I n d u s t r y I n f o r m a t i o n T o H e l p Y o u G r o w

www.gri f f ins.comSpring 2009 Issue

GriffinGazette

Upcoming Webinar - $29.95Garden Mum Production, Thursday, June 4, 2009, Presenter: Rick Yates

Webinar Library - $29.95Garden Mum ProductionPoinsettia Production Profitability Workshop Greenhouse Clean-up Bio-controls & Bio-rational PesticidesInsect Control Update Disease Control Update Plant Growth Regulators

DVD’s - $49.95Garden Mum ProductionPoinsettia Production Profitability WorkshopGreenhouse Clean-up Bio-controls & Bio-rational PesticidesInsect Control Update Disease Control Update Plant Growth Regulators

GGSPro.com Packages: 1 year Subscription #1: Access to Webinar Library & Publications - $1991 year Subscription #2: Access to All Upcoming Webinars, Webinar Library & Publications - $299DVD Package #1: 3 DVD’s - $120DVD Package #2: 4 DVD’s - $150

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Griffin Georgia Grower ExpoJune 10, 2009Griffins of Georgia 5350 Ball Ground Hwy Ball Ground, GA 30107(770) 479-5528

OFA Short CourseJuly 12-14, 2009Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OHwww.ofa.org

PANTSJuly 28 - 30, 2009Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PAwww.pantshow.com

Griffin Northern Grower ExpoAugust 26, 2009Eastern States Exposition CenterThe Better Living Center Building West Springfield, MA

Griffin Southern Grower ExpoSeptember 23, 2009Lancaster Host ResortLancaster, PA

Griffin Locations:

All articles and material featured in this Gazette cannot be duplicated without written permission. Copyright © 2009 by Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies

G R I F F I N G A Z E T T E S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 I S S U E

Need Horticulture Questions Answered?

GGSPro brings technical support to growers,

packaged in products and services

designed to meet their demanding

needs in rapidly changing times.

The future of Horticultural Technical Service has arrived.™

Products and Services:Webinars, Seminars, DVD’s,

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Visit our website for more information:

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Call 888-GGSPRO-1 or email ggspro@griffi nmail.com

In an effort to better serve our customers in 2008 we implemented a new phone system which enables us to answer your calls more effi ciently. Your calls will be answered by a live person with no busy signal or automatic messages. If the branch you call is unavailable your call will be sent to a receptionist who will connect you to the proper department quickly. Each branch is interconnected and can access your records, delivery information, accounts payable, shipping requirement, quotation requests and product availability. Our entire staff throughout Griffi n Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies service area is ready and waiting to serve you. Thank you for your support.

Calling a Griffin Branch

Cheshire, CTTel: (203) 699-0919

Ball Ground, GATel: (770) 479-5528

Tewksbury, MATel: (978) 851-4346

Gray, METel: (207) 657-5442

Bridgeton, NJTel: (856) 451-5170

Ewing, NJTel: (609) 530-9120

Auburn, NYTel: (315) 255-1450

Brookhaven, NYTel: (631) 286-8200

Schenectady, NYTel: (518) 381-7120

Morgantown, PATel: (610) 286-0046

Knoxville, TNTel: (800) 766-6347

Richmond, VATel: (804) 233-3454

W W W . G R I F F I N S . C O M 3

The slippery economic slope we’re on has us watching our customer bases erode. It’s no secret that consumers have pulled the plug on spending, you and I feel it. Actually, you and I are part of the dilemma as I’m sure you’re looking twice at how money is being spent in your business, home, and just about anywhere else.

When it comes to servicing a customer base, experts state that it costs less over the long run

to keep an existing customer than to find a new one. There are many reasons why we are experiencing the phenomenon called “eroding customer base” but today’s discussion isn’t going to focus on this side of the ledger. Instead, let’s spend some time discussing key actions we can intensify this spring that will help us hold on to those customers that continue shopping with us.

Educate, educate, educateWe hear a lot about transparency these days; in government, business, and home life. Perhaps a result of the world wide web and internet, we all want information at our fingertips at the moment we feel it’s needed. The transparent part is that more and more of us are interested in being assured that who we deal with is reputable and has nothing to hide. Having the web in our daily lives has brought this on as one minute we can be completing a purchase transaction with a company in our same zip code, the next minute’s transaction may be half way around the world. All we have to go on is the web page interface, comments from others who have done business there, and a gut feeling.

