Growing Your Best Begonias with Syngenta’s Brian Krug & Jamie Gibson Ball Seed 2026-09-27 | Growing Your Best Begonias with Syngenta’s Brian Krug & Jamie Gibson
Audio Files: How to Deep Clean Your Website Ball Seed 2024-06-13 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-f7gdd-1631895HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR WEBSITEFROM THE NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY KATIE ELZER-PETERSNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: … it’s time to deep clean your website and really look hard at what works, what doesn’t, what you never got around to and what needs to change to keep up with new security risks, altered consumer behavior and the prevailing economic winds. Read the digital edition of Green Profit Magazine—November 2022: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_22_11/index.aspx
Audio Files: Re-Check Your Checklist—A Safety Consultants Guide to Managing Greenhouse Risks Ball Seed 2024-06-04 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-w7ee7-1631880RE-CHECK YOUR CHECKLIST—A SAFETY CONSULTANT’S GUIDE TO MANAGING GREENHOUSE RISKSFROM THE JUNE 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY ZACH BRUCENARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: My job is to guide our customers through potential hazards. We discuss risk scenarios, navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and identify gaps in safety programs. My goal is to help growers of all sizes enhance safety within their business. This article is a reflection of those conversations.I’ve gathered the most common risks I see on a daily basis and paired them with reminders to help you apply strategies within your own greenhouse. Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—June 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_06/index.aspx
Understanding Water Levels 1 to 5 Ball Seed 2024-05-30 | In about two minutes, Dr. Will Healy explains water levels 1 to 5—the foundation of an effective greenhouse water management plan. For more, check out Training Your Team to Water Properly: youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=ypf0vyWcleEMxEm2
Audio Files: Pansy Transplant Establishment Ball Seed 2024-05-23 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-nn7qw-161e3d8PANSY TRANSPLANT ESTABLISHMENTFROM THE JANUARY 2023 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY JAMIE GIBSONNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Every pansy grower strives for uniform growth while minimizing plant losses. One major source of pansy crop failure is the improper treatment of plugs upon transplant into the finishing tray.In order to be successful, you must consider several factors in the establishment of pansies. These include pre-plant plug status, substrate preparation, irrigation, fertilization and nutritional monitoring, and substrate fungicide drenching. Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—January 2023: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_23_01/index.aspx
Strategic Fall Pansy PGR applications! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy finishing tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY FINISHINGyoutu.be/EOjxtFgXjtc?si=fBh8fEpfmXlTspI6 In the full video, retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy starts with a discussion of Pansy Mottle Syndrome (what to watch for and how to mitigate the risk) before tackling common grow-out issues. He talks about ways to speed up a crop, as well as strategies to slow your pansies down.You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant. The finishing stage is not a time to deal with disease, so Will talks about prevention and control tactics. Finally, he offers suggestions for post-harvest prep, with the goal of shipping the best crop possible to your retail and landscape customers.
Battling Fall Pansy Mottle Syndrome! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy finishing tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY FINISHINGyoutu.be/EOjxtFgXjtc?si=fBh8fEpfmXlTspI6 In the full video, retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy starts with a discussion of Pansy Mottle Syndrome (what to watch for and how to mitigate the risk) before tackling common grow-out issues. He talks about ways to speed up a crop, as well as strategies to slow your pansies down.You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant. The finishing stage is not a time to deal with disease, so Will talks about prevention and control tactics. Finally, he offers suggestions for post-harvest prep, with the goal of shipping the best crop possible to your retail and landscape customers.
Avoid common Fall Pansy grow-out problems! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy finishing tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY FINISHINGyoutu.be/EOjxtFgXjtc?si=fBh8fEpfmXlTspI6 In the full video, retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy starts with a discussion of Pansy Mottle Syndrome (what to watch for and how to mitigate the risk) before tackling common grow-out issues. He talks about ways to speed up a crop, as well as strategies to slow your pansies down.You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant. The finishing stage is not a time to deal with disease, so Will talks about prevention and control tactics. Finally, he offers suggestions for post-harvest prep, with the goal of shipping the best crop possible to your retail and landscape customers.
Feed Fall Pansies before they need it! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy finishing tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY FINISHINGyoutu.be/EOjxtFgXjtc?si=fBh8fEpfmXlTspI6 In the full video, retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy starts with a discussion of Pansy Mottle Syndrome (what to watch for and how to mitigate the risk) before tackling common grow-out issues. He talks about ways to speed up a crop, as well as strategies to slow your pansies down.You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant. The finishing stage is not a time to deal with disease, so Will talks about prevention and control tactics. Finally, he offers suggestions for post-harvest prep, with the goal of shipping the best crop possible to your retail and landscape customers.
