This episode, Bill is joined by Samuel Di Rito, a grower and social media manager at Collier’s Greenhouse & Garden Center, a third-generation family-owned business in Jackson, Georgia. Follow Collier’s on Instagram @colliersgreenhouse

Here are the four questions Samuel selected:

Q: What was your first exposure to horticulture and how did you feel, react, respond? 

Q: What’s something about professional horticulture that annoys you and how would you change it?

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?

This episode is sponsored by Prospiant—leaders in greenhouse design, manufacture and build. Learn more and connect with the expert team at prospiant.com.  

This episode, Bill is joined by his friend Susie Raker, vice-president at Raker-Roberta’s Young plants in Litchfield, Michigan. Susie is an innovator in many ways and although some of this comes from growing up in a cutting-edge family business, she is definitely her own person and has forged an amazing path in the industry. This discussion goes in many directions, and you’ll have to listen all the way to the end, so you don’t miss anything!

Here are the four questions Susie selected:

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?

Q: What does the future of horticulture look like? 

This episode is sponsored by Mycorrhizal Applications—master distributor of biological and botanical plant support solutions and the world’s leading supplier of mycorrhizal soil inoculants. Learn more and connect with the expert team at mycorrhizae.com.

Well, almost everyone … This episode, Bill is joined by his friend Leslie Halleck, a consultant, author, educator, certified horticulturist and nonconformist who opted NOT to pick four questions and answer whatever Bill asked. It’s a fun episode that goes in many different directions and touches on tons of different subjects but always circles back to a passion for the industry and all businesses and people involved. You absolutely have to listen all the way to the end of this one because although there are four questions asked and answered, there’s much more going on here.

Here are the four questions Bill selected for Leslie:

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.)

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.  

This episode, Bill is joined by his friend Kelly Nicholas, Dümmen Orange’s head of technical services for North America. Kelly has a ton of experience across many segments of our industry—technical, production, greenhouse management and more. Plus, she’s a fantastic leader and has great advice that’s shared throughout the episode. If you’re considering exploring a career in horticulture or need some inspiration to battle burnout—Kelly suggests you hit her up on LinkedIn because she’s always happy to network.

Here are the four questions Kelly selected:

Q: What was your first exposure to “horticulture” and how did you feel, react, respond?

Q: What are three tools you couldn’t live without or couldn’t do your job without. (This can be hand tools, technology, etc.)

Q: What advice would you give to a young person considering pursuit of a career in horticulture?

Q: What advice would you give to an industry veteran currently dealing with “burnout”?

This episode is sponsored by Mycorrhizal Applications—master distributor of biological and botanical plant support solutions and the world’s leading supplier of mycorrhizal soil inoculants. Learn more and connect with the expert team at mycorrhizae.com.

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

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?

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.  

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?

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/

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.)

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

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? 

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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/

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)

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)

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)

1. Irrigation—water by weight
2. Pinching—chemical vs. mechanical
3. pH Management—not above 6.2!
4. Thielaviopsis—know your spores
5. 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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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.

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/

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  

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.

For this episode, Bill had three “big ideas” that he introduced to Jaime one at a time to find out what she had to say about them (and if she had any even bigger ideas or approaches). There are no right answers and neither Jaime or Bill own a functional crystal ball. But the goal of this discussion was to share ideas to ponder and potential directions to steer as our industry enters a new era.

Topics discussed:

• Horticulture vs. culture
• New plants vs. new solutions
• Lifestyle vs. hobby

For this episode, Bill had three “big ideas” that he introduced to Seth one at a time to find out what he had to say about them (and if he had any even bigger ideas or approaches). There are no right answers and neither Seth or Bill own a functional crystal ball. But the goal of this discussion was to share ideas to ponder and potential directions to steer as our industry enters a new era.

Topics discussed:

• Post-pandemic growth vs. new realities
• Labor vs. labor retention
• Production vs. automation

JC is a researcher and has worked with the SePRO team and growers across North America to better use PGRs to achieve a variety of goals and has a lot of practical information to share. You’ll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode because when Bill and JC chat, you never know what to expect!

WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION!

