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Popcorn shoots are a microgreen variety increasing in popularity. As you might have guessed from their name, they grow from the seeds that a lot people use for popcorn. The shoots are useful for ingredients and garnishing dishes, as they are golden yellow and have a unique, super sweet flavor. After selecting the right seeds to grow at home, we suggest soaking them before planting. Then, using a burlap medium, plant your seeds in a 10 x 20 tray designed for growing microgreens, keep the burlap moist, and cover your shoots with a humidity dome or place in a black garbage bag.

By Jake Emling, CropKing Horticulturist

Back to school means that the changing of the seasons is coming near. For greenhouse growers, maintenance is a key component to success, helping you get the last push of the cool season crops or if you will be growing through the winter. This is the perfect time to make a checklist of things that should be checked before the snow files (at least for us in Northeast Ohio!). I put four items on the top of my list that should never be taken for granted no matter where you are located.

CropKing Inc. hosts its two-day Introductory Grower Workshop for current and future greenhouse produce growers in Lodi, Ohio. The workshop features classroom lectures, as well as some hands-on work in the greenhouse.

Here are some takeaways Produce Grower gathered from a visit to a recent Grower Workshop.

Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular, allowing growers the opportunity to expand further into existing markets or to venture into new markets.  From farmers markets to local restaurants and chefs, microgreens are perfect for enhancing salads or using as a garnish. By definition, microgreens are tiny plants with only their first leaves developed. Most varieties are harvested at 8-14 days and while they may be smaller and more delicate, they are also more robust and flavorful.

CropKing Inc., based out of Lodi, OH is pleased to announce that Jake Emling has joined the team in the role of Horticulturist.

Jake grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where his love of the outdoors and nature started. To pursue this passion, he attended Michigan State University and received both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Horticulture. While at MSU, Jake conducted research on various fruit crops in intensive growing systems. Additionally, he has experience working in the fertilizer industry, and with grower education, entomology and greenhouses.

CropKing Inc., based out of Lodi, OH is pleased to announce the addition of Nick Greens to the CropKing team, in the role of horticulturist/consultant.

Nick Greens started his growing career in 2002 as an apprentice grower for a hydroponics shop. Nick worked through several cycles/harvests in San Diego before venturing out on his own. In 2007, Nick moved to Humboldt County, California to work as an assistant grower for a collective of green houses, where he began experimenting with a vortex brewer to develop several recipes for compost teas. 

When the relative humidity in the greenhouse environment either increases or decreases rapidly, the adaptation capabilities of the plants growing in the greenhouse environment may be challenged beyond the breaking point.

It’s the rate of change in the relative humidity rather than just the difference between the old relative humidity and the new relative humidity levels that can challenge the plant’s ability to adapt without resorting to sacrificing some of its tissue.

When the seasons change, so do growers’ environmental concerns. Even in the greenhouse, where some growers can control their surroundings, changes in the weather can greatly impact the growing process.

Changing light levels

According to Matthew Kispert, horticulturist at CropKing, growers should be cognizant of higher light levels at different points in the year. He recommends looking first at irrigation. Higher light levels can lead to some nutritional issues that proper irrigation methods can help prevent.

Health conscious eaters have spurred a revitalized interest in where and how food is grown. Customers want to know more about controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and how it works. There is no better time to invest in a greenhouse and here are some of the reasons why.

The 2017 growing season here in Lodi is now a wrap, but that doesn’t mean the work is finished. The time between crops can prove to be paramount to the success of the following season. Every grower should take the opportunity afforded by an empty house to perform yearly maintenance tasks, update equipment as needed, and clean and sanitize the greenhouse.