TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks

Follow TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Cultural and technical information for greenhouse professionals.

Bill Calkins


    • Apr 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 244 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks

    2026 California Spring Trials Debrief ft. Chris Beytes & Jen Zurko

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 64:05


    Host Bill Calkins welcomes GrowerTalks' editor in chief Chris Beytes and editor Jennifer Zurko to the podcast to share thoughts on California Spring Trials—the plants, the trends, the overall vibe—and the impact spring trials STILL has on the professional horticulture industry. When Chris, Jen and Bill return from spring trials each year, folks in the industry always ask for overall thoughts, hot new varieties expected to be big sellers and what they consider to be industry breakthroughs. It was Bill's bright idea to once again record a podcast answering some of these questions and of course his partners in crime for the annual trek had so much fin recording last year's debrief that they agreed to humor him again. Here are the questions the three tackled in this episode: If the 2026 California Spring Trials was a new employee, how would he/she introduce themselves? Name a few new introductions from CAST 2026 that stand out in our minds—and why. Why do we keep going back every year (besides to make sponsored content)—how do we stay amped up about spring trials? If we could have ONE OR TWO new introductions shipped to our houses for free, what would they be? What are some new intros that we feel are perfect for social media click generation? Are any of the new intros seen at CAST “more than just pretty”? Some 2026 CAST varieties that got major promotion at the event (big displays) that we think will live up to the hype? Were there any new intros that made us think, “what the heck is that” OR that surprised us? What are some reasons folks in the industry should take the time and make the investment to attend California Spring Trials?   CHECK OUT BALL PUBLISHING'S INDUSTRY-LEADING COVERAGE OF THE 2026 CALIFORNIA SPRING TRIALS: Daily Newsletters YouTube Playlist (25+ Videos) Facebook Instagram (@growertalksgreenprofit) LinkedIn

    4 Questions for Mason, a VP Of Business Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 31:05


    Host Bill Calkins is catching up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. He sent each potential guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, Bill is joined by Mason Day, the Vice President of Business Development at JR Peters Company/Jack's Fertilizers. Here are the four questions Mason selected: Q: What do you love most about your job? Q: What advice would you give to an industry veteran currently dealing with “burnout”? Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family? Q: What's something about professional horticulture that annoys you and how would you change it?

    4 Questions for Lorentina, a North American Sales & Product Representative

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 25:39


    Throughout 2026 (and possibly beyond), host Bill Calkins is catching up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. He sent each potential guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, Bill is joined by Lorentina McKoy, the North American Sales & Product Representative for Suntory. Lorentina wears many hats with Suntory from supply management and technical support to product selection and working as a liaison with off-shore stock farms. She brings it all together with unique skill sets and plenty of past greenhouse experience. Her perspective is thoughtful and rooted in a passion for the green industry. Here are the four questions Lorentina selected: Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family? Q: If you had a free hour, what would we find you doing? Q: If you won the lottery and could start a horticulture business from scratch, what would it be and what would it look like? Q: What advice would you give to a young person considering pursuit of a career in horticulture? This episode is sponsored by Prospiant—leaders in greenhouse design, manufacture and build. Learn more and connect with the expert team at prospiant.com.  

    4 Questions for Tanya, a Territory Manager (AND BLOOM DIVA!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 21:50


    This episode is sponsored by Prospiant—leaders in greenhouse design, manufacture and build. Learn more and connect with the expert team at prospiant.com. Throughout 2026 (and possibly beyond), host Bill Calkins is going to catch up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. He sent each potential guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, Bill is joined by Tanya Carvalho, territory manager for all of Canada at Ball FloraPlant and Selecta One. Tanya is also a social media influencer for the commercial side of our industry and you should follow her on Instagram! @tanyacbloomdiva Here are the four questions Tanya selected: Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family? Q: If you won the lottery and could start a horticulture business from scratch, what would it be and what would it look like? Q: What are your top 3 favorite annuals? And perennials? Q: What advice would you give to a young person considering pursuit of a career in horticulture?

    Greenhouse Climate Systems in 2026 & Beyond ft. BioTherm's Jim Rearden

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 39:09


    In this episode, host Bill Calkins and BioTherm president Jim Rearden talk about a new partnership for BioTherm that brings some cutting-edge product lines into the company's portfolio—including low-mass boilers and new, modern unit heaters. But that's not all you can expect this episode! Bill also asked Jim about the evolution of greenhouse environmental management, how grower needs continue to change (based on many factors), the importance of planning ahead when making equipment decisions and what the future may hold in terms of regulation and legislation that's bound to impact our industry. It's a great conversation so be sure to stick around all the way to the end, because the good information keeps coming. Resources: BioTherm Website: https://biothermsolutions.com/ Climate Systems for Indoor Environments (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/1EImJy5UEe4| How to Heat Your Greenhouse (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/H46OQwxJdx4 The Ultimate Grower Climate Control System (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/PSMxCyOhbj4 Low-mass Boiler Solutions: https://biothermsolutions.com/high-efficiency-boiler-system/ Sterling Unit Heaters: https://biothermsolutions.com/product/sterling-high-efficiency-unit-heaters/