Time and time again, consumer studies have concluded that when a customer fails with a plant from our greenhouses they most often blame themselves, decide they aren’t cut out for gardening (the black thumb syndrome), and graduate down to silk and plastic plant ware. I shudder every time I see plastic poinsettias outdoors, in the snow, at gas stations and residences. This can be avoided, as an industry we have one of those teachable moments within our grasp. The best way to encourage our customers, rather than discourage them, is to make certain they understand that a poorly performing plant can be returned. No questions asked, or at least, just enough questions to help teach them from the mistake(s) that may have been made. When we do not replace plants that our customers have trouble with, the message sent is that they’re not good at gardening. Once they arrive at this very conclusion, who can blame them for either shopping elsewhere or not shopping for plants at all.

The teachable moment I reference has a larger scale challenge as well. Whoever coined the phrase “greenhouse gases” certainly isn’t a greenhouse owner. As more people associate this phrase with daily news stories regarding climate change, some are pointing at our greenhouses and accusing our industry of being the culprit. The teachable moment is that the plants we’re growing are fixing carbon and helping to reverse the greenhouse effect. Ah, the subtle differences in perception versus reality.

When it comes to shrink…thinkA number of years ago we grew a crop of 18 count garden mums for spring. We shaded them to bring them into bloom for Mother’s Day, then gave one to each mom over the holiday weekend. After doing this successfully for several years it occurred to me that with crop shrinkage becoming such a challenge to manage, instead of specifically growing a crop for the promotional give away, why not simply find an item that is in plentiful supply and use it to kill two birds with one stone? It becomes the give away item, one per customer, is still available for purchase in quantity, and reduces the pressure of dumping extra items that may accumulate due to poor weather, changing preferences, or some other reason. Our present profit crunch cycle absolutely begs us to cut production, sell out, and dump less as a means of propping up margins. Too many growers continue to crank their production at full capacity and then discount deeply late in the season to avoid dumping. Our analyses are quite clear, this strategy isn’t working during such a serious economic downturn. The last crops we grow should be the most profitable due to low fuel input but too often are discounted and sold at cost simply to avoid ending up on the compost pile. A good analogy to late season discounting is the housing market where questionable mortgages that end up in foreclosure hurt even the most responsible homeowners by dragging down property values for everyone. So too do late season discounts force prices to decline for all growers via the same indirect pressure.

Wholesalers have customers tooTo this point my comments have focused on retailers’ customers, the consumer. But wholesale growers have customers too in the form of independent garden centers and mass marketers. Everything discussed so far also holds true for these customers. When wholesalers make the effort to establish a strong relationship with their garden center customers, good things always happen. In contrast, how many still operate in the arena that sees the wholesale grower and garden center relationship defined by antagonism, anchored in distrust and confrontation. Instead, a cultivated partnership is in order, one that encourages two way communication to insure that the grower is growing the right products and that the retailer is selling the right quantity, all aimed at maximizing profit instead of gross revenue. The need for education at this level is as strong as that between retailer and consumer.

Loyalty must be cultivated Many complain that customer loyalty isn’t what it once was but those who complain forget that the coin has two sides. When they have their own consumer hats on they may be shopping around as much as those they are accusing of doing the same. Returning to the opening comment, it is significantly more expensive to create a new customer than it is to hold onto an existing one. How do we hold on to them? By educating them and earning their loyalty, their trust.

By Peter Konjoian

Resolution #2009-2: Educating Customers to Improve Profits

GROWER to GROWER

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By Nanette Marks

You can increase sales and profitability with expanded offerings to enhance your mum program.

Continued on next page.

