH with water and fertilizer.
Role of Sulfur in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of sulfur in your plant culture.
Role of Sodium and Chloride in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of sodium and chloride in your plant culture.
Role of Manganese in Plant Culture
Do your plants have a deficiency or a toxicity related to manganese? This article will help you better control this micronutrient.
This article will help you better understand the role of iron in your plant culture.
Role of Calcium in Plant Culture
This article will help you better understand the role of calcium in your plant culture.
Pros and Cons of Using Controlled-Release Fertilizers in the Greenhouse
The focus for this article is to discuss the pros and cons of using a controlled-release fertilizer compared to traditional water soluble fertilizers.
PRO-MIX® MP MYCORRHIZAE™ ORGANIK™
PRO-MIX® MP MYCORRHIZAE™ ORGANIK is an approved-organic, designed to meet crop requirements for organic growers of herbs and vegetables.
PRO-MIX® HPCC MYCORRHIZAE™: Coir-Based Growing Medium for Optimum Growth
Horticulture Director from our Grower Services team, Ed Bloodnick talks about PRO-MIX HPCC MYCORRHIZAE, a peat/chunk coir-based professional growing medium.
Peatland Restoration by Premier Tech Horticulture
For many years, sustainable peatland management and the protection of ecosystems such as its sphagnum peat moss harvesting sites have been firm commitments at Premier Tech Horticulture. To preserve the vitality of those areas for many generations still, Premier Tech Horticulture actively participates in the restoration of peat bogs.
With all the new trends in horticulture, container-grown ornamentals remain an important crop in the industry. Find out what are the several factors to consider when growing long-term containerized crops.
Now Is the Time to Test Your Water
Irrigation in greenhouses can be a major challenge for some managers because water supply and water quality can considerably affect the success of the crop.
Survival of BIOFUNGICIDE and MYCORRHIZAE in PRO-MIX Growing Media
BIOFUNGICIDE™ + MYCORRHIZAE™ are active ingredients that are available premixed in different PRO-MIX® formulations. The following article will address questions that come up regarding the integrity of these organisms.
How to Test Water pH and Alkalinity
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains how to test water pH and alkalinity for better results!
How to Calibrate Fertilizer Injectors
Plants require essential elements to maximize their genetic potential. These elements are supplied by air, water, substrates and fertilizers; for water soluble fertilizers, it is important to make sure your fertilizer injector is working properly and that it is calibrated for accuracy.
Growing Tough Crops: Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)
Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) is an annual bedding plant that is rather tough to grow. For beautiful and healthy vincas, please follow the advices of our experts.
Dahlias can be tough to grow as they are sensitive to root disease. The following tips will help you prevent this problem.
Growing Tough Crops: Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa has production challenges that have given growers headaches. For beautiful and healthy calibrachoas, please follow the advices of our experts.
Grower Profile: Whitetail Nursery
Whitetail Nursery in Texas is proud to count on Premier Tech Horticulture's team for its specific needs. Find out which PRO-MIX® product they prefer!
Grower Profile: Civano Nursery
Civano Nursery in Arizona is proud to count on Premier Tech Horticulture's team for its specific needs. Find out why!
Greenhouse Herb and Vegetable Production – Part 4/4 – Growing Media
In this fourth and last part of our series on growing greenhouse vegetables and herbs, we will address the appropriate growing medium to use.
Greenhouse Herb and Vegetable Production – Part 3/4 – Greenhouse Environment
In this third part of our series on growing greenhouse vegetables and herbs we will focus on the ideal greenhouse environment.
Greenhouse Herb and Vegetable Production – Part 2/4 – Greenhouse Structure
In this second part of our four-part series on growing vegetables and herbs in the greenhouse, we will focus on the greenhouse structures needed to produce quality crops.
Greenhouse Herb and Vegetable Production – Part 1/4 - Location
In this four-part series, we will look at the ideal location, structures and environment needed to grow vegetables and herbs in a greenhouse production facility. In this first part, we will discuss the first step: finding the ideal location to start a greenhouse production facility.
Role of Boron in Plant Culture
Do your plants have a deficiency or a toxicity related to boron? This article will help you better control this micronutrient.
Controlling Algae on Growing Media
It is not uncommon for most growers to find "green slime" growing on the surface of a growing medium. The following article will help you get rid of this problem.
Coir as a Component of Growing Media
Coir makes an excellent growing media component and a very good partner with sphagnum peat moss. Find out more about its different uses.
Horticulture Specialist from our Grower Services team, Troy Buechel, explains how to calibrate pH & EC meters.
Best Use Practices for Aged Growing Media
See how a fresh growing medium provides better water absorption.