    4 Questions for Diane, an Executive Director

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 20:35


    Throughout 2026 (and possibly beyond), host Bill Calkins will catch up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. Bill sent each guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, he's joined by Diane Blazek, Executive Director at All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau. Here are the four questions Diane selected: Q: How do you explain our industry to strangers, friends, family? Q: Do you have a morning or evening routine you'd like to share with the listeners? Why do you do this? Q: What's something about professional horticulture that annoys you and how would you change it? Q: What are three tools you couldn't live without or couldn't do your job without. (This can be hand tools, technology, etc.)

    PanAmerican Seed Grower Insights On Select 2027 Varieties

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 43:26


    WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION! https://youtu.be/qrcLV3tyCLo  For this video podcast, host Bill Calkins is joined by three representatives from PanAmerican Seed who each bring specific expertise to the table, having worked with new crops for years to help bring them to market with solid foundations and supported by all the information you, as growers, need to be successful. Lisa Lacy is Director of Product Management for PanAmerican, Robin Ruether is Senior Product Manager and Sonali Padhye is PanAm's Senior Global Technical Manager and together they will cover five key 2027 introductions from the global seed breeding company. Here's the list of crops and you'll see that they cover a range of genera, uses and market positions. There are landscape performers, combo components, Fleuroselect Gold Medal and All-America Selections winners and seed forms of traditionally vegetative varieties—truly something for everyone. Find all product information at https://www.panamseed.com/ . African Marigold Lanna Lace Bacopa Galactic Mist White Sunflower Always Sunny Gold Heuchera Heucherette Pink & Red Sedum Spectacular

    4 Questions for Broch, a Strategic Account Manager

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 20:17


    Throughout 2026 (and possibly beyond), host Bill Calkins will catch up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. Bill sent each guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, he's joined by Broch Martindale, National Nursery and Greenhouse Strategic Account Manager with Corteva Agriscience. Here are the four questions Broch selected: Q: What was your first exposure to “horticulture” and how did you feel, react, respond? Q: What advice would you give to a young person considering pursuit of a career in horticulture? Q: What do you love most about your job? Q: What does the future of horticulture look like? 

    4 Questions for Shannon, a Plant Pathologist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 20:24


    Throughout 2026 (and possibly beyond), host Bill Calkins will catch up with different people in the professional horticulture space and find out a little bit about their careers, passions, journeys in the world of plants and much more. Bill sent each guest a list of 12 questions and they picked four to answer and discuss. This episode, he's joined by Shannon Carmody, director of plant pathology at Ball Horticultural Company. Here are the four questions Shannon selected: Q: What was your first exposure to “horticulture” and how did you feel, react, respond? Q: If you won the lottery and could start a horticulture business from scratch, what would it be and what would it look like? Q: What's something about professional horticulture that annoys you and how would you change it? Q: What do you love most about your job?

    Audio Files: Lessons NOT YET Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 5:01


    LESSONS NOT YET LEARNED FROM THE FEBRUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY BILL McCURRY NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: When selling or attempting to retire, owners without a strong leadership team find they don't have a business to sell. They have inventory that's worth half what the owner thinks it is. The fixtures and equipment are usually worth a quarter or less of the owner's estimate. They may have real estate, but if the operations can't be run without the current owner, they don't have a business. All they have to sell is a job and the physical assets. It's a sad, but consistent story. Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_26_02/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Watering More Efficiently with Data-Driven Decisions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 5:44


    WATERING MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FROM THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY JOSH HENRY NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS   EXCERPT: Assessing irrigation needs: Good, better, best—Think of irrigation decisions as a hierarchy: Bad: Watering by timer Good: Checking surface color Better: Picking up pots to gauge weight Even better: Inspecting roots and using the 1-to-5 scale Best: Water by weight—real data drives decisions Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_26_01/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Bridging Research & Practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 7:28


    BRIDGING RESEARCH & PRACTICE FROM THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY ALICAIN CARLSON NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS   EXCERPT: The relationship between industry and academic research has never been more crucial. As our industry faces complex challenges—from climate change to evolving consumer preferences—the synthesis of academic rigor and practical application becomes increasingly vital. These collaborations create a powerful synergy: academic institutions provide deep scientific expertise and research infrastructure, while industry partners offer real-world insights, commercial perspective and the ability to scale solutions rapidly. Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_26_01/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Celebrate—With Plants!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 9:34