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Beyond the Mum…Adding to Fall Sales

PansiesPansies have long been used as a companion to mum sales. They color up early and stay in color longer than a mum, regardless of their overwintering abilities in your area. Southern

growers rely on them heavily for winter color, but northern growers have the advantage of earlier sales as August begins to cool down. Many growers who offer them report a higher profit on their pansy sales than their mum sales. The Delta series bred by S&G has long been our standard pansy for Fall sales, still topping the market at 75% of our sales. Deltas have the ability to bloom in low light conditions which makes them great for early spring sales as well as strong winter bloomers. More recent breeding efforts have specifically targeted the fall market with plant vigor that withstands temperature extremes from germinating in heat to freezing soil temperatures. The Matrix series by PanAmerican shows increased early branching in the plug stage under high heat conditions which helps the plant to bulk up, covering and shading the soil prior to bloom initiation. They also show less stretch in the heat with short strong flower stems. Orange and black pansies are always popular for Halloween sales, regard-less of overwintering qualities. Try the Panola XP Halloween Mix or Atlas Jack-O’-Lantern Mix for the perfect combination.

SnapdragonsSnapdragons are one of the most beautiful plants for cooler temperatures. Many gardeners don’t realize how cold hardy they actually are, withstanding temperatures below freezing quite easily. Their biggest winter threat is from dehydrating, as they continually need water even during freezing temperatures. Tall series offer height in containers and can also be used as cut flowers. Dwarf varieties are perfect for pot and pack sales. With a similar color range to mums they make easy substitutes in combinations and plantings. Some favorite fall colors in tall series include Crown Candy Corn and Terracotta Mix from S&G Flowers or Liberty Classic Bronze and Yellow from Goldsmith Seeds. Short series favorites are Montego Bronze from S&G or Palette Bronze by American Takii. Many of the vegetative varieties work well in baskets and will trail down over the sides of containers.

Plant Corner

G R I F F I N G A Z E T T E S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 I S S U E

5W W W . G R I F F I N S . C O M

DianthusDianthus are extremely hardy little plants that do great in fall programs. Typical color ranges of pinks and whites may seem more conducive to spring sales, but there has been a big jump in the vegetative breeding which involves a whole new spectrum of colors. Oranges and yellows can now be found in the SuperTrouper pot carnations from Selecta First Class or Garden Spice Coral, Sunflor Bling Bling (yellow) and Princess (orange) from Fides will add an array of textures and flower forms at a premium price. Grow the full color range and hold over extras in an unheated house for an easy early spring sales the following year.

RudbeckiaRudbeckia are an all-around crop that loves the summer heat and continues to bloom through the fall. Short varieties such as Toto and Becky show rustic fall colors. Inexpensive from seed but selling at a premium price, this crop will boost profits for fall containers. Tiger Eye is the new introduction from Goldsmith which gives F1 hybrid vigor on robust plants 18-24 inches high.

In summary – make your fall sales stand out from your competition. Offer variety to your customers and increase sales. As always – order early, as many of these crops are custom grown for your order.

Plant Corner article continued from previous page.

Call the Plant Department today for pricing and literature. 1-800-732-3509.

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Flowers shown in this article:

1. Snapdragon Solstice Orange Tricolor 2. Rudbeckia Tiger Eye 3. Panola xp Halloween Mix 4. Rudbeckia Becky Cinnamon Bicolor 5. Dianthus Super Trouper Orange 6. Rudbeckia Becky Orange 7. Rudbeckia Maia

Griffin Georgia Grower ExpoJune 10, 2009Griffins of Georgia - Ball Ground, GA

Griffin Northern Grower ExpoAugust 26, 2009Eastern States Exposition CenterThe Better Living Center Building - West Springfield, MA

Griffin Southern Grower ExpoSeptember 23, 2009Lancaster Host Resort - Lancaster, PA

Save the date for the 2009 Griffi n Grower Expo in your area

Look for more information coming soon.

Battling Weeds in Outdoor Ornamental Container Crops By Jim Willmott, Technical Services Specialist

Weeds in container nurseries are costly! They harbor pests, reduce aesthetic appeal, rob crops of water and nutrients and ultimately sap away profits. While effective weed management is challenging, it is worth the effort. Annual costs vary depending on the region of the country and production systems, but run as high as $10,000 for hand weeding to as low as $2,000 per acre for integrated management strategies that include herbicides.