Subscribe to JC’s PestTalks e-newsletter

Resources:

Topflor Product Overview

A-Rest Product Overview

SePRO PGR Selection Guide

SePRO Horticultural Resources & Technical Contact

FROM THE SUMMER 2025 ISSUE OF INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY DAVID KUACK

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: When it comes to lowering operating costs for controlled environment growers, energy and labor are top of mind. The cost of labor is expected to continue to increase as the availability, hiring and retention of reliable workers becomes more challenging. The cost of energy—regardless of whether it’s electricity, natural gas, fuel oil or propane—will also likely continue to increase. Growers, regardless of where they’re located, are expected to have to deal with increasing weather unpredictability. For these reasons, more growers are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities.

Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_25_05/index.aspx

FROM THE JUNE 2025 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY DYLAN SEDMAK

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: Modern day variety trials—side-by-side comparisons of primarily annuals (along with some perennials, vegetables and even woodies)—take place across an array of institutions in North America. Beyond universities, companies have begun opening the doors to their own personal trial grounds. Many organize annual events centered around visiting the trials, such as the Michigan Garden Tour or Southern Garden Tour (scan QR codes for links).

Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_25_07/index.aspx

FROM THE JUNE 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY TODD DOWNING

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: Our industry is one of the most affected by the massive exit of so many retiring Baby Boomers who make up the green industry. Couple this with lower numbers of incoming talent and the demand for talent continues to far exceed the supply of candidates. While there are currently no magic answers, there are innovative and different ways of looking at the hiring process that will improve a company’s ability to attract and retain employees.

Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_07/index.aspx

The topic was error correction—common challenges in perennial production that can be easily fixed to avoid running into the same issues year after year. The panel included Chris Fifo from Darwin and PanAmerican Perennials, Drew Koschmann from Walters Gardens and Nathan Jahnke from Ball Seed Technical Services. Some of the frequent pitfalls discussed included best practices for overwintering and bulking perennials, why input selection is critical, evaluating perennial plug and liner quality, managing tough environmental conditions and new research into no-pinch production strategies. We also solicited questions from the crowd and covered about 10 of them before closing.

If you missed this year’s event, that’s OK. Darwin hosts it every year! Mark Wednesday June 17, 2026, on your calendar and come check out the Gardens at Ball with thousands of perennial plants in bloom. As it get closer to the event, you’ll find all the details at https://www.darwinperennialsday.com/.

To discuss this topic, host Bill Calkins is joined by two guests from Envu—Dr. Janna Beckerman and Steve Larson—to talk through best management practices related to weed control and specifically the use of Marengo, a preemergence herbicide that not only controls more than 90 weeds (including broadleaf weeds, grasses and sedge) but also clocks in with residual activity for up to 8 months. It’s labeled for use inside greenhouses and can be a key player in your greenhouse sanitation lineup.

Envu’s Janna and Steve have decades of experience in our industry and bring a lot to the table when it comes to the science behind greenhouse and nursery production, as well as the real-world application of products and strategies. When it comes to weed control in production settings, Janna said it best—the greatest cost is the cost of neglect.

In this episode, the conversation starts with an overview of Envu’s history and innovative product range before quickly moving into weed control in nursery and greenhouse production. From regionality and seasonality of weeds and their impact to application strategies for preemergence herbicides and keys to safe use, there’s a lot to discuss. And with its residual staying power, wide range of weeds controlled and labeled indoor applications, Marengo (granular and liquid) is a product with benefits for just about every type of greenhouse and nursery operation.

You’ll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode to hear all the tips, tricks, research and anecdotal success stories the Envu team had to share!

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

Marengo Herbicide: https://www.us.envu.com/ornamentals/po/products/marengo

VIDEO (English)— Marengo Application/Calibration: https://youtu.be/7ZbCBCfHnb8

VIDEO (Spanish)—Marengo Application/Calibration: https://youtu.be/DhiSEXDGAPk

Envu Brochure—Nursery Weed Control: https://bynder.envu.com/m/5a01a4fcb5ddb3e7/original/Digital_TO_Nursey-Weed-Management_product-guide_NA_US_EN.pdf

Over the course of this episode, Broch and host Bill Calkins discuss safely using chemistries in rotation and what chemistries are appropriate for poinsettias late in production (when bracts are in color), as well as specific active ingredients that have been successfully trialed and tested to tackle common but challenging greenhouse pests. Throughout the podcast, Broch offers tips and tricks he’s turned to over the years producing crops and working with growers to manage and prevent pests when producing everyone’s favorite holiday crop.