    CELEBRATE—WITH PLANTS! FROM THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY MARIA ZAMPINI NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS   EXCERPT: Fortunately, with a little planning and creative POP displays, you can benefit from a slew of lesser-known holidays and life celebrations to promote plant sales. I'm not talking about the biggies, like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or Easter; I know you've got those covered. Instead, look for opportunities to celebrate lesser-known holidays, as well as major life milestones, where plants make the perfect gift. Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_26_01/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Setting the Stage for Success

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 8:15


    SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS FROM THE JANUARY ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY NATHAN WALLACE-SPRINGER NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS   EXCERPT: By carefully checking your greenhouse systems and materials now, you can ensure a smoother start to the new season and protect the health of your crops. This article will provide a preseason checklist to help growers get organized and ready for a successful spring growing season.   READ THE JANUARY 2026 DIGITAL ISSUE: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_26_01/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Rent, Return, Repeat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 7:21


    RENT, RETURN, REPEAT FROM THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY NEIL ANDERSON NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: How many times do you think Blockbuster rented out “The Little Mermaid” or “Ghostbusters” before those VHS tapes finally gave out? Probably hundreds. At roughly $4 a rental, that's about $1,200 of revenue from a $20 tape. Pretty good margin, right? Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_26_01/index.aspx

    Audio Files: Success by Design—Secret Strategies for Vegetative Propagation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 10:58


    SUCCESS BY DESIGN: THE SECRET STRATEGY FOR QUALITY VEGETATIVELY PROPAGATED SPRING CROPS FROM THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER J. CURREY NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS   EXCERPT: The secret strategy for quality vegetatively propagated spring crops isn't too complicated: healthy cuttings, healthy rooted liners, healthy finished crops. While much is written and discussed about managing fertilizer when finishing containerized spring crops, managing nutrients during cutting propagation receives less attention. But to produce healthy rooted cuttings, cutting fertilization needs to be managed across all five stages of liner production: Stage 0—Prior to harvest or arrival of cuttings; Stage 1— Cutting arrival and sticking; Stage 2—Callusing; Stage 3—Root development; and Stage 4—Toning. Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_26_01/index.aspx

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Selecta One

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 10:40


    Conversation with Stephanie Vincenti starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Pacific Plug & Liner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 19:48


    Conversation with April Herring-Murray and Sarita Cantu starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: ThinkPlants

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 13:06


    Conversation with Anik Graves and Paula Scott  starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Express Seed Company

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 12:07


    Conversation with Scott Mozingo starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Green Fuse

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 15:44


    Conversation with Jim Devereux starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Darwin Perennials

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 10:01


    Conversation with Mike Annes starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: American Takii

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2025 11:43


    Conversation with Jessica Cudnik starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Hem Genetics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 11:49


    Conversation with Joe Messer starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Syngenta Flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 11:57


    Conversation with Alicain Carlson starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Schoneveld

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 13:38


    Conversation with Kathy McKay starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Benary

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 11:42


    Conversation with Dwight Deppen starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Ball FloraPlant

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 11:31


    Conversation with Stephanie Vincenti starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: HilverdaFlorist

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 17:35


    Conversation with Sjaak Sijm starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Sakata

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 16:59


    Conversation with Kris Carlsson starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: PlantHaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 15:51


    Conversation with Robert Bett starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: PanAmerican Seed

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 8:53


    Conversation with Sarah Makiejus starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    2026 California Spring Trials Preview: Westhoff

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 18:03


    Conversation with Bart Hayes starts at 2:20. California Spring Trials 2026: March 24-27 (Days and time may vary by location.) https://caspringtrials.us/ Tech On Demand host (and 20-year trials veteran) Bill Calkins collaborated with California Spring Trials registration managers at National Garden Bureau to produce a series of podcasts featuring representatives from just about every exhibiting company in an effort to get you excited about the iconic industry event and some of the new plant introductions you'll see on display in spring of 2026. California Spring Trials is the horticulture industry's “fashion week” and with more than two dozen participating companies bringing hundreds of new plants to market for 2027 and beyond, opportunities to get inspired and plan new additions to your crop mix abound! Registration for this annual even is essential to help hosts create an amazing, customized experience for all attendees. REGISTER FOR CAST 2026 NOW AT https://caspringtrials.us/. You'll also find a trip planner, location information and more. Be sure to schedule plenty of time at each stop and with each exhibiting company!