There are no easy “cook book” approaches since every nursery operation is unique in terms of crops, environment, cultural practices and weed species. On top of this, weeds are the ultimate pests - never underestimate your enemy! They are: formidable, relentless, prolific, highly variable, well adapted to nursery conditions and can invade your crops from long distances. Several species would match up well with any insect, mite or pathogen in the ultimate nursery pest championship! Before formulating a battle plan let’s consider our arsenal.

The first weapons that come to mind are herbicides and they have the potential to save thousands of dollars a year per acre. However, to optimize their results, they must be combined or integrated with other tactics including: weed exclusion, sanitation, scouting and modifications in water and fertility management. Begin your efforts by keeping the enemy as far away as possible!

First, guard the gates and don’t let them in. Just a little time spent remov-ing weeds from incoming liners can save you a heap of aggravation later. Likewise create a buffer zone by killing emerged weeds in and adjacent to production areas prior to setting out containers. Applications of glyphosate (Roundup, Glyphosate Pro, Touchdown Pro) are best since it is systemic and kills most established annual and perennial weeds. Preemergence products such as Barricade, Gallery, Pendulum or Prozalin can be tank mixed to prevent germination of new weeds. Choose those that are compatible with your specific weed problems and safe on the crops you are growing.

To select preemergence herbicides for use in containers, you must first know which weeds you have and then determine which herbicides are most effective on them. From these you can narrow down the options to those that are not

only effective, but safe for your crops. Granular herbicides are generally safer than spray formulations, but they are more expensive. Also, granular products combine active ingredients to give a broader spectrum of control. For these reasons, granular combination products are best for most growers, but with experience some have been successful in spraying preemergence products alone and in tank mixes.

After determining which products are effective and safe, you need to apply them correctly, at the proper times and intervals. Read and follow all label directions – not only because you are legally responsible to do so, but the information is necessary for good control and minimizing risks to crops, the environment and you! Preemergence herbicides form a barrier in the upper surface of growing media and they must be present prior to germination. Insure uniform application by accurately calibrating your equipment. Most require either irrigation or rainfall to activate them.

Given the variety of weeds, it’s almost certain that one species or another will germinate as long as growing media temperatures are above freezing. The earliest to germinate are the winter annuals including bittercress and chick-weed. These are followed by the summer annuals which continue “sprouting” through summer. Common examples include crabgrass, spurges, groundsel and woodsorrel. Once conditions begin to cool down in late summer and fall, the winter annuals (annual bluegrass, bittercress and chickweed) start up again. The assault is continuous!

Preemergence herbicides last only 6 to 12 weeks so at least 4 applications should be made in the north and 6 in the south. To avoid resistance problems, herbicides should be rotated between different modes of action. This will also prevent shifting your weed species to those that are less sensitive to overused herbicides. All things considered, most nurseries with a variety of woody and/or herbaceous crops should have an arsenal of 3 or more preemergence herbicides.

Don’t give into the temptation to let the weeds go! Your future battles will be even worse and integrated weed management programs offer an excellent return on investment. Figure for every dollar invested, you will save at least 3 to 5 dollars in reduced labor costs with additional savings for fertilizer, irrigation and pest management.

G R I F F I N G A Z E T T E S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 I S S U E6 Continued on next page.

Technical Tips

W W W . G R I F F I N S . C O M 7

Technical Tips article continued from previous page.

Recommended Resources for effective herbicide selection and use: 1. Weed identifi cation: • Weeds of the Northeast by Richard H. Uva; Joseph C. Neal; Joseph M. DiTomaso. Cornell University Press, P. O. Box 6525, Ithaca, NY 14851 Phone: 607-277-221. (ISBN # 978-0-8014-8334-9). • Weeds of Container Nurseries in the United States NC Nurserymen’s Association Trinity Rd., Raleigh NC. Phone: 919-816-91192. Herbicides properties and selection: Nursery and Landscape Weed Control Manual by Robert P. Rice (ISBN: 0913702420).3. General nursery pest management including herbicide, effi cacy ratings & labeled crops: • Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Woody Ornamentals • Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Herbaceous Ornamentals. Order from Pesticide Management Education Program Educational Resources Distribution Center: Phone: (607) 255-7282; Fax: (607) 255-7311; Email: patorder@cornell.edu

