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New Shoots: The RHS initiative to increase diversity and tackle the skills shortage in horticulture
New Shoots, a new nationwide RHS initiative, aims to grow the number and diversity of people choosing horticulture as a career.
As part of this initiative, the RHS aims to increase horticultural opportunities within their gardens in order to tackle the skills shortage this sector faces, starting at RHS Garden Wisley and RHS Garden Bridgewater.
If you’d like to know more about the New Shoots initiative, please get in touch with newshoots@rhs.org.uk or follow the link below.
NFU launches an ambitious growth strategy for UK horticulture
Against the backdrop of empty supermarket shelves, the NFU has today launched a strategy to boost UK horticulture. If backed by government this could be the solution to minimising future supply chain disruption. The strategy sets out the top ten policies which underpin the success of the sector, will enable long term growth and ensures the fresh supply of produce on supermarket shelves.
Fargro sees increase in demand for peat-free mixes
As growers trial peat-free, they are seeking advice on mixes so they can continue providing nutrition and water to plants in the same way they did with peat-based growing media.
Fargro's Growing Media and Fertiliser Specialist, Sean Whitworth, said: "We have seen an increase in the demand across all sectors of horticulture from ornamental to edible crops. Some growers want to take a slow approach, do trials this year with a view to going peat free in the next couple of years, where some want to make the move now and are keen to make the move into peat free straight away."
To make the move to peat-free, contact Sean Whitworth on 07788 929 796 or email sean.whitworth@fargro.co.uk
Controlling sciarid fly infestations this season
Sciarid flies (also known as fungus gnats) are a particular problem in propagation and in interior plantings and are encouraged by wet conditions where decomposition and decay may be occurring. The larval stage of sciarid can cause extensive damage to root structures especially with young plants, and the adults feed on fungal spores on the soil surface, although not directly crop damaging they can act as a vector for diseases such as fusarium.
Prevention of sciarid is crucial to obtaining effective control, and early application of biocontrols are advised, especially in propagation areas. A number of control methods, including watering carefully, maintaining nursery hygiene, and the use of yellow sticky traps, are important in reducing the population of sciarid flies.
For more information on our biological control options please contact bio sales on 01903 256 857 or email biosales@fargro.co.uk.
Act early to get ahead of powdery mildew this season
Powdery mildew is the name for a group of fungal pathogens that can cause severe damage to a range of common edible and ornamental crops, characterised by white, powdery growths on the plant. The fungus attacks leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants – causing drastic yield losses that translate to millions of pounds of lost value each year to UK growers.
As a number of different fungi can cause a powdery mildew infection, with many specific to their host species, there aren’t always consistent symptoms – especially in early infection.
By targeting the present fungi with biopesticides early in the growing season, growers can mitigate crop damage and avoid preventable infections as temperatures fluctuate throughout spring.
Fargro’s biopesticides provide an efficient and ecologically friendly manner of combatting powdery mildew infection:
To find out more about our biopesticides, please contact our Technical Team on 01903 256 856 or email technical@fargro.co.uk
Horticultural essentials for this time of year
Polytunnel coverings
We offer a wide range of tunnel covers to suit a variety of requirements from XL Horticulture and Visqueen. Speak to your Area Sales Manager or give our Customer Service Team a call on 01903 726 100 or email ask@fargro.co.uk to place an order.
Don't forget fixing tape too!
Upgrade your watering schedule with FITT irrigation equipment
Designed for professional growers with quality expectations - FITT irrigation solutions provide exceptional performance and durability. Constructed of six layers designed to maximise strength and flexibility and a protective outer layer of SkyTech UV & Abrasion resistant coating, NTS textile reinforcement for uninterrupted flow in a distinctive orange finish to ensure both your irrigation and health & safety needs are met.
Added value baskets and planters
We offer a wide selection of planters and baskets that can enhance the value of your crops.
HortWeek's list of 100+ Leading Women in Horticulture includes Fargro's Head of Marketing
HortWeek has once again honoured the incredible women in our industry for International Women's Day (8 March 2023). Fargro's Head of Marketing, Melanie Wood, has been named in the 100+ Leading Women in Horticulture list 2023 for establishing Women in Horticulture UK, a networking group for professional women in horticulture to share knowledge, skills, and advice to help each other and the industry thrive.
A morning of excellent product demonstrations at the Box T Pro Press Launch
Our team were at Chiswick House & Gardens for the Box T Pro Press Launch in partnership with Syngenta Turf & Landscape and M2i last week. The morning featured an excellent product demonstration that Fargro’s Ant Surrage and Chris Dart got stuck into!
Growing peat free at the BPOA Spring Crop Meeting
This week, Sean Whitworth and DCM discussed peat-free growing at the BPOA - British Protected Ornamentals Association's spring crop meeting at WD Smith Meadow Croft Garden Centre for the 2023 Viola and Pansy festival.
For more information about making the change to peat-free or for technical advice and support, call Sean Whitworth on 07788 929 796 or email sean.whitworth@fargro.co.uk
Teamwork at the British Herbs Association Conference
Members of our marvellous Technical Team were at Warwick University for the British Herbs Technical Conference last week to help growers succeed by sharing our excellent technical services and solutions.
Talking Taegro in Ireland with Teagasc
Fargro's National Product Manager, Ste Massam, had a great day talking to growers last week at the Teagasc Ornamental and Nursery stock plants day, giving an overview on Taegro biofungicide and discussing IPM in Ireland.
Worth a listen
Hort-Talk Episode 12- ‘Women in Horticulture’ with Pippa Greenwood - Horticultural Trades Association, Melanie Asker - Greenwood Plants and Emma Birkbeck - Fargro. In this episode our guests discuss and celebrate Women within the Horticultural industry as well as looking at what makes our industry ethos so unique.
Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Further detail on warning symbols and phrases is included on the labels and leaflets.
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