    Bio-IPM for All Seasons (including a 2025 recap & tropicals deep-dive) ft. Koppert's Joe Brenton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 54:12


    Host Bill Calkins took advantage of this opportunity to chat with Joe Brenton from Koppert US and covered a wide range of topics related to biolosolutions—including biological pest and disease management, biostimulants, biocontrol application methods, mass trapping and much more. Joe and Bill spent time recapping 2025 from early spring propagation and production through poinsettia finishing and everything in between from a biological and hybrid IPM perspective. Joe's experience as a large-scale production grower, coupled with his ability to break down the realities of pest and disease control and prevention for greenhouse professionals will leave listeners with many new ideas to explore and a better understanding of why it's critical to work with dedicated experts when implementing biosolutions strategies. Some Resources & Products Mentioned: Airobreez—distribute natural enemies Isarid—biological pesticide Horiver—trap and monitor flying insects Koppert: Find an Expert

    Solving Top Tech Challenges for Garden Centers with BloomSuite

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 55:52


    This episode, host Bill Calkins is joined by two guests representing a company called Brands in Blooms and a solution they're bringing to garden center retailers—BloomSuite. It's a click-to-edit website platform built specifically for garden centers, but that's far from the full story as you'll hear. BloomSuite also offers an e-commerce component connecting your store to nursery fulfillment partners that ship plants directly to your customers. And if your marketing messages, social media and CRM are disconnected and operating in isolation, BloomSuite ALSO offers a CRM + marketing dashboard to tie it all together with pre-built customer personas, automated content generators, calendars for planning, the ability to send targeted emails and texts, as well as full Meta connectivity to upload your social media to Instagram and Facebook. Brands in Blooms co-founders Jeff O'Brien and Jon Morrison explain what BloomSuite is all about and why the company is laser-focused on solutions for garden centers. Bill, Jeff and Jon also discuss the importance of having a website you're proud of, why collecting data is only as good as your plan to use it, the high cost (and confusion) of stacking multiple platforms, how e-commerce opens you up to a new customer base and how advanced tech could possibly allow us to be more human in the near future. As a listener of this podcast, you're encouraged schedule a free website audit with the BloomSuite team as a way to learn how these cutting-edge but simple-to-use tools can take your business to the next level. Here's how: https://brandsinblooms.com/pages/schedule   More Resources: Brands In Blooms: https://brandsinblooms.com/ BloomSuite: https://brandsinblooms.com/pages/bloomsuite Next-Gen Consumer Insights Masterclass: https://brandsinblooms.com/pages/course

    Artificial Intelligence in the Green Industry (Part 2) with Kerrie & Sam from Epicor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 56:15


    In this episode of Tech On Demand, host Bill Calkins is joined by two experts from Epicor—a software company delivering comprehensive ERP solutions, as well as CRM tools and a range of supply chain management systems. Epicor truly understands the green industry and partners with garden centers and nurseries to customize business tools. Kerrie Jordan, Epicor's chief marketing officer and Sam Kirkland, a national business development strategist are on the podcast to talk A.I. and ways to take the data you have, digitize it and apply A.I. to use it even more effectively. A.I. has the capability to assist in all fundamental business processes—from product procurement and cash flow management to employee productivity and customer engagement. That's just a snapshot of what Kerrie and Sam share in this episode. Bill and his guests spend time discussing what exactly A.I. means for green industry businesses and applications from other industries can be transformational, as well as ways A.I. can help personalize businesses to level up the customer experience. They close looking to the future and what might be possible as this technology continues to evolve. PODCAST: Artificial Intelligence in the Green Industry (Part 1): https://techondemand.podbean.com/e/artificial-intelligence-in-the-green-industry-part-1-ft-clint-albin/   MORE RESOURCES: Epicor—Artificial Intelligence: https://www.epicor.com/en-us/solutions/technology/people-centric-ai/ ARTICLE: AI—Gaining Back Time: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=27602 ARTICLE: Why You Need AI, No Matter Your Size: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?srch=1&articleID=27544 ARTICLE: Using AI to Shorten the Customer Journey: https://www.greenprofit.com/Article/?articleid=27702 PODCAST: Next-Level Engagement, Growth & Brand Building with Sam Kirkland: https://youtu.be/P_VMRu0wTHU?si=fBJr9uzxOT4UZu3C

    2025 Season Recap ft. Corteva's Broch Martindale

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 40:41


    This episode's guest should be quite familiar by now as he's joined host Bill Calkins multiple times to cover a range of topics related to IPM from a pest- and disease-specific angle, as well as seasonal controls and prevention strategies and even weed management. Broch Martindale is the National Nursery & Greenhouse Strategic Account Manager at Corteva and downloads of his episodes are always strong proving that loyal listeners and many others across the industry are well aware of his ability to share detailed research-based cultural information blended with real-world greenhouse and nursery production experience. Check out the show notes for links to all of Broch's 2025 episodes covering a range of topics. This time, Bill and Broch look back on 2025—spring, summer and fall production—to highlight pests and disease that were particularly troublesome over the past 12 months, as well as products and approaches growers used to effectively go to battle before and after symptoms emerged. They talk spring pests like aphids and thrips that were prevalent coast to coast, mum diseases and issues due to warmer-than-average weather and poinsettia growers facing pathogens and insect/mite pests. Broch also went into detail about how investments in research and development by companies like Corteva drive product effectiveness, even when active ingredients might look alike on labels. Did you know that particle size can dictate the amount of active ingredient actually getting to where it needs to be for full mortality—which, in turn, reduces the risk of resistance? As you wrap up your year, take a listen to this episode to hear about things you might have faced OR challenges you might encounter in future years. And check out the resources below for trialed, tested and proven products to add to the proverbial toolbox.   Past 2025 Episodes with Broch: Integrated Pest Management & Resistance Management Safely Managing Whitefly (and more) Pre-emergence Herbicide Tips & Tricks for Perennial Production   Resources & Products Mentioned: CORTEVA NURSERY & GREENHOUSE XXPIRE Insecticide CONSERVE SC Spinosad Insecticide FLOXCOR Fungicide FLOXCOR + EAGLE Fungicides GALLERY Herbicide DIMENSION Herbicide SNAPSHOT Herbicide