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Timely Tips: Frequently Asked Questions By Virginia Brubaker, Technical Support Specialist

The Griffin Technical Department is often asked to help our customers with plant problems that they can’t identify. We start by asking lots of questions about the symptoms that they are seeing. “Where on the plant is the problem occurring?” “What do the roots look like?” “Is the problem happening over the entire crop?”...and the list of questions goes on. Often times, we get to the point where we wish we could see for ourselves what the plant looks like. Depending on the nature of the problem we may ask the grower to send a plant sample to us in the Morgantown, PA office or to a plant diagnostic lab. With a firm diagnosis in hand, we can make the correct recommendations. A picture can be worth a thousand words. In some cases a digital picture can be very helpful in zeroing in on the problem. If you don’t know how to use your camera’s macro lens consult your owner’s manual. This lens allows you to get a close up shot of the problem without blur-ring the image.

If we are able to rule out insects, diseases and nutritional issues, we then need to dig deeper. Physiological disorders sometimes are behind the symptoms. Oedema on ivy geraniums is often confused with feeding damage from mites or thrips. Water stress on pansies can easily be mistaken with high soluble salts damage. When one or more factors cause similar symptoms, a positive identification of the problem is essential towards making a recommendation. Another disorder could include excessive air movement across a crop causing tissue scaring. This can easily be determined by the irregular patterns seen on the plants and comparing it with the air movement from the fans. In late winter and early spring, we sometimes see plants wilting on a sunny day. This can occur with cold air and low humidity even though the soil is adequately moist. Although we always ask the grower to check root health, it may be that the roots just can’t keep up with the sudden demand for water.

Even when applied according to all label precautions a phytotoxic reaction to a pesticide application can still occur. Some diagnostic hints to take into consideration are the timing and location of the damage on the plants. It may indicate that the damage happened at a given point in time. Diseases typically do not affect an entire crop over the span of a day or two, but phytotoxicity might. Different

varieties of the same plants can also show large differences in sensitivity. We can’t rule out a phytotoxic reaction just because some varieties were unharmed. To determine if a chemical spray is the issue, look to see if the damage reflects the way the spray droplets would lay on the leaves. Some examples of chemical phytotoxicity are improper applications of plant growth regulators, slow release fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or fungicides. It is important to note that pre-emergent herbicides are not labeled for use inside of the greenhouse. Applying chemicals at temperatures over 85 degrees can also cause phytotoxic reactions from treatments that would otherwise be safe.

If no other reasonable solution is found, we will then research the possibility of greenhouse air pollutants. The source of these can be unvented, improperly vented or defective heat sources. The damage can become evident quickly and usually affects the new growth on the plants. Once the heaters problems are resolved plants begin to resume normal growth although affected leaves don’t improve.

Answering the question about the New Guinea impatiens foliage, could lead us in many directions. These symptoms could indicate an infestation of broad or cyclamen mites. These mites are microscopic, difficult to locate even with 100X magnification. A dilemma intensified by the fact that they are reclusive, often tucked away deep in growing tip tissue. The damage is caused by the mites injecting a toxin as they feed. Translaminar systemic miticides are preferred for control in this case. Consult the 2009 Griffin Insecticide and Fungicide Options bulletin for specific information. Because New Guinea impatiens are not heavy feeders, high soluble salts could also cause leaf curl. Regular soil testing is recommended to avoid this. If mites and soluble salts are ruled out the next step is a virus test. During the cooler times of the year a leaf curl can also occur on NG Impatiens that is a physiological disorder. It is believed to be caused by dry soil and cool moist greenhouse conditions. Some varieties are much more susceptible than others. Fortunately, this problem corrects itself as weather and ventilation improve as spring approaches.

Oedema on Ivy Geraniums

Water stress on Pansies

Broad Mites on NGI

High Soluble Salts on NGI

Unvented Propane Heater Damage

Spray Damage on Poinsettias

I’m not sure what I have, but my New Guinea impatiens are experiencing distorted curling leaves?