Be sure to read Broch’s article KEEPING POINSETTIAS MERRY AND BRIGHT in the May 2025 issue of GrowerTalks magazine for even more on this topic.

WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION!

RESOURCES:

Floxcor fungicide offers ornamental growers fast uptake and broad-spectrum disease control, and is rainfast in just 15 minutes.

Floxcor Fungicide Ornamental Fact Sheet

Prevent and control virtually every major soil and foliar disease with the winning combination of Floxcor fungicide and Eagle 20EW specialty fungicide.

Floxcor + Eagle Fungicide Ornamental Fact Sheet

The two active ingredients in XXpire combine to control more than 39 insects, including 7 of the top 10 chewing or sap-feeding pests.

XXpire Insecticide Fact Sheet

Learn how XXpire insecticide can help poinsettia growers control damaging insects, without residue or phytotoxicity.

XXpire Insecticide for Poinsettias Fact Sheet

More information on XXpire insecticide

In this episode Bill and Phil discuss the spring production season before jumping into the main topic—IPM for crops produced in summer for fall and holiday sales. Phil explains the importance of understanding the compatibility of biological controls and traditional chemistries, as well as why it’s critical to define what success looks like for your greenhouse or nursery before integrating biocontrols. As he reiterated, when making a move to bio-based approaches, it’s best to start slowly—choose one crop or one pest and hone skills before moving on to a more comprehensive plan.

When it comes to biological controls for garden mums, indoor versus outdoor production must be considered and beginning applications in propagation is the best approach for various reasons Phill addressed. Key pests discussed include aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, whiteflies and spider mites. Moving on to poinsettias, of course the main pests (whiteflies and spider mites) require diligence, scouting and early preventative controls and Phil explained some of his go-to tactics. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this discussion because these notes barely scratch the surface!

RESOURCES & PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Koppert U.S.: https://bit.ly/4kR5r13

Koppert Consultants & Locations: https://bit.ly/455PYpp

Side Effects Guide: https://bit.ly/4kOoZmP

Isarid: https://bit.ly/4mASHxc

Spidex: https://bit.ly/4dHyf9S

Enermix: https://bit.ly/3SAoy3p

Swirski-Mite: https://bit.ly/3HEZOEI

Airobreez: https://bit.ly/3SAp815

2025 GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/BioSolutions_Guide_2025.pdf

Lauren and Bill kick off the discussion with a quick chat about California Spring Trials 2025—specifically Syngenta’s “Rooted In Teamwork” theme—and some of their favorites from the trial in Gilroy, CA.

Kwik Kombos is not a new program from Syngenta but they add new mixes every year and have their rigorous trialing dialed in so you can be assured that the mixes will work in production and perform beautifully at retail. Lauren explains the benefits of this early-, mid- and late-season spring program.

Patio Playbook is new (just released at 2025 California Spring Trials) and offers inspirational recipes for ALL seasons—using a wide range of inputs from foliage varieties including coleus to heat-loving annuals, perennials, tons of Syngenta’s geraniums and even garden mums. Recipes allow growers to deliver color-blocked combos to retail throughout the year, extending seasons and helping bring shoppers in to fill their carts with high-value impulse combos. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Of course, Lauren shares plenty of tips and tricks for combo culture, as well as some of her favorite mixes in both programs. Be sure to stay tuned all the way to the end of the conversation so you don’t miss any words of horticultural wisdom!