Unpack & space Fall Pansy plugs ASAP! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy plug handling & transplant tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY RECEIVING & TRANSPLANT youtu.be/YzWQfAvLicQ?si=lt31OOYrwdZpA1WR In the full video, retired Ball Senior Technical Manager Dr. Will Healy rethinks Fall and Spring Pansy propagation in an effort to help you start your best crop ever. Will covers the stage when you receive plugs and transplant them into finished containers by focusing on greenhouse environment and crop culture. He starts with tips and strategies for receiving plugs in an effort to minimize risk with young plants. Then he moves into the processes to put in place prior to transplant, such as sanitation, temperature and RH management and nutrition. Next, he covers what your team needs to know immediately following transplant by digging deep into irrigation and nutrition. You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant.
Transplanting Fall Pansy plugs in the heat of Summer! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy plug handling & transplant tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY RECEIVING & TRANSPLANT youtu.be/YzWQfAvLicQ?si=lt31OOYrwdZpA1WR In the full video, retired Ball Senior Technical Manager Dr. Will Healy rethinks Fall and Spring Pansy propagation in an effort to help you start your best crop ever. Will covers the stage when you receive plugs and transplant them into finished containers by focusing on greenhouse environment and crop culture. He starts with tips and strategies for receiving plugs in an effort to minimize risk with young plants. Then he moves into the processes to put in place prior to transplant, such as sanitation, temperature and RH management and nutrition. Next, he covers what your team needs to know immediately following transplant by digging deep into irrigation and nutrition. You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant.
Water transplanted Fall Pansy plugs … but don’t saturate! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy plug handling & transplant tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY RECEIVING & TRANSPLANT youtu.be/YzWQfAvLicQ?si=lt31OOYrwdZpA1WR In the full video, retired Ball Senior Technical Manager Dr. Will Healy rethinks Fall and Spring Pansy propagation in an effort to help you start your best crop ever. Will covers the stage when you receive plugs and transplant them into finished containers by focusing on greenhouse environment and crop culture. He starts with tips and strategies for receiving plugs in an effort to minimize risk with young plants. Then he moves into the processes to put in place prior to transplant, such as sanitation, temperature and RH management and nutrition. Next, he covers what your team needs to know immediately following transplant by digging deep into irrigation and nutrition. You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant.
Fuzzy Fall Pansy roots are HAPPY ROOTS! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy plug handling & transplant tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch PANSY RECEIVING & TRANSPLANT youtu.be/YzWQfAvLicQ?si=lt31OOYrwdZpA1WR In the full video, retired Ball Senior Technical Manager Dr. Will Healy rethinks Fall and Spring Pansy propagation in an effort to help you start your best crop ever. Will covers the stage when you receive plugs and transplant them into finished containers by focusing on greenhouse environment and crop culture. He starts with tips and strategies for receiving plugs in an effort to minimize risk with young plants. Then he moves into the processes to put in place prior to transplant, such as sanitation, temperature and RH management and nutrition. Next, he covers what your team needs to know immediately following transplant by digging deep into irrigation and nutrition. You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of this video and then share it with your production team. Your best bet is to make sure everyone is on the same page immediately before and after transplant.
Don’t let Fall Pansy seeds dry out after sowing! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy germination tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch ACHIEVING UNIFORMITY: PANSY & VIOLA GERMINATION youtu.be/8stwhDpIlb8?si=U2wu--j-gMHh88Bj In the full video, Synchronous Germination is the goal—uniform seedlings that germinate within a 48-hour window and grow uniformly throughout production. Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins for a deep dive into the germination process with a focus on pansy and viola crops. Will begins by explaining why water and oxygen are the most critical elements in pansy germination, as well as the importance of hydration levels from Day 0-4. He then shares ways to reduce the potential of creating a “gel layer” on seeds, instead moving them into the germination stage effectively. Next, Will explains best practices for flat filling with uniform moisture and ways to avoid dry spots and “checkerboarding” in young plant production. Moving down the seeding line, pansies and violas should be top coated with a coarse media but distribution of the media is the key element. At the end of the line should be a water tunnel but, again, there are protocols to follow, and Will explains them all. Lastly, when your plug trays are filled, there’s always the discussion of whether bench production or a chamber is optimal. Will explains pros and cons for both.