    A Million Dollar Idea ft. Tom Van Wingerden

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 43:08


    In this episode, host Bill Calkins is joined by Tom Van Wingerden from Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Blaine, Washington, to discuss a business angle that isn't new but like many things these days, rapidly-evolving tools and technology are increasingly available to take it to the next level. Tom is Sales Director at Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Blaine, Washington one of the 100 largest greenhouses in North America and a gold supplier for Ball Seed. He has a degree in business management, is a proud father of four and was a blueberry farmer in the past. Tom is an outside-the-box thinker who's always looking for ways to do bigger things with fewer resources. That comes across loud and clear in this podcast. The topic is fundraisers—which can be a love-hate topic for many and although some greenhouses businesses have found success with fundraisers over the years, many have not and thus given up the opportunity to create a profit center working with local organizations who are hungry for plants and ways to leverage plant sales to fund projects. Of course, greenhouses need to make money from these efforts because they require plenty of work but what Tom's team has developed has more than tripled the company's fundraiser sales while requiring fewer people to manage the segment. This isn't just an episode about how Tom and the Van Wingerden team have grown sales. They actually developed a software system called PlantBuy.com that's now available for other greenhouses who want to streamline the fundraiser process. It's a system developed specifically for the commercial horticulture industry that could (in the future) result in a network of greenhouses across the country fulfilling orders from organizations who want to raise money through plant sales. In the episode, Tom and Bill discuss the overall opportunity for fundraiser business, what is required by greenhouses and the organizations they partner with, how plantbuy.com simplifies marketing, ordering and fulfillment, as well as best practices Van Wingerden Greenhouses has picked up over the past 20+ years supplying fundraisers of all shapes and sizes. If you also have a garden center operation (like they do), the marketing potential alone might be worth the effort! Resources: Learn more about PlantBuy: www.plantbuy.com Book a demo: https://www.plantbuy.com/schedule-a-demo/

    Do Better! Ft. Susannah Ball & Seth Reed

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 41:54


    In this episode of Tech On Demand, host Bill Calkins sits down with Susannah Ball, fourth-generation owner of Ball Horticultural Company, and Seth Reed, Ball's Global Sustainability Manager, for an inspiring conversation about what it really means to “do better” when it comes to sustainability in horticulture. They break down how a 120-year-old global company focuses on people, community and the planet—from aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to empowering the launch of impactful initiatives at Ball companies around the world. You'll hear how teamwork drives innovation, how smart sustainability can lead to resilience and why Ball chose this moment to release its 2025 sustainability report titled “Sowing Sustainability.” Whether you manage a greenhouse or garden center, lead a team or just want to make your business more future-focused, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of inspiration to grow greener and stronger—together. WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION! Read the 2025 Ball Sustainability Report (English & Spanish)

    Avoid Garden Mum Production Pitfalls!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2025 30:03


    In exactly 30 minutes, Ball Seed Technical Services specialist Dr. Josh Henry covers garden mum production best practices, tips and tricks to help you avoid common issues experienced by growers. He basically offers concise “checklists” for you and your team to use during mum production—from propagation to finish. From managing all stages of prop to crop nutrition and environmental management to disease/insect control, this is an excellent overview that offers tactical solutions to help you produce your best mums ever. WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/nNlrEREN7lo  Josh mentions many Tech On Demand resources, linked below. Many of these and more can be found at https://www.ballseed.com/Products/Mums. Scroll to the bottom of the page for an Excel-based Growth Tracking Tool! RESOURCES: Mum Video Playlist Properly Conducting a Pour-Thru Test for pH and EC (Video) Why Mum Foliage Turns Purple (Video Short) Fast-cropping Fall Mums (Video) Garden Mum Podcast Miniseries PART ONE Garden Mum Podcast Miniseries PART TWO Garden Mum Podcast Miniseries PART THREE At Risk Crops—Garden Mums (Chrysanthemum White Rust)

