The horticulture industry is undergoing significant change. With restrictions tightening on peat, mineral fertilisers and conventional pesticides, growers must adapt to new challenges.
In response, Fargro has developed two essential resources: The Grower Guide for Indoor Ornamental Plant Production and The Grower Guide for Outdoor Ornamental Plant Production. These guides provide practical strategies for achieving sustainable, high-quality production.
A new agronomic approach
Horticulture is shifting due to regulatory pressures, environmental concerns and increasing demand for sustainable practices. Peat, once a staple of growing media, is being phased out, while chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers face tighter restrictions. These challenges require innovative solutions to maintain productivity and profitability.
Fargro’s agronomic approach helps growers navigate these changes. The guides integrate advancements in biological controls, sustainable growing media, and precision irrigation and nutrition. Central to this strategy is the Holistic Growing Model, which combines comprehensive spray programmes and field trials to validate and refine recommendations.
Meeting challenges indoors and outdoors
The guides provide tailored solutions for indoor and outdoor ornamental plant production, focusing on reducing peat and pesticide reliance while maximising plant health and biological potential.
Detailed spray programmes for pest and disease management are backed by trial results to support informed decision-making.
Indoor plant production
For indoor growers, the guide covers:
Environmental control: Technologies such as Aranet sensors help manage temperature, humidity, and light.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Biological controls replace chemical interventions for healthier plants and reduced environmental impact.
Outdoor plant production
Outdoor growers contend with variable weather and substrate challenges. The guide offers:
Peat-free substrate design: Balancing aeration, water retention and nutrient availability.
Mulch benefits: Weed suppression and protection from extreme weather.
Irrigation and nutrition strategies: Efficient water use and organic fertilisers to support plant resilience.
Key Insights across both guides include:
Sustainable growing media: Transitioning to peat-free substrates while maintaining productivity.
IPM: Biological controls and advanced monitoring techniques.
Efficient water use: Custom irrigation strategies for different crops and substrates.
Nutrient management: Organic fertilisers for plant health and environmental benefits.
Tailored solutions: Flexible approaches to suit specific growing conditions.
Holistic Growing Model: Innovative spray programmes backed by rigorous trials.
A holistic approach to growing
Fargro’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond technical recommendations. The Holistic Growing Model supports growers in balancing financial and environmental goals, ensuring resilience in a changing industry.
Josh Burnstone, technical director at Fargro, says: “Our grower guides reflect our dedication to supporting growers through this transformative period. Whether indoors or outdoors, these resources provide the tools needed to produce exceptional crops sustainably and profitably.”
For a copy of the guides, contact ask@fargro.co.uk. These guides provide general recommendations and should be adapted to individual growing conditions. Fargro accepts no liability for actions taken based on their content without consulting professional advice.