Fall Pansy magic begins in the Water Tunnel! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy germination tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch ACHIEVING UNIFORMITY: PANSY & VIOLA GERMINATION youtu.be/8stwhDpIlb8?si=U2wu--j-gMHh88Bj In the full video, Synchronous Germination is the goal—uniform seedlings that germinate within a 48-hour window and grow uniformly throughout production. Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins for a deep dive into the germination process with a focus on pansy and viola crops. Will begins by explaining why water and oxygen are the most critical elements in pansy germination, as well as the importance of hydration levels from Day 0-4. He then shares ways to reduce the potential of creating a “gel layer” on seeds, instead moving them into the germination stage effectively. Next, Will explains best practices for flat filling with uniform moisture and ways to avoid dry spots and “checkerboarding” in young plant production. Moving down the seeding line, pansies and violas should be top coated with a coarse media but distribution of the media is the key element. At the end of the line should be a water tunnel but, again, there are protocols to follow, and Will explains them all. Lastly, when your plug trays are filled, there’s always the discussion of whether bench production or a chamber is optimal. Will explains pros and cons for both.
Forget about temperature when germinating Fall Pansies! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy germination tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch ACHIEVING UNIFORMITY: PANSY & VIOLA GERMINATION youtu.be/8stwhDpIlb8?si=U2wu--j-gMHh88Bj In the full video, Synchronous Germination is the goal—uniform seedlings that germinate within a 48-hour window and grow uniformly throughout production. Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins for a deep dive into the germination process with a focus on pansy and viola crops. Will begins by explaining why water and oxygen are the most critical elements in pansy germination, as well as the importance of hydration levels from Day 0-4. He then shares ways to reduce the potential of creating a “gel layer” on seeds, instead moving them into the germination stage effectively. Next, Will explains best practices for flat filling with uniform moisture and ways to avoid dry spots and “checkerboarding” in young plant production. Moving down the seeding line, pansies and violas should be top coated with a coarse media but distribution of the media is the key element. At the end of the line should be a water tunnel but, again, there are protocols to follow, and Will explains them all. Lastly, when your plug trays are filled, there’s always the discussion of whether bench production or a chamber is optimal. Will explains pros and cons for both.
Don’t overwater Fall Pansy seeds! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-05-21 | Fall Pansy germination tips from Ball Seed. #SHORTSBe sure to watch ACHIEVING UNIFORMITY: PANSY & VIOLA GERMINATION youtu.be/8stwhDpIlb8?si=U2wu--j-gMHh88Bj In the full video, Synchronous Germination is the goal—uniform seedlings that germinate within a 48-hour window and grow uniformly throughout production. Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins for a deep dive into the germination process with a focus on pansy and viola crops. Will begins by explaining why water and oxygen are the most critical elements in pansy germination, as well as the importance of hydration levels from Day 0-4. He then shares ways to reduce the potential of creating a “gel layer” on seeds, instead moving them into the germination stage effectively. Next, Will explains best practices for flat filling with uniform moisture and ways to avoid dry spots and “checkerboarding” in young plant production. Moving down the seeding line, pansies and violas should be top coated with a coarse media but distribution of the media is the key element. At the end of the line should be a water tunnel but, again, there are protocols to follow, and Will explains them all. Lastly, when your plug trays are filled, there’s always the discussion of whether bench production or a chamber is optimal. Will explains pros and cons for both.
Audio Files BONUS DOUBLE EPISODE: Keep Your Points Disease Free & A Quick Review of Poinsettia Downy Ball Seed 2024-05-10 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-66wat-160b990KEEP YOUR POINTS DISEASE-FREEFROM THE MAY 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY KURT BECKERNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS AND TO CELEBRATE AUDIO FILES #50! WHEN THIS ONE ENDS … JUST KEEP LISTENING FOR … A QUICK REVIEW OF POINSETTIA DOWNY MILDEWWRITTEN BY NORA CATLINALSO FROM THE MAY 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS EXCERPT 1: Poinsettia Bract Edge Burn is a common occurrence in this Christmas crop. Brown necrotic lesions occur on the bract margin. The primary cause for this is low levels of calcium in the bract. Some poinsettia varieties have difficulty translocating calcium to the bract margin as the bract expands. Once necrosis begins, Botrytis can follow, often leading to more plant damage.EXCERPT 2: After a long while of not seeing powdery mildew on poinsettias, several cases were seen last season. Perhaps that was a fluke and we won’t see it again—let’s hope that’s the case. But let’s use the mildew seen last year as a reminder and take the opportunity to review this disease. Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—MAY 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_05/index.aspx
Audio Files: Its Time to Fall for Mums Ball Seed 2024-04-30 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-g58yr-15fd3a1IT’S TIME TO FALL FOR MUMSFROM THE AUGUST 2020 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY NANCY RECHCIGLNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: While every greenhouse and nursery operation are different, one consistent factor common to all is that preparation is key to success. Growing mums for fall sales means having to deal with the challenges summer production can bring. By planning ahead with an agronomic program, growers are prepared when the expected and unexpected arise. Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—August 2020: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_20_08/index.aspx
Creating Your Trial Plan Ball Seed 2024-04-09 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-h8yq5-15d8460Our guest today is Jason Twaddell. Jason joins host Bill Calkins to tackle an important topic for all growers. In this STEM Rewind, he digs into the Why, What and When of trialing in an effort to highlight the importance of this critical piece of the growing puzzle. With margins getting narrower and the tolerance for inefficiency and shrink dropping to near zero, trialing and testing new genetics before replacing existing varieties is more important than ever.Some of the topics he covers include trialing to solve problems and not just to evaluate what’s new; improving labor–intensive processes and the importance of an internal champion to maximize resources. Jason details the steps to take when implementing an effective trial strategy and also how to plan and prioritize to achieve the goals you set. This episode is appropriate for many roles in your greenhouse operation from management to section growers. Getting your team aligned when putting trials in place is critical to the whole process.