Using the Peters ABC Selection System™ to grow better crops

It’s an understatement to say that the struggling economy is affecting the greenhouse and nursery industry. Growers have seen production costs skyrocket over the past year. Along with dramatic increases in the costs of fuel, plastic and transportation, fertilizer raw material prices soared in 2008. While fertilizer prices have now begun to creep downward, fertilizers still represent a significant production cost that growers must properly manage to maintain profitable operations. The first step that growers should take when managing fertilizer costs is to make sure that they’re using a fertilizer that truly meets their needs. If a fertilizer selection is not matched to a cropping system, growers may be wasting money and failing to supply their crops with the necessary nutrients. In this economy, the competition for retailer and consumer dollars is fierce; for growers to get top dollar for their crops, those crops must be of the highest quality.

Fertilizers are the primary means with which growers supply essential nutrients to their crops, and there are so many types of fertilizer available that choosing the right one can be quite confusing. The best way to set up an effective feed program is to take a systematic approach. Since growers typically raise a myriad of crops simultaneously in the spring, it may be difficult to focus on any specific crop when setting up a spring fertilizer program. The best strategy--and the most practical--is to develop a fertilizer program that will satisfy most crops and then add any necessary prescriptive treatments to the more finicky crop types. After setting a nutrient target, an analysis of the growing media and irrigation water will reveal what nutrients are needed and lead to the selection of one or more fertilizers. Then, the best way to ensure optimal fertilizer selection is to test the initial choice(s), and consult with an expert on the topic of fertilizers and plant nutrition.

Many growers, however, are unable to take the time and effort required to follow this approach. They may choose a product based on another grower’s recommendation, randomly choose a formulation out of a catalog or continue to use the same fertilizer that their operation has used for many years. With luck, this approach may work reasonably well, but it can also result in a suboptimal fertilizer program over time. Many fertilizers were designed for specific conditions, and if they are used under different circumstances, crops can experience nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies aren’t always clearly expressed through yellow leaves or severely stunted plants. Plants grown with a poor fertilizer program may just have a subtle dull green color or poor shelf life in the retail environment--characteristics of which a grower might not even be aware.

To help growers with the all-important task of fertilizer selection, The Scotts Company designed the patent-pending Peters® A-B-C Selection System™. This system demystifies fertilizer and guides growers to select the best available fertilizer for their operations. The science behind this system is a country-wide database of over 20,000 irrigation water samples from the Scotts Testing Lab. Samples were sorted geographically on a county-by-county basis to determine what nutrients were present or lacking in the predominant water types. The Scotts process is simple but very relevant, revealing four primary types of irrigation water:

Water Type 1 – Very Low Alkalinity, < 60 ppm (Ca = 0-60 ppm • and Mg < 30 ppm)Water Type 2 – Moderately Low Alkalinity, 60-150 ppm (Ca = 0-60 • ppm and Mg < 30 ppm)Water Type 3 – Moderately High Alkalinity, 150-200 ppm (Ca > 50 • ppm and Mg < 30 ppm)Water Type 4 – Very High Alkalinity, 200-240+ ppm (Ca > 50 ppm • and Mg < 30 ppm

The best fertilizers were then matched to these water types to create sound and effective nutritional programs. All of this information is built into an online selector located at www.PetersABC.com. Growers can input their water type, or, if they don’t know it, they can use the geographical water database to make an educated guess. Once they input the types of crops they are growing, the program will recommend a number of fertilizer programs matched to their specific water type. The Peters ABC Selector will then email the grower a report and can also connect growers with a local Scotts fertilizer expert for further consultation if desired.

The Peters A-B-C System breaks fertilizers down into three distinct types:

“A” Type –A number of Peters Excel® and Peters Professional® fertilizers are labeled with an “A” for “All-Purpose” formulation. When correctly matched to your water type, “A” formulations offer one-bag convenience while ensuring perfectly balanced and more complete nutrition, no matter what you’re growing.

“B” and “C” Types – Growers can also opt for the added flexibility of using a “B” (base) formulation with one or more “C” (customizing) components. Base formulations are many of the same Peters products that growers have trusted for more than 60 years. Each base formulation can be used alone or rotated and sometimes tank-mixed with one of the customizing components to mitigate water quality or address the unique nutritional needs for a certain crop. Customizing components provide a prescriptive boost of nutrients needed to produce healthy, beautiful results. Together with “B” products, they create the right nutritional balance for your particular growing situation.

