Opinions
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A new California
For years we would always tell our surprised guests that no, in fact, we don’t need artificial cooling to grow Phalaenopsis. “But doesn’t it …
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I’ve seen the sun rise over Africa
There’s a Dutch song that starts with those words. When I’m at home in South Africa I see the sun literally rising over the …
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Search for key to soil resilience is logical
Resilience is a growing trend, not only in the greenhouse horticulture sector but also in society as a whole. A survey on parents’ attitudes …
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Making headway in East Africa
Unlike roses, the protected vegetable sector in Kenya is still quite small-scale. On a recent trip there I set out to find some larger …
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Business in Trumpland
Since November of 2016, with almost every vendor from abroad, whether they’re a greenhouse builder from Holland, an orchid breeder from Taiwan, or a …
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Advance of LEDs seems unstoppable despite critical noises
What does it say about a technical development in greenhouse horticulture when there is a marked increase in both research projects and practical trials? …
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Medicines
The importance of good health is something I experienced first-hand in January last year, when I slipped a disc. Just as you have to …
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Westerlay Orchids evolves into major player in orchids in USA
At the end of the 1970s, the Overgaag family, with a background in vegetable growing, emigrated from the Netherlands to California to start a …
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Greenhouse growers across the world must focus on water
Water. It’s essential for everything that grows and blooms anywhere in the world. And of course greenhouse horticulture is no exception. But with the …
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Rain and drought in Africa
A lot of things are unfairly distributed in the world, and rain and drought are no exception, especially in Africa. Last month I was …
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Time for resistance
It’s always an exciting time when the first flowers appear in the new crop. We proudly put them in a vase at home so …
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To light or not to light – that is the question
In Next Generation Growing (NGG) we’re always talking about balances: water balance, fruit balance, energy balance, etc etc. And in sweet pepper production we’re …
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Africa and plastic
In some way or another, Africa and plastic formed a close relationship a long time ago. At the checkout, all your groceries are packed …
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From open fields to tunnels
I am writing my second column having just returned to South Africa after two weeks in the Netherlands. It’s always good to keep in …
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Labour challenges
Farming is an innately labour-intensive industry. With the advent of greenhouse technology leading to increased yields and better quality crops, labour has remained just …