One mix does not fit all

Photo courtesy of Jiffy

Greenhouse Management: Why is it important for growers to really consider the quality of their growing media mixes?

John Bonin: I always look at it this way when I get that question from my customers: Your choice to have a good media, to have a good input, not only leads only to a good quality output on a young plant, rooted cutting or finished item, but you’ll also shorten crop time. And that leads to increased profit. The less that they have to grow and work with a crop, the quicker it is to turn that crop, finish it and sell it to their customer.

GM: In your opinion, is growing media sometimes overlooked in the growing process?

JB: Sometimes, I think it is missed based on what growers are producing. Not everybody wants to grow crops for an extended period of time and low quality media without the correct inputs or quality of characteristics can increase production time, leading to less profit margin.

GM: What are the main things growers need to keep in mind when picking the right growing media for their operation?

JB: One of the things we do when we are afforded the opportunity to work with growers is that we like to do an overall assessment of what their needs are. For example: crops grown, water quality, fertigation practices, how they are applying fertilizer and chemicals. There are a number of data points from there that we like to work with and assess with a grower on-site, particularly water quality. Water quality is very, very key in terms of matching it up with the right media, as well as fertigation practices. Through this initial assessment, we are able to gauge what mixes we have currently that might fit. But most of the time with Jiffy, our recommendation will be a customization based on their specific needs. One mix does not fit all — I think that’s critical to know.

GM: What is the first step for a grower in finding the right growing media?

JB: My first step would be picking a supplier that is reliable, has strict quality standards and certifications in place that would give a grower peace of mind on the supplied raw material and finished material delivered to their door. Jiffy manages all of that internally and I think that’s what growers look for. Jiffy’s manufacturing facilities have various ISO certifications. That makes our product traceable, but also gives growers a level of reassurance in the global supply chain.