How Tri-Hishtil Plants Grow Stronger With the Right Tools
At Tri-Hishtil in Mills River, NC, the team is passionate about growing strong, healthy grafted plants that give farmers a head start in the field. Their focus is on watermelons, tomatoes, cantaloupes, peppers, and eggplants — vegetables that face increasing challenges from disease pressure and environmental restrictions.
Tri-Hishtil believes the future of farming lies in smarter, greener solutions. That’s why they combine advanced greenhouse technology with the craftsmanship of skilled grafting technicians. The result? Plants that require fewer inputs, stand up to tough conditions, and deliver higher yields for growers.
Every day in their greenhouses, there’s a rhythm of machines and people working together. Here’s a look behind the curtain at some of the tools that make this work possible — tools that directly impact the success of the farmers who rely on Tri-Hishtil.
Urbinati BETA65C Drum Seeding Line
Every great plant starts with a well-placed seed. Our Urbinati seeding line sows up to 800 trays per hour, with incredible precision. Whether the seed is tiny or oddly shaped, the BETA65 seeder makes a perfect hole and places each seed exactly where it needs to go.
Urbinati seedling line.
Photo courtesy of Tri-Hishtil
A tray filler ensures every cell has just the right amount of soil, and a peat recovery system collects any excess, so nothing goes to waste. Finally, covering and watering units finish the trays, leaving them neat, consistent, and ready for germination.
Priva Climate Control Systems
Plants can’t grow their best unless the climate is just right. With our Priva computers, we control temperature, humidity, lighting, irrigation, and energy with the push of a button. It’s like giving the greenhouse its own “brain,” constantly adjusting conditions to keep plants comfortable.
Priva climate control system.
Photo courtesy of Tri-Hishtil
When plants grow in a stable, stress-free environment, they transplant better, establish quicker, and keep their strength through the season. That means fewer setbacks and healthier crops in the field.
Cherry Creek Double Rail Boom Irrigator
Watering a greenhouse might sound simple, but it’s an art. Our Cherry Creek boom irrigation system moves with precision, watering exactly where it’s needed. It can water the left or right side independently, which gives us flexibility. The double rail design provides a central walkway, improving workflow inside the greenhouse, while the Network Irrigation Controller ensures precise application of water, fertilizers, and chemicals. With this system, every tray receives the right amount of water and nutrients, no more, no less — helping us conserve resources and maintain uniform plant growth.
Cherry Creek boom irrigation.
Photo courtesy of Tri-Hishtil
ProMinent Motor-Driven Metering Pumps
When it comes to feeding our plants, accuracy is everything. Our ProMinent pumps deliver fertilizer with unmatched precision, even when conditions change. They run reliably on their own, needing little attention from us.
ProMinent metering pumps.
Photo courtesy of Tri-Hishtil
Grafting Stations and Skilled Technicians
Technology helps us in many ways, but grafting remains a skill that only human hands can perfect. Our technicians spend weeks training to master the delicate process of joining rootstock and scion. Even after training, it takes seasons of practice to achieve the speed, accuracy, and care required.
Click here to see more installments of American Vegetable Grower’s “Kick the Tires” series.
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