Scotts’ products are now clearly labeled with icons identifying the ideal water types for which each fertilizer is best-suited. Along with the online selector at www.PetersABC.com, this system permits growers to identify the optimum fertilizers for specific crops based on water quality and crops grown.

The best way to customize a fertilizer program to a particular situation is still to first test the water and then consult with a knowledgeable local Scotts representative. However, if growers don’t have the time or ability to have a one-on-one consultation, the Peters A-B-C Selection System can provide quick and simple guidance towards making a better fertilizer selection.

Notice: As with other fertilizers, Peters Professional and Peters Excel products underwent significant price increases in 2008. These are factored in the prices listed in the current Griffin catalog. Since that time, fertilizer raw material cost have declined. Before making a fertilizer selection, check with your Griffin Salesperson. Your favorite Scotts fertilizer may not cost as much as you think.

W W W . G R I F F I N S . C O M 9

By Fred Hulme, Ph.D., The Scotts Company

“I began working at Sunny Border Nurseries early in December of 2007. After spending my first several months getting to know the various houses and areas – I began to formulate some rough plans for upgrading the facilities in ways that would have super-fast payback times. While I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do – I knew that upgrading from analog thermostats to an all-digital system was going to be part of the plan. Some of our older analogs were off in calibration by as much as 10 degrees. The lack of precise control is a huge expense. I’ve heard numbers saying that lowering 1 deg F will decrease your bill by 3% annually. What if your thermostat is off by 4 degrees and you don’t even know it? Last summer – oil prices were at an insane new high and the pressure was on for me to get out there and find a good system that was going to save us money. It was around this time that I started receiving promotional materials for the Griffin Grower Expo and I was introduced to the GSTAT-4. Griffin’s construction department worked up an assessment on how much oil I would save per greenhouse if I used a 5 deg night setback and I was sold. The low up-front cost of the unit would be covered within the first two tanks that went into the greenhouse! This was really just icing on the cake – as I was planning on a rapid payback just from the increased accuracy in measuring the temperature. The units arrived last September – and were easily installed in several hours. The system set up was extremely easy as well – all menu-driven that is extremely intuitive. Since the installation was completed, oil prices have fallen sharply, and so have the temperatures. We are seeing our coldest winter in nearly a decade in Central CT, and even with last year being significantly warmer, I have still used less fuel this year! While it’s difficult to make predictions in March about how much longer the winter will go on, I’m confident that we will show a significant decrease in oil usage this season over last. Bottom line – in the winter of 07/08, I had to call and have supplemental deliveries of oil before our weekly delivery day on several occasions. That’s a nearly empty 275 gal tank in about 6 days. In 7 full days this season – the lowest I’ve seen a tank is half-full. This is with more or less the same setpoints as last season – truly an “Apples to Apples” comparison. While I could still justify the expense of several thousand dollars per house on a good system just in fuel savings – it’s much nicer that it was only several hundred. I recommend the GSTAT-4 to anyone who is heating a greenhouse - odds are it will have paid for itself by the time you get the invoice in the mail.”

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Jeremy Weber works at Sunny Border Nurseries in

Kensington, Connecticut. Below is his account of how

he determined Sunny Borders’ old thermostats had

become outdated, where he looked for a solution, and

how satisfied he is with his decision to invest in the

new GStat-4 temperature control system.

Customer Testimonial of G-Stat 4 Temperature Control System

Item # - 24-3600

G R I F F I N G A Z E T T E S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 I S S U E

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Dimensions in Inches* CapacityProduct Product Outside Cubic Volume CompatibleDescription Part Code Diameter Height Inches US Price /CS Trays

3.00 Stnd Coir Pot 58-17300 3 ¼ 3 ¼ 15.9 8.32 fl oz $150.02 MPB0635, TRV8518

4.00 Stnd Coir Pot 58-17401 3 7⁄8 3 3⁄8 24.8 13.8 fl oz 162.66 TRS1040, TRS1541

4.50 Stnd Coir Pot 58-17450 4 3⁄8 4 36.6 1.26 pt 115.71 TRS1045, TRS1245 TRS1545, TRS1546

6.00 Stnd Coir Pot 58-17602 5 7⁄8 4 77.5 1.34 qt 157.90 TRS066E, TRS0615

1 Gallon Short Coir 58-17100 6 ¾ 6 ¼ 148.2 2.56 qt 202.81 TRPTGAL, TRI0601,Nursery Container TRS0617

* Th is product is made of 100% natural resources, sizes may vary.

