Greenhouse Tomato Short Course Highlights

Tornadoes couldn’t keep people away from the 18th Greenhouse Tomato Short Course that was held near Jackson, MS, last month. Despite some inclement weather the day before the short course began, nearly 100 people were in attendance, and they learned about everything from what is necessary to start a greenhouse operation and market the fresh produce to dealing with pests and grafting tomato plants — just to name a few of the topics covered.

In addition to the informative presentations, growers had an opportunity to meet with several vendors exhibiting their products. Of the vendors in attendance, a couple exhibited some new products.

What’s New

Sure To Grow (STG) is a new product line of plant growth media belonging to 6062 Holdings, LLC. According to managing partner Cary Senders, this plant growth medium was “designed by growers for growers.” The company is looking to commercialize the product within the next few months. Right now, he says there are about two dozen growers using the product on a regular basis. The STG line of growth medium is lightweight and sterile with great aeration and water retention. For more information, go to www.suretogrow.com.

Another new hydroponic substrate on display was Growstones. Made from waste glass, the product is noted for its water retention capacity, air circulation, and plant performance. For more information on Growstones, go to www.growstone.com.

Hands-On Learning

One of the highlights of the event was the grafting workshop that was conducted by Stan Roark, regional extension agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. According to Roark, grafting can help increase resistance to soilborne diseases, improve plant vigor, and possibly reduce dependence on soil fumigation.

Before giving growers an opportunity to graft tomato plants, Roark offered a few pointers. He told them to select rootstock seed based on potential problems, such as nematodes, Fusarium, and bacterial wilt. Roark also said to choose heirloom varieties based on market factors.

The bottom line, he said, is enticing the customers. “Fresh and local are what it is all about, and you should be taking advantage of that.”

Quotable Quotes

There was no shortage of good information delivered at the Greenhouse Tomato Short Course last month near Jackson, MS. What follows are key observations from some of the speakers.

– “If you had something to eat today, you are involved in agriculture.”  — Dr. Will McCarty, associate director, Mississippi State University Extension Service

– “Try to reduce costs when you can. Cost control is just as important as increasing sales.” — Dr. Ken Hood, ag economist, Mississippi Department of Economics

– “Monitoring allows growers to determine how a plant is doing. You are not in control if you are not monitoring your plants.” — Armando Suarez, Netafim

– “When it comes to understanding physiological disorders, temperature management is key.” — Dr. Paula Costa, director of research & development and Technical Support, Growstones LLC

– “People like to do business with busy people. Keep busy, restock, rearrange. Have no idle time while working at the farmers market.” — Don Wambles, director, Alabama Farmers Market Authority