Audio Files: Resistance Management Ball Seed 2024-04-01 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-psten-15cbadfRESISTANCE MANAGEMENTFROM THE APRIL 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY DR. RAYMOND A CLOYDNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Resistance develops when pesticides with similar modes of action are continually applied to manage insect and/or mite pest populations below plant-damaging levels. It’s important to understand that pesticides don’t cause resistance; instead, pesticides select for naturally occurring resistance traits in insect and/or mite pest populations by removing susceptible individuals from the population.Two strategies that may delay the onset of resistance developing in insect and/or mite pest populations are pesticide rotations (alternations/cycling) and pesticide mixtures (combinations). Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—April 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_04/index.aspx
Tagawa Greenhouse, Brighton, CO - Gold Supplier for Ball Seed Ball Seed 2024-03-25 | VISIT OUR SEED DISTRIBUTION WEBSITE ballseed.comGet to know our Ball Seed Gold Suppliers! Let's meet Tagawa Greenhouses, serving 2,700 greenhouses and garden centers in North America. Tagawa produces and ships young plants, including liners, plugs, spring pre-finished, and fall cyclamen.TAGAWA GREENHOUSE tagawagreenhouse.com
Bobs Market and Greenhouses, Mason, WV - Gold Supplier for Ball Seed Ball Seed 2024-03-25 | VISIT OUR SEED DISTRIBUTION WEBSITE: ballseed.comGet to know our Ball Seed Gold Suppliers! Let's meet Bob's Market and Greenhouses, with nearly 25 acres of greenhouses under roof along with 5 acres of outdoor growing space. Bob's Market ships seedling plugs and wholesale finished product to states along the east coast and as far west as Texas using its own fleet of trucks.BOB'S MARKET AND GREENHOUSES bobsmarket.com
Audio Files: Scouting—Essential & Therapeutic Ball Seed 2024-03-13 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-8iaci-15ab8f6SCOUTING: ESSENTIAL & THERAPEUTICFROM THE APRIL 2021 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY PAUL PILONNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Regardless of the types of crops being grown or the size of the operation, scouting is essential to any company that produces plants. This important routine shouldn’t only be viewed as a necessary task to detect pest and disease problems, but as an opportunity to get intimate with the plants in a manner that really lets you observe the plants closely and provides a great indication of how healthy they really are. Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—April 2021: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_21_04/index.aspx
IPM for Finishing Calibrachoa: Aphids & Thrips #shorts Ball Seed 2024-03-13 | James Doukas from Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One shares a few quick tips on IPM when finishing calibrachoa crops. #shorts
Control Common Insect & Mite Pests on Tropical Plants Ball Seed 2024-03-06 | Ball Seed tropical & foliage plant guru Andrew Britten joins Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins to take a look at strategies to control common insect and mite pests that often impact tropical and foliage crops in greenhouse and nursery production. Andrew shares biological solutions and conventional chemical methods for control. Pests discussed include:AphidsSpider MitesMealy BugWhiteflyThrips
Darwin Perennials Penstemon Rock Candy Series #shorts Ball Seed 2024-03-05 | Chris Fifo from Darwin Perennials explains why the Rock Candy series of Penstemon is a sure bet!#shorts
Why Perennials? Why Not! #shorts Ball Seed 2024-03-05 | Chris Fifo from Darwin Perennials and Kieft Seed talks about why today's perennials are no-brainers for traditional annuals growers.#shorts
Audio Files: Terrific Trade Show Prep & Follow-up Ball Seed 2024-03-05 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-zj36q-159f331TERRIFIC TRADE SHOW PREP & FOLLOW-UPFROM THE MARCH 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY KATIE ELZER-PETERSNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Attending trade shows costs a lot of coin. Whether you pay for a booth, ship plants and fixtures out to the show, and cover hotel rooms and meals for staff or you send staff (and pay for meals and hotel rooms and transportation), at a minimum you’re spending $1,000. But your outlay might be closer to $50K with a booth. Are you getting as much out of the shows as you could be? Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—March 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_03/index.aspx
