2025 Growing Methods

By Suzanne Baker

We recently had a life-changing learning experience at RCG! A horticultural professional finally figured out why plug trays grow unevenly and some cells grow algae on them! It’s because of dusty germination mix that can dry out between flat filling sessions and the way that plug trays get watered initially! If they get flooded the dusty particles float up and then settle into a crust. This was a mystery that has plagued every grower since plug growing became a thing. I know this isn’t noticeable in the finished product that you buy from us but it certainly is going to change the way we fill trays for seeding or sticking cuttings! This illustrates one detail of many, many that go into our growing process. We’re so lucky to have a fully engaged team that is always looking to improve methods and efficiencies!

Here’s a summary of the products that may be used on our plants and in our greenhouses.

Sanitizing products
GreenClean Pro	Sprinkle onto floors at cleaning time, use on algae prone spots-OMRI
GreenClean Acid Cleaner	flush all irrigation lines and hoses to remove lime and biofilms
Sanidate 5.0	flush all irrigation lines and hoses-OMRI, sanitize plug trays
Zerotol	treat algae problems in water tanks and buckets

Preventatives for diseases and insects
Microbe Remedy	Beneficial microbes for all new plantings
Steinernema feltiae	nematode that feeds on fungus gnats and thrip larvae-applied to all plants
Steinernema carpcapsae	nematode that feeds on shore flies
Seed and Plant Starter	Mycorrhizae and other beneficial microbes for seeds and cuttings

Beneficial Insects
Amblyseius cucumeris	mite that controls thrips, mites
Amblyseius swirskii	mite that controls broad mites, spider mites, whiteflies
Phytoseiulus persimilis	mite that controls spider mites
Orius insidiosus	Pirate bugs eat adult thrips
Amblyseius fallacis	mite that controls broad mites and spider mites even in cool temps
Aphidoletes	aphid midge whose larvae consume aphids
Aphidius	wasp that parasitizes aphids


Fertilizer
Natures Source 10-4-3	fertilizer for all crops
Plantex 8-9-18 pH reducing fertilizer	fertilizer for summer when the pH can easily get out of whack

Chemicals used when needed
NoFly	fungus that attacks insects-OMRI
Azaguard	insect growth regulator-OMRI
Cease	microbe that kills fungi, bacteria including molds and mildews-OMRI
Millstop	potassium carbonate kills and prevents fungi-OMRI
BioCeres	fungus Beauveria bassiana attacks insects
Regalia	Biofungicide to control soilborne and foliar diseases
Venerate	the fungus Burkholderia ssp attacks insects
Grandevo	Bacteria Chromobacterium that attacks insects
Endeavor	To use as a last resort : stops aphids from feeding