Co-writers: Mr. Peter Klapwijk, Green Architect and Connector with a vast growing history and Marit Nieboer – Klapwijk – Business coach, discovers and supports you and your companies talents and abilities.
2HARVEST | www.2harvest.nl
In an interview with Mr. Peter Klapwijk, a well-renowned expert in the field of horticulture dives deep, sharing his profound knowledge regarding the stages of plant growth and how it all starts with grafting and, of course, the right grafting clips!
Plant Strength Starts at the Beginning
Grafting typically occurs in a growing chamber when the plant is quite young. It is crucial that the quality of the grafting is done expertly and with a precise hand since the entire lifecycle of the plant is highly dependent on this procedure and helps create a stronger, more disease-resistant plant with higher and healthier yields. Grafting is really a super skill, and its connection must be exact for it to work. To gain a good start, once the plant is cut for grafting, it should be done as soon as possible- the shorter the time frame, the better. The plant is left to rest while maintaining the appropriate environment for a few weeks.
The Importance of the Right Grafting Material
Just like the fact that grafting takes a skilled hand, the products used for grafting are just as important, with many factors to consider. When grafting, it is crucial to know which clips to use, which material is best, the elasticity of the material, and so on.
Skilled grafters also know that if you press too hard, the young plant can die. So together with grafting correctly and with the proper materials, one can see successful growth.
Temperature and Lighting
Greenhouse growing is not as easy as one may think. It is considered “Greenhouse Mathematics,” according to Klapwijk. Plants know the difference between night and day, and the temperature fluctuations that come along with darkness and light. Peter also stated that a climate that is in control, much like the summers in the Netherlands, is ideal since it never gets too hot. So, knowing your climate and what is necessary for growth is key. As a matter of fact, there are now hi-tech greenhouses in climates that at one time could not exist, and they are on the rise.
All Plants are Different, Just Like People
Once the plant is moved to the greenhouse after grafting, depending on the plant’s strength, it can be negatively affected since leaving the safety of the propagation environment Many people don’t understand that plants are like people in the sense that no two plants are the same and that regardless of plants being grown in the same environment with the same lighting and temperature, you will find that some plants are stronger than others. Just like some people are more prone to the flu than others, some plants can be more prone to diseases or be weaker.
To help build the resistance of a child, the more they are exposed to illness, the better the body learns to fight. Plants are no different here.
Pushing a plant should be done in stages to assimilate the plant well during each stage, and it will start building its strength and resistance on its own. If you go easy, it will never get strong, and if you do it too fast, it will hurt you at some point. It’s all about balance here.
Significance of Transpiration in Plants
Like all living organisms, plants also require an excretory system to discharge excess water from their body. This process of eliminating excess water from the plant body is known as transpiration.
It is generally the evaporation of water from the surface of the leaves. During the process of transpiration, water molecules in the plant tissues are removed from the aerial parts of the plants. Only a small amount of water absorbed by the plants is utilized in growth and development. Transpiration helps in the conduction of water and minerals to different parts of the plants.
Due to the continuous elimination of water from the plant body, there is a balance of water maintained within the plant, and optimum transpiration helps in the proper growth of plants.
Tips for Growers
Remember, the key to growing successfully is to take your time. So many growers want to go too fast. If you slow up a bit, you will keep your crops in power and get more equal plants.
Measurement is key. Every greenhouse needs a “bookkeeper” of sorts. Weekly you should be checking over the plants and asking yourself, which direction should I go? Is my plant length going up? Is my fruit rate going up? Are my leaves shorter? Are the heads thinner? It’s very important to be in tune with your plants and know what they are asking for.
In closing, it is crucial to understand how many factors contribute to the lifecycle of a plant, and it all starts at the beginning. Grafting correctly and utilizing the right clips, as well as all the factors discussed, will make all the difference for a successful growing season. Remember to be patient, and it’s all about balance.
Mr. Peter Klapwijk is currently delving into R&D. In the past, his work was very practical, and he helped so many companies. He thoroughly enjoys working with Paskal and all their latest innovative developments while always trying to keep it simple.
If you like this article you would be interested in reading the following articles:
- The article about: Keep Your Crop in Control
- The article about: Paskal Modern Growing Methods