Audio Files: Avoiding Crop Contamination Ball Seed 2024-02-21 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-mspig-158b926AVOIDING CROP CONTAMINATIONFROM THE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE OF INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY DAVID KUACKNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: While food crop production in greenhouses or indoor farms might be considered safer than outdoor field production, plants can experience the same exposure to human pathogens regardless of where they’re produced. The CDC reports many kinds of produce, including organic leafy greens, can be contaminated with human pathogens. According to the CDC, leafy greens produced with hydroponic or greenhouse-grown methods can also be contaminated with these pathogens at any point from farm to fork. “Greenhouse and indoor farm growers think they are growing a safe product because they are growing in a controlled environment structure,” said Melanie Lewis Ivey, associate professor, Fruit Pathology & Fresh Produce Safety, and extension experience coordinator at The Ohio State University. “There is a difference between a controlled environment and a closed environment.” RESOURCE:The Ohio State University’s Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team offers an online course called “Good Agricultural Practices for Food Safety of Hydroponic Crops.” This self-paced course provides controlled environment food growers with the information and tools needed to implement best management practices to reduce microbial food safety hazards. Read the digital edition of Inside Grower Magazine—February 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_24_02/index.aspx
Audio Files: What Does Compatibility Mean? Ball Seed 2024-02-09 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-zurpe-1577e9bWHAT DOES “COMPATIBILITY” MEAN?FROM THE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY DR. RAYMOND A. CLOYDNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: … integrating BCAs and pesticides is complex due to the various direct and/or indirect effects that pesticides may have on BCAs. For instance, any delay in the population growth of BCAs by pesticides (and even fungicides) can substantially affect the ability of BCAs to manage pest populations below economically plant-damaging levels. Another factor to consider is that combining BCAs with pesticides not only has to effectively manage pest populations, but also has to be cost-effective. Finally, we need to stop using the term “compatibility.” Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—February 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_02/index.aspx
Spring Prep: Plant Nutrition Ball Seed 2024-02-07 | Ball Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins is joined by Dr. Josh Henry, a Ball technical service specialist with expertise in plant nutrition and fertility, to take you through a range of topics related to crop nutrition with the goal of setting you and your team up for success with spring production. In this discussion, Josh covers an early-season checklist that includes water testing, injector calibration and the importance of having an in-house testing toolbox handy. Then he digs deeper into options for fertilizer—macronutrients and micronutrients—and tips for adjusting pH up or down. There’s a lot of great information packed into 25 minutes, so this is a perfect video to share with your entire production team.Resources Mentioned:Properly Conduct a Pour-Thru Test for pH & EC (VIDEO): youtu.be/WyJ2fgkng-8?si=jqmYt5L6IEbXIYdR AlkCalc calculator for adjusting pH and Alkalinity (from e-GRO): e-gro.org/alkcalc/dist/index.htmlBall Seed Ornamental Plants Plug Growing Chart: ballseed.com/PDF/OrnamentalPlants-PlugGrowingChart.pdf Fertilizer Injector Calibration (University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension): https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000882_Rep928.pdf
How To Calibrate Your Fertilizer Injector #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-06 | Dr. Josh Henry from Ball Tech On Demand explains quickly how to calibrate your fertilizer injector.#shorts
Nutrition for Compact vs. Lush Growth #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-05 | It's important to consider your desired outcome when planning fertilizer strategies. Do you want compact or lush growth? Dr. Josh Henry breaks it down in this quick video.#shorts
Early-Season Crop Nutrition Checklist #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-03 | Heading into spring production, make sure you've checked all of these items and tasks off your crop nutrition list!#shorts
Tip Atrophy: Trifecta of Symptoms #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-02 | When tip atrophy becomes severe ... boron, calcium and copper issues create a trifecta of symptoms. Watch the full video: youtu.be/7sHVKN3f0HA?si=z4tJbQusAxkZ2XNA#shorts
Tip Atrophy: Correct Boron Application #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-02 | Best practices for applying boron to correct nutrient deficiencies leading to tip atrophy. Watch the full video: youtu.be/7sHVKN3f0HA?si=z4tJbQusAxkZ2XNA#shorts
Tip Atrophy: Fixing the Problem #shorts Ball Seed 2024-02-02 | Dr. Will Healy discusses when you see tip atrophy and why it can be easy to fix. Watch the full video: youtu.be/7sHVKN3f0HA?si=z4tJbQusAxkZ2XNA#shorts