    Success with Ornamental Peppers—Propagation to Finish

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 25:15


    Ball Technical Services specialist Dr. Josh Henry joins host Bill Calkins to share best practices for producing ornamental peppers as part of the Tech On Demand series covering crop culture for key annuals and perennials. From the importance of sanitation and purchasing tested seed to keeping temperature, light and nutrition up, Josh takes ornamental peppers from propagation through to finish to help you achieve success. He spends time on protocols for preventing INSV and TSWV as key diseases to watch out for, as well as bacterial leaf spot. WATCH THE VIDEO!  Resources: At Risk Crops—Peppers (Bacterial Leaf Spot) TSWV & INSV Management Properly Conducting a Pour-Thru Test for pH & EC (VIDEO)

    5 Tips to Level Up Your Calibrachoa Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 23:13


    Ball Seed Technical Services Specialist Chris Ferguson joined host Bill Calkins to share 5 tips to help you take calibrachoa production to the next level—and avoid some common pitfalls. Irrigation—water by weight Pinching—chemical vs. mechanical pH Management—not above 6.2! Thielaviopsis—know your spores Tobacco Budworm—scout and treat ASAP WATCH THE VIDEO! Resources: AlkCalc from e-GRO: https://e-gro.org/alkcalc/dist/index.html Understanding Water Levels 1-5 (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/LBhc8_KlEBE?si=SimY3iTv72Izp9Rw

    Artificial Intelligence in the Green Industry (Part 1) ft. Clint Albin

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 52:48


    In this episode, host Bill Calkins is joined by industry strategist and co-founder of A24 Consulting, Clint Albin, to discuss the artificial intelligence (AI) in the greenhouse and garden center industry. Bill and Clint explore the challenges faced by green industry businesses, including seasonal fluctuations and changing consumer behaviors and how AI can provide solutions to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations—what Clint refers to as “the front door and the overhead door”. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully and creatively into existing processes, the need for immediate customer feedback and some potential risks associated with AI implementation. Clint shares insights on future Green Profit article and podcast topics related to procurement and local marketing strategies, highlighting the significance of innovation in the horticulture sector. Some key takeaways from this episode: AI can empower businesses of all shapes and sizes. Our industry faces challenges due to seasonal business cycles. Customer visits to garden centers need to be increased. Immediate customer feedback is crucial for improvement. AI should not be applied to broken systems. The essence of abundance in AI can save time or make money. A policy on AI usage is necessary for each business. Understanding customer needs is always a key to success. This podcast supplements an article series in Green Profit magazine. Why You Need AI, No Matter Your Size (September 2025)

    Growing Your Best Begonias ft. Syngenta's Brian Krug & Jamie Gibson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2025 48:27


    Syngenta Flowers' Dr. Brian Krug and Dr. Jamie Gibson join Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins to discuss the exciting world of begonias, focusing on both vegetative and seed varieties. They explore the latest introductions, production best practices and the importance of lighting and PGRs in growing high-quality begonias. The discussion highlights the growing popularity of begonias in gardening and their versatility in various applications. One of the top new introductions at California Spring Trials in 2025 was iCandy, a vegetative series of hybrid begonias for quarts and up—with double flowers and dark foliage—and Brian spends time detailing production best practices before moving on to other vegetative series including Adora (perfect for baskets), Birthday Bash (more traditional, waxy foliage and double flowers) and Florencio (a boliviensis hybrid). Then Jamie goes through tips and tricks for producing a few newer seed-raised series from Syngenta including Bossa Nova (boliviensis types), Bionic (large, interspecific landscape type) Tophat (early-to-flower interspecifics with huge flowers) and Limitless (tuberous). For each series, Brian and Jamie discuss production recommendations from propagation through finish—including lighting protocols, PGR regimes, temperature requirements and much more. Strategies to reduce the risk of blind cuttings are also shared. WATCH THE VIDEO! Resources: Syngenta Flowers Website Syngenta Flowers Technical Library (Search “Begonias” for culture on all varieties!) Vegetative Begonia Photoperiod Effects

    Perfecting Pentas Production ft. Syngenta's Dr. Jamie Gibson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 40:52


