It’s still summer in Ontario. The weather forecasts for the upcoming two weeks indicates temperatures between 24 and 28°C, with about nine to twelve hours of sun every day. It’s been an exceptional summer and the second summer with a constant high temperature from May 24 that we’ve experienced in 17 years.
The climate leads to real hot summers and tough winters there, and this affects the plants in the greenhouse. One of the consequences of the constantly high temperature is that the hibiscus experiences a lot of mite. Luckily, we found out at an early stage so we could place some Phytoseiulus persimilis. They got the mite under control. The plants are still nice and green, but the bottom of the leaves is full of life. This requires constant ‘natural’ attention.
The other insect that needs our attention at the moment is the echinotrips. These trips come from outdoor crops and there’s no real effective biological pest control to combat it. We placed Orius insidiosus and will check the effect. We’ve used Amblyseius swirskii in order to control the Bemisia white fly, leading to a good result. As you can see, we use a lot of insects this summer.
The bromelias require less attention on this aspect. There are little illnesses and plagues. The sales are easy-going with daily orders or clock sales. And this is how Clen and I have been working in the mornings this summer, so we can enjoy the off-season in the afternoons. And in the evenings, we go and take our bikes for a spin. The New Limburg Micro Brewery opened last year, and it’s around the corner. We go there to enjoy the tasty assortment of Belgian beers.
Angelle van Kleef,
Grower of potted plants, Ontario, Canada