Tip Atrophy: Triggers & Solutions Ball Seed 2024-02-01 | Something some of you might struggle with early in production is tip atrophy, often called tip abortion. This is when you see symptoms during propagation, often on calibrachoa or petunia, where it looks like the cuttings were accidentally pinched—but you know they weren’t. Poor rooting, stunted growth and strappy foliage can also cause you to wonder what the heck is going on? To answer that question, we turn to Dr. Will Healy.As Will explains, this issue can be triggered by a handful of different occurrences in propagation and doesn’t always affect the entire crop. He starts by explaining that tip atrophy occurs in a range of different greenhouse crops in every season but is most often experienced with petunia and calibrachoa in the spring and pansy in the fall. It can be pervasive across entire crops or random, making it especially frustrating. Usually considered a symptom of nutrient deficiency, Will explains that tip abortion or atrophy is nutritional but there are certain processes to understand. Will runs through the need for micronutrients, especially boron, calcium and copper in a tip atrophy prevention strategy and exactly what levels to aim for when supplementing. The final piece to this puzzle is being aware of potential trigger events. High relative humidity, low light, poor root growth, wet growing points, high soil pH, low transpiration, nutrient leaching and more can lead to tip atrophy.By the end of this presentation, you and your team will be in a much better position to avoid tip atrophy and tip abortion in your greenhouse production.
Audio Files: Avoiding Tax Audits Ball Seed 2024-01-31 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-2t3cm-1569292AVOIDING TAX AUDITSFROM THE JUNE 2023 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY MARK E. BATTERSBYNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Today, the IRS enforces the tax law in a number of ways, including the increasingly more common correspondence (examination by mail) audits and the dreaded field (face-to-face audit) examinations. The result is that many businesses are being scrutinized far more often than the numbers indicate. Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—June 2023: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_23_06/index.aspx
How to Properly Sow Canna Seeds #shorts Ball Seed 2024-01-23 | In this video from Ball Tech On Demand, Dr. Will Healy shares quick tips for sowing canna seeds correctly. #shorts
PGR Tips for Canna Production #shorts Ball Seed 2024-01-23 | In this video from Ball Tech On Demand, Dr. Will Healy shares quick tips for using PGRs to control growth on canna crops. #shorts
Achieving Uniformity in Canna Production Ball Seed 2024-01-23 | As we’ve discussed in other Tech On Demand videos and podcasts, the key to successfully producing high quality crops often starts at the very beginning. How you and your team approach the earliest stages of germination and propagation sets the stage for uniformity down the line. We’re pleased to welcome back frequent guest Dr. Will Healy who continues to think about ways to share his knowledge and decades of experience working with growers of all shapes and sizes. This time, he's here to focus on canna, which can be a tricky one.YOU WANT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO ALL THE WAY TO THE END, BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME CRITIAL TOPICS COVERED RELATED TO PGRs AND NUTRITION SPECIFIC TO CANNA!Will begins by explaining the germination process, defining terms and talking about the unique laser drilling technology that allows moisture to penetrate really hard canna seeds. After establishing the importance of proper moisture management and temperature control for tropical crops like canna, he digs deeper into flat filling and seeding best practices. With canna, the trick is BURYING THE SEEDS so they don’t rise to the surface after irrigation. Will offers three options for achieving this on the seeding line.Before wrapping up, Will spends time on growth regulator selection specific to canna, because as a monocot there are some chemicals to avoid. Nutrition is also covered, because canna respond best to certain formulations.Resources:At-Risk Crops—Canna (VIDEO): youtu.be/jiY2XlzLfqQ?si=lKKZuszWpeWhZoVt Training Your Team to Water Properly (VIDEO): youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=qh5wqFp7dF8Xmx1q Mystery Solved! Slime, Moss and Algae (VIDEO): youtu.be/Qjh0BcwkqqI?si=2pftpc_IEgJHLO-S Starting Strong with Seed Propagation (VIDEO): youtu.be/cH-lbXGn24U?si=2wRz6VsYM7_NDJMS
Achieving Uniformity in Begonia Production Ball Seed 2024-01-23 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-dg3uu-155ac7eAs we’ve discussed in other Tech On Demand videos and podcasts, the key to successfully producing high quality crops often starts at the very beginning. How you and your team approach the earliest stages of germination and propagation sets the stage for uniformity down the line. We’re pleased to welcome back frequent guest Dr. Will Healy, who continues to think about ways to share his knowledge and decades of experience working with growers of all shapes and sizes. This time, he's here to focus on seed-raised begonias Will begins by explaining the germination process, defining terms and talking about the importance of melting the coating on pelleted seeds. After