    Syngenta Flowers' Dr. Jamie Gibson joins Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins to discuss best practices for growing high quality pentas—both seed and vegetative varieties. As Jamie said multiple times, one of the biggest keys to getting the most out of pentas is keeping them warm. But there's a lot more to maximizing production and there are nuances to understand with vegetative types, like Syngenta's Starcluster and Starcluster Cascades, as well as the seed range, which includes Beehive, BeeBright and HoneyCluster. Jamie and Bill kick off the discussion with vegetative pentas in the Syngenta range—Starcluster and Starcluster Cascade. Jamie calls out some key attributes like huge umbels, thick foliage and major pollinator attraction before digging into propagation from URCs or callused cuttings. If you're concerned about propagating pentas from cuttings, a good idea might be to bring in liners and just finish them in about 8 weeks or even start from enhanced, larger liners to cut off a few more weeks in production. Another tip is for growers in Northern climates to bring in cuttings after week 6 to reduce the risk of cold-chain damage. Remember, it's a heat loving crop and receiving vegetative pentas after week 6 still gives plenty of time to finish the crop for Mother's Day. Jamie follows production through finish and even teaches Bill a new term, “Xanthophyll,” the yellow pigmentation that sometimes makes pentas roots look like they're struggling even though they're completely healthy. Then Jamie and Bill turn the page and start on the seed-raised types. Jamie suggests buying in plugs from experienced pentas propagators because nailing pentas plug production can be quite tricky. Transplanted plugs still need to be grown warm (66-75F), and it's recommended to consistently test pH and make sure it stays above 6.2 and also consider adding calcium nitrate to keep the pH up and tone the crop. In terms of positioning the seed-raised series from Syngenta, Jamie suggests BeeBright for packs and smaller pots, HoneyCluster for quarts and Beehive for baskets. WATCH THE VIDEO!   Resources: Syngenta Flowers Website Syngenta Flowers Technical Library (Search “Pentas” for culture on all varieties!) Patio Playbook Guide

    Biosolutions for Ornamental Propagation ft. Koppert's Kristen Fowler

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 43:18


    This Tech On Demand podcast episode is all about propagation, biosolutions and starting your crops strong from the earliest stages. Host Bill Calkins is joined by Kristen Fowler, a technical sales consultant with Koppert who not only works with propagators but spent many years in leading propagation greenhouses as a grower—so she's no stranger to the importance of optimizing plants at the most critical times during production.   In this episode Bill and Kristen discuss the importance of cleanliness before and after young plants are received, tips for assessing cuttings when they arrive at your greenhouse (you don't want to push poor product onto your benches), consistent scouting and working with suppliers to understand what's been applied to young plants before they come through your door. They also dig deep into what biological products can be used during each propagation stage (some products work well under mist, and some do not) and a roadmap to follow for protection when roots emerge, mitigating insect and mite pest pressure early on and biosolutions to apply at the time of transplant. With such a strong understanding of the propagation environment, Kristen is keenly aware that the best way to introduce many biological strategies and hybrid approaches is to work within existing propagation processes and not change too many protocols—think tank mixes, boom applications and different options for different systems.   RESOURCES: Koppert U.S. Koppert Consultants & Locations Koppert Contact Koppert Crop Protection Products Koppert's Side Effects Guide App 2025 GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide 2026 GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide (English) 2026 GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide (Spanish)

    Grow Your Sustainable Future with Proven Winners

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 67:26


    Sustainability and environmental responsibility are high on the priority list for the Proven Winners team and their partners. Their new Eco+ plastic-free and industrial compostable pots are a key part of this plant powered package. Host Bill Calkins caught up with Proven Winners' director of sales, Dave Konsoer and Danny Mishek, president of VistaTek—the award-winning manufacturing company behind the new pots and other plant-based, compostable products making their way into many industries. Danny, Dave and Bill discussed all aspects of the new packaging from manufacturing and trialing to ensure integrity in greenhouse environments to seamless integration into crop production systems and the strong, branded retail presence for which Proven Winners is known. Dave clearly explains the reasons Proven Winners invested in the move to sustainable packaging and Danny articulated why a zero-plastic approach is not only responsible but becoming necessary due to new regulations being implemented in many states very soon. Of course, the pots went through many iterations in development and functionality in greenhouse production and retail settings was non-negotiable and Dave stated there are no changes to how crops are grown in Eco+ pots and the brand messaging remains crisp and clear on the plastic-free material. Danny explained regulatory changes coming quickly in many states and why bio-based materials and plastic-free pots like Proven Winners' Eco+ will help growers stay ahead of “extended producer responsibility” laws. Plus, as Dave explained, consumers clearly want responsible packaging and look to Proven Winners as a leader in the gardening space. The company's social media pages for gardeners are filled with positive comments about the new plastic-free packaging. There's so much fantastic information in this podcast and excellent discussion around the topic of sustainability. It's steeped in real-world horticultural knowledge of supply chains, price sensitivity, production situations, tolerance for change and future plans. You really have to listen all the way to the end because the ideas and info just keep coming. Resources: What Environmental Sustainability Looks Like for Proven Winners Proven Winners Eco+ Containers FAQ Eco+ Grande Pot Manufacturing (Video) Eco+ Grande Pot Manufacturing (Video 2) VistaTek Sustainable Manufacturing

    Grower Math: Greenhouse Cost Accounting ft. Stephen Steiner

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 24:27


    Cost accounting is the process of calculating your fixed and variable costs of production and identifying on what products and activities you are spending your resources. It may not be glamorous, but taking the time for cost accounting can dramatically improve your business's profitability. Ball Seed's senior business analyst Stephen Steiner joins host Bill Calkins for a quick crash course in “grower math.” Stephen discusses simple ways to calculate costs (fixed and variable) by sharing greenhouse production-based examples. Knowing the true cost to produce various inputs will help you and your team make the smartest—and most profitable—decisions. WATCH THE VIDEO! This discussion is a condensed version of a much more in-depth presentation you can find HERE. Stephen also recommends a series of GrowerTalks' articles digging deeper into greenhouse cost accounting from many angles. You can find all of these resources and more HERE.