What is Coir?Coir is the outer husk of a coconutconsisting of both coir dust and coir fi ber. A renewable resource, the husk is processed to make environmentally friendly products like biodegradable pots, planting medium, liners for hanging baskets, mulch and much more.

Nurture Naturewith sustainable Fiber Grow® Coir Pots

Environmental Benefi tsof Coir Pots• Naturally renewing coconut can be farmed

every 75 days

• Refi ned nesting means reduced shipping

and less waste

• Made from biodegradable,

organic material

• Coir has no harmful

environmental impact

• Higher resistance to mold –

no fungicide needed

• No hazardous disposal issues

Performance Benefi ts of Coir Pots• Visibly better, faster plant growth

and strong root system

• Coir containers maintain structural integrity

in a greenhouse environment

• Coir is rich in nutrients like iron, copper,

zinc and magnesium

• pH neutral, odorless and lightweight

• Weed and disease free

• Will not pull moisture away from plant

• University-tested, exclusive manufacturing

process delivers superior performance*

*University of Guelph

Not all coir is created equalWe have undergone three years of intense testing with the University of Guelph (rankedamong the top ten agricultural research centers in the world), as well as numerous replications. All tests have shown that our Fiber Grow® Coir products perform as well or better than the other leading coir and peat-based products available today. Our Fiber Grow® Coir Pots have been specially developed with the grower in mind. With today’s consumers becoming more conscientious of the environ-mental impacts of their decisions, we are happy to provide an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative.

11For More information on Coir Pots contact your local Griffi n branch or sales person.

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #6

HUDSON, MA

GriffinGazetteP.O. Box 36, Tewksbury, MA 01876-0036 www.griffins.com

Emily’s Garden System™ Hydroponic Growing SystemThis 16” x 24” x 6” garden with 6 individual planters allows you to rotate or add new plants as you please. It will fi t just about anywhere - on a bench, a shelf, table or out on the patio.

Includes: • 2 Gallon Reservoir • Air Pump & Tubing • Seed Starter Cubes • All-Purpose Nutrient (16 oz.) • Nutrient pH Test Kit • Formed Cover • Growing Medium & 6 Planters • Water level indicator • Illustrated Instructions

Germination Station®w/ Heat Mat • Grow healthier starts • Increase germination success • Better humidity control for optimum growth Includes: • UL listed waterproof heat mat, 17w, 120v • 2” humidity dome • 11” x 22” watertight base tray • 72-cell seedling inserts • Instructions with growing tips • Seed starting booster

Jump Start Grow Light System™Ideal for seedlings, cuttings, fl owers and house plants. • Grow seedlings faster • Adjustable fi xture height • Super easy assembly • Available in 2 foot and 4 foot sizes - 2 Foot dimensions: 27” L x 18.5”W x 24.5”H - 4 Foot dimensions: 51” L x 18.5”W x 31”HIncludes: • Jump Start fl uorescent light fi xture • 2 AgroBrite full spectrum fl uorescent tubes

Hot House™This new value-added unit includes 72 of our exclusive seed starting Coco Plugs. Our OMRI-certifi ed pre-sized drop-in plugs provide for quick, easy starts--without the fuss and mess of dealing with dirt.Includes: • UL listed waterproof heat mat, 17w, 120v • 6” humidity dome • 11” x 22” watertight base tray • 72-cell seedling inserts • Instructions with growing tips

Retail Ready Indoor Germination & Growing Kits

ITEM# 2 UP

93-1220 $54.39

ITEM# SIZE 4 UP

93-1225 2 foot $38.39

ITEM# 12 UP

93-1230 $19.18

ITEM# 6 UP

93-1240 $23.98

For More info on Hydrofarm products contact your local Griffi n branch or sales person.