establishing the importance of proper moisture management to melt pellets effectively, he digs deeper into flat filling and seeding best practices including properly centering the seed in each cell and not burying them. Then the discussion turns to why you should treat begonias like unrooted cuttings in the after germination—they’re a monocot, with root clusters instead of a taproot. As a tropical plant, Will reminds us that cold water in germination is not ideal and tempered water should be used. Lighting is also recommended—immediately after trays leave the water tunnel. You’ll also hear protocols for irrigation management and nutrition to help get begonias off to a strong start. The discussion wraps up with quick looks at other begonia species often started from seed, like tuberous, interspecific and boliviensis types. Resources: Training Your Team to Water Properly (VIDEO): youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=qh5wqFp7dF8Xmx1q Mystery Solved! Slime, Moss and Algae (VIDEO): youtu.be/Qjh0BcwkqqI?si=2pftpc_IEgJHLO-S Starting Strong with Seed Propagation (VIDEO): youtu.be/cH-lbXGn24U?si=2wRz6VsYM7_NDJMS
Achieving Uniformity in Begonia Production Ball Seed 2024-01-23 | As we’ve discussed in other Tech On Demand videos and podcasts, the key to successfully producing high quality crops often starts at the very beginning. How you and your team approach the earliest stages of germination and propagation sets the stage for uniformity down the line. We’re pleased to welcome back frequent guest Dr. Will Healy, who continues to think about ways to share his knowledge and decades of experience working with growers of all shapes and sizes. This time, he's here to focus on seed-raised begoniasWill begins by explaining the germination process, defining terms and talking about the importance of melting the coating on pelleted seeds. After establishing the importance of proper moisture management to melt pellets effectively, he digs deeper into flat filling and seeding best practices including properly centering the seed in each cell and not burying them. Then the discussion turns to why you should treat begonias like unrooted cuttings after germination. As a tropical plant, Will reminds us that cold water in germination is not ideal and tempered water should be used. Lighting is also recommended—immediately after trays leave the water tunnel. You’ll also hear protocols for irrigation management and nutrition to help get begonias off to a strong start. The discussion wraps up with quick looks at other begonia species often started from seed, like tuberous, interspecific and boliviensis types. Resources:Training Your Team to Water Properly (VIDEO): youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=qh5wqFp7dF8Xmx1q Mystery Solved! Slime, Moss and Algae (VIDEO): youtu.be/Qjh0BcwkqqI?si=2pftpc_IEgJHLO-S Starting Strong with Seed Propagation (VIDEO): youtu.be/cH-lbXGn24U?si=2wRz6VsYM7_NDJMS
Audio Files: The Rise of Vertical Farming Ball Seed 2024-01-09 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-5q3nx-15460daTHE RISE OF VERTICAL FARMINGFROM THE FEBRUARY 2023 ISSUE OF INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY DANIEL PILSWORTHNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: The sky is the limit: In 1999, Columbia professor Dickson Despommier used the term “vertical farming” to describe a system of agriculture in which crops are grown indoors on vertically stacked platforms. His students imagined skyscrapers with lush greens, bursting from the sides of city buildings and providing hyper-local produce to dense urban centers.In the two decades since then, vertical farming has grown up in unexpected—yet promising—ways. In fact, according to the most recent P&S Intelligence report, the total vertical farming market size in 2021 was $3.98 billion and this number is expected to grow 25.2% annually to reach $30.2 billion by 2030. Read the digital edition of Inside Grower Magazine—February 2023: ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_23_02/index.aspx
Audio Files: Rehydrating Unrooted Cuttings Ball Seed 2024-01-02 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-2kin2-153c69dREHYDRATING UNROOTED CUTTINGSFROM THE JANUARY 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN AND NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT:Fact: Dehydrated cuttings root non-uniformly. This means in the earliest stages, unless rehydration strategies are in place, you run the risk of getting off to a weak start. Poor moisture management at the beginning of the process will cause problems throughout production. In a recent Tech On Demand video, Ball technical managers Dr. Will Healy (now retired) and Dr. Nathan Jahnke shared tips and tricks for choosing the best rehydration methods, based on trials and research. This article summarizes their key points in an effort to help you make the best decisions when cuttings land on your loading dock. Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—January 2024: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_01/index.aspx
Achieving Uniform Germination & Flowering in Petunia Production Ball Seed 2023-12-26 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-3ic6h-15317ebAs we’ve discussed in other Tech On Demand videos and podcasts, the key to successfully producing high quality crops often starts at the very beginning. How you and your team approach the earliest stages of germination and propagation sets the stage for uniformity down the line. We’re pleased to welcome back frequent guest Dr. Will Healy. Will recently retired as Senior Manager of Ball’s technical services group but continues to think about ways to share his knowledge and decades of experience working with growers of all shapes and sizes. This time, he's here to focus on seed-raised petunias. FULL VIDEO LINK: youtu.be/ulOD0qDeePs?si=AOe9KD4UCF8VvmQM Will begins by explaining the germination process, defining terms and talking about the importance of melting the coating on pelleted seeds (like petunias). After establishing the importance of proper moisture management melt pellets effectively, he digs deeper into flat filling and seeding best practices including properly centering the seed in each cell and NOT BURYING PETUNIA SEED, which can be more challenging than it sounds. Then the discussion turns to building a strong root system and avoiding “root running” or failure to root. As cotyledons begin to emerge, attention must be paid to the goal of achieving uniform petunia stands and again, it comes back to irrigation to prevent drying. By day 8 in the germination process, your petunias should be off to a strong start, setting the crop up for success. Resources:Training Your Team to Water Properly (VIDEO): youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=qh5wqFp7dF8Xmx1q Mystery Solved! Slime, Moss and Algae (VIDEO): youtu.be/Qjh0BcwkqqI?si=2pftpc_IEgJHLO-S Starting Strong with Seed Propagation (VIDEO): youtu.be/cH-lbXGn24U?si=2wRz6VsYM7_NDJMS
Achieving Uniform Germination & Flowering in Petunia Production Ball Seed 2023-12-21 | As we’ve discussed in other Tech On Demand videos and podcasts, the key to successfully producing high quality crops often starts at the very beginning. How you and your team approach the earliest stages of germination and propagation sets the stage for uniformity down the line. We’re pleased to welcome back frequent guest Dr. Will Healy. Will recently retired as Senior Manager of Ball’s technical services group but continues to think about ways to share his knowledge and decades of experience working with growers of all shapes and sizes. This time, he's here to focus on seed-raised petunias.Will begins by explaining the germination process, defining terms and talking about the importance of melting the coating on pelleted seeds (like petunias). After establishing the importance of proper moisture management melt pellets effectively, he digs deeper into flat filling and seeding best practices including properly centering the seed in each cell and NOT BURYING PETUNIA SEED, which can be more challenging than it sounds. Then the discussion turns to building a strong root system and avoiding “root running” or failure to root. As cotyledons begin to emerge, attention must be paid to the goal of achieving uniform petunia stands and again, it comes back to irrigation to prevent drying. By day 8 in the germination process, your petunias should be off to a strong start, setting the crop up for success.Resources:Training Your Team to Water Properly (VIDEO): youtu.be/SCPPT0IXlLY?si=qh5wqFp7dF8Xmx1q Mystery Solved! Slime, Moss and Algae (VIDEO): youtu.be/Qjh0BcwkqqI?si=2pftpc_IEgJHLO-S Starting Strong with Seed Propagation (VIDEO): youtu.be/cH-lbXGn24U?si=2wRz6VsYM7_NDJMS Tech On Demand Weekly Newsletter: growertalks.com/Newsletters/Signup/?newsletter=techondemand Tech On Demand Podcast, brought to you by GrowerTalks: techondemand.podbean.com Tech On Demand Videos: youtube.com/channel/UCRWIFgcRZVIylFIk-me3R1Q Greenhouse Tech Team Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/595797717666084
Audio Files: The Importance of Transparent Communication Ball Seed 2023-12-18 | Source:podbean.com/eau/pb-5ij96-152b5acTHE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATIONFROM THE DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINEWRITTEN BY AUSTIN BRYANTNARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT:The challenge lies in placing plants with similar watering, spray requirements and lighting together while considering the available square footage. This complex juggling act continues as salespeople manage prebooked orders, adjusting contracted versus speculative material. It’s a dynamic process that unfolds until the last cutting and plug finds its way into the soil or until space runs out. Ideally, the former happens before the latter, as no one enjoys making that call to a customer to cut a prebook.Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—December 2023: ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_23_12/index.aspx
Get Petunia Seeds in the Middle of the Tray! #shorts Ball Seed 2023-12-13 | Dr. Will Healy explains why it's critical to sow petunias seeds in the middle of the cell. Centering your drum seeder and setting the dibbler correctly can make or break your crop.#shorts