    The Power of Seed ft. Josh Kirschenbaum

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 42:15


    Warning: You're going to hear the word SEED a lot in the next half hour or so, because our guest this episode is Josh Kirschenbaum, the seed supply manager at Ball Seed Company. He's a seed guy all the way. In previous roles, Josh was PanAmerican Seed's business and portfolio manager for the company's vegetable lineup and before that was product development director at Territorial Seed Company in Oregon.   Here's what you can expect from host Bill Calkins and Josh this episode:   Their shared fascination with the new OPEX Perfect Pick machine Ball introduced earlier this year. Josh describes it as a climate-controlled vending machine for seed packets that can pull 20 orders at a time, resulting in speedy service and increased accuracy in order fulfillment. (Check out the video and article link in the resources below to see the machine in action.)   Bill challenged Josh to come up with three reasons why seed solves problems and why it's still a preferred way to produce crops. Josh explains the economic benefits, why flexibility and efficiency are optimized when starting from seeds or plugs and finally the amazing innovation and quality of genetics available from seed.   Throughout the conversation, Bill and Josh touch on many more aspects of seed crops that have been at the core of Ball's business for more than a century. Josh discusses the global nature of our industry, how innovative breeding drives our future, the importance of quality seed in large-scale plug production and the legacy seed has in horticulture.   Resources:   Ball Seed Company Website: https://ballseed.com/   Ball Seed Product Forms & Premier Line Seed List: https://ballseed.com/Products/Seed   OPEX Perfect Pick—From Grocery Store to Vending Machine (Article): https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=27411   OPEX Perfect Pick (Facebook Video): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19SiAULR35/

    The ABCs of Foliar Disease in Greenhouse & Nursery Crops ft. Janna from Envu

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 48:07


    This episode includes critical information for both nursery and greenhouse producers!   To discuss this episode's topic, host Bill Calkins was joined by a fantastic guest from Envu—Dr. Janna Beckerman—who's an experienced plant pathologist at heart and wanted to discuss three key diseases commonly encountered in greenhouse and nursery crop production. Conveniently for the podcast title, these diseases begin with the letters A, B and C—anthracnose, Botrytis and cercospora.   In this episode, the conversation starts with a brief recap of some diseases Dr. Beckerman saw a lot of in the spring, like rusts and Pythium and then the conversation moved quickly to the topic at hand—foliar diseases. Bill and Janna took the three ABCs in order talking through the main crops impacted by each one, symptoms to watch for and control methods. Although Dr. Beckerman mentioned one of Envu's flagship fungicides, Broadform (a unique chemical class with two modes of action to control more than 50 pathogens), her rotation recommendations and application best practices were extremely in-depth and user-friendly. She also went through strategies to mitigate the risk from these three diseases using good sanitation practices and greenhouse and nursery environmental management.   Bill and Janna closed out the conversation with the importance of resistance management—a topic that cannot be overstated. Keeping our toolboxes full and giving all growers the best chance for controlling diseases (and insect/mite pests) requires diligence and intelligent approaches to chemical rotation and application.   You'll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode, because Dr. Beckerman is a true expert and offers countless tips and tricks to help you and your production team up the game season after season.   Resources:   Envu's Ornamentals Segment Website: https://www.envu.com/segments/ornamentals   Envu's Products for the US Market: https://www.us.envu.com/ornamentals   Envu's Products for the Canadian Market: https://www.ca.envu.com/greenhouse-and-nursery   Broadform Fungicide Product Information: https://www.us.envu.com/ornamentals/po/products/broadform    

    Pre-emergence Herbicide Tips & Tricks for Perennial Production

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 22:45


    Corteva's technical guru, flower grower and greenhouse and nursery “coach” Broch Martindale is back on the podcast to share strategies for controlling weeds in perennial production using products like Gallery, Dimension and Snapshot. Bill and Broch recorded this episode live in The Gardens at Ball. Over the course of this episode, Broch and host Bill Calkins discuss selecting the best products to control specific weeds impacting crops each season. They dive deep into weeds that can take over when temps drop and why fall applications of pre-emergence herbicides can be critical. General “best practices” are shared that will not only keep weeds at bay but also reduce costs associated with labor and product purchase. RESOURCES: Learn more about Gallery® specialty herbicide. Learn more about Dimension® specialty herbicide. Learn more about Snapshot® specialty herbicide.

    Claim TECH ON DEMAND brought to you by GrowerTalks

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel