TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks Bill Calkins

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN YOUR WEBSITE
FROM THE NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY KATIE ELZER-PETERS
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: … it’s time to deep clean your website and really look hard at what works, what doesn’t, what you never got around to and what needs to change to keep up with new security risks, altered consumer behavior and the prevailing economic winds.
 
Read the digital edition of Green Profit Magazine—November 2022: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_22_11/index.aspx

CULTIVATING A FUTURE IN GARDEN RETAIL
FROM THE APRIL 2024 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY JEFF O’BRIEN
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: Garden retailers are facing a critical challenge as the shift from traditional customers to fresh-thinking Millennials (and younger generations) reshapes the future of how the horticulture industry evolves.
 
As the demographic landscape of our society shifts, so too must the strategies of garden retailers and how they connect with this new wave of customers. 
 
Read the digital edition of Green Profit Magazine—April 2024: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_24_04/index.aspx

EARLY SPRING JUMP-STARTS THE SEASON
FROM THE JUNE 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY AMY MORRIS
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: As we wait for winter to fade into a distant memory and the first hints of spring color to emerge, we prepare our crops for sales, in hopes of growing our business. An early spring can lead to increased consumer spending, and gardeners feeling optimistic and ready to spend, especially younger consumers and new plant lovers.
 
Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—June 2024: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_06/index.aspx

RE-CHECK YOUR CHECKLIST—A SAFETY CONSULTANT’S GUIDE TO MANAGING GREENHOUSE RISKS
FROM THE JUNE 2024 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY ZACH BRUCE
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: My job is to guide our customers through potential hazards. We discuss risk scenarios, navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and identify gaps in safety programs. My goal is to help growers of all sizes enhance safety within their business. This article is a reflection of those conversations.
I’ve gathered the most common risks I see on a daily basis and paired them with reminders to help you apply strategies within your own greenhouse.
 
Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—June 2024: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_24_06/index.aspx

MAKING USE OF UV-C
FROM THE MAY 2024 ISSUE OF INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY CHRIS BEYTES
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: However, used correctly, the benefits seem to outweigh the risk: UV-C systems are relatively easy to implement, are cost-effective, require no re-entry period, reduce chemical use, improve the overall health of your crops, and can help you comply with existing and new regulations regarding chemical use and runoff water sanitation.
 
Overall, as UV-C technology becomes more tested, proven and widespread, it will be an excellent tool to consider adding to your IPM arsenal.
 
Read the digital edition of Inside Grower Magazine—May 2024: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_24_02/index.aspx

PANSY TRANSPLANT ESTABLISHMENT
FROM THE JANUARY 2023 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE
WRITTEN BY JAMIE GIBSON
NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS
 
EXCERPT: Every pansy grower strives for uniform growth while minimizing plant losses. One major source of pansy crop failure is the improper treatment of plugs upon transplant into the finishing tray.
In order to be successful, you must consider several factors in the establishment of pansies. These include pre-plant plug status, substrate preparation, irrigation, fertilization and nutritional monitoring, and substrate fungicide drenching.
 
Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—January 2023: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_23_01/index.aspx