Editor’s Letter: Spring happenings

It’s finally warming up in the northern parts of the U.S., and growers have been working hard through the spring season to provide retailers with new introductions for 2023 and old favorites too. Greenhouse owners also have the added task of evaluating new varieties for next year’s production lineup, as trials have started in the warmer regions.

Although California had unusual weather conditions leading into spring this year — including excessive rain and flooding, cold temperatures and even hail — California Spring Trials was still a big success. Breeders not only showed off new varieties available for the 2024 season but also provided insight into big trends that are happening and need to be considered when choosing new plants for production.

Houseplants and cut flowers have grown in popularity over the last few years, especially due to the pandemic, and continue to make the list of top trends for growers. But that’s not all that’s trending; click here for more CAST coverage.

And speaking of trials in warmer climates, Vaughn Fletcher toured the Costa Farms Season Premiere trial gardens in February in sunny Miami, Florida. There were so many introductions on display showing off new series colors and improved habits. Check out his top picks for annual introductions here.

PEAKING PRODUCTION

From start to sales, so many steps are involved in the greenhouse production process. Every area has its importance, and working to make employees and systems efficient is a big goal in keeping production at its highest performance. But what happens when an area isn’t properly set up for best success?

If something has been done the same way for years and years, would your employees or managers even realize when there is room for improvement? Potting and transplanting is a key step in greenhouse growing, so organizing and automating the flow of this area could just be what you need to do to improve numbers. Get some great tips here on to help increase production.

For an enhanced reading experience, view this article in our digital edition by clicking here.