Watch the video version! https://youtu.be/3zRssbYo3kM

Resources:

Syngenta Flowers Website: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/

Kwik Kombos Catalog: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/636494595/92/

Kwik Kombos Culture Guide: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/sites/g/files/kgtney846/files/media/document/2025/02/26/culture_vegetative_kwik_kombos.pdf

Patio Playbook Guide: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/208275210/

FROM THE MAY 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY JAMES DOUKAS

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: A mastery, or at least a proficiency, in many growth strategies allow for a grower to select the correct “tool” from their “toolbox” no matter the situation that arises in the fall to achieve their desired goal for their poinsettia crop.

Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_05/index.aspx

FROM THE APRIL 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY CHRIS BEYTES

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: Anyone who’s completed a greenhouse project knows that a lot more goes into it than you might think. But how much, exactly, as a percentage of the total cost?

We asked three experts—Paul Golden with Prospiant, Matt Stuppy with Stuppy Greenhouses and Jeff Warschauer with Rovero North America—to help us with the math. It was a challenge because every site and every project is unique, and their usual answer is, “It depends,” but we forced them to break it down into key components and what percent of the project each might be. The figures below are minimums you’ll need for each category; in some cases (like site work), it could be much higher.

Read the Digital Edition: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_04/index.aspx

In this concise tech tip-style conversation Bill and Chris discuss the “traditional method” of forcing perennials and the “new-school way,” which results in better uniformity and reduced losses. Then Chris explains tactics any grower can use to force long-day perennials using an extension cord and a string of lightbulbs, as well as offering suggestions for reducing the risk of disease when perennials are being forced to wake up in early spring. The bottom line: It’s not as difficult as it sounds—warming them up and basic night interruption will work wonders on your perennial crop this spring.

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rsq3hRTX0l0

Resources:

GROWERTALKS WEBINAR: 3 1/2 Steps to Overwintering Perennials

  MICHIGAN STATE GUIDE: Long-Day Perennials

Although this episode is focused on one crop, Lorentina and Bill actually get into many different topics—from an early-Spring outlook and consumer trends to retail garden center tips and strategies to sell premium products. You’ll want to listen all the way to the end because this episode closes with some other top picks in the Suntory range of new varieties for 2026.

RESOURCES:

12-page Princettia Brochure—with culture notes: suntoryflowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Princettia-Brochure-2023-digital-1.pdf

The 2026 Suntory Flowers Catalog - Suntory Flowers

Princettia Section—direct link: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/232823221/40/

“Just for Retailers” Page: Princettia Poinsettia - Suntory Flowers

Princettia Consumer Information: New Ways to Display Princettia Poinsettias this Holiday Season - Suntory Flowers

Once broad mites were covered, Bill asked Dr. Cloyd about Lewis mites (based on challenges with this pest on poinsettia crops in 2024), and the episode closed with the importance of sanitation, diligent scouting and IPM protocols during spring production. You’ll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode and share it with your entire production staff.

RESOURCES:

Broad Mite and Cyclamen Mite Management in Greenhouses and Nurseries:  https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2938.pdf

Dr. Raymond Cloyd Contact Information: https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/Cloyd-Raymond-A.html

Extension & Research Program (Publications, Articles, Reports, Etc.): https://entomology.k-state.edu/about/people/extension/Cloyd-Ext-Research/ 

A bit about Dr. Raymond Cloyd: Raymond has an extension (70%) and research (30%) appointment in the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS). Raymond received his MS and PhD from the Department of Entomology at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN), and was employed as a professor at the University of Illinois (Urbana, IL) in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences for six years prior to his employment at Kansas State University. His research and extension program involves plant protection/pest management in greenhouses, nurseries, landscapes, turfgrass, conservatories, interiorscapes, Christmas trees, vegetables, fruits, cannabis, hemp and pollinators. Raymond is the extension specialist in horticultural entomology for the state of Kansas with a major clientele that includes homeowners, master gardeners, and professional and commercial operators. Raymond has published over 100 scientific refereed publications, over 900 trade journals, and over 60 extension publications on topics related to pest management/plant protection. In addition, he has authored or co-authored numerous books including Greenhouse Pest Management, Pests and Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials, IPM for Gardeners, Plant Protection: Managing Greenhouse Insect and Mite Pests, Compendium of Rose Diseases and Pests, Compendium of Bedding Plant Diseases and Pests, and Western Flower Thrips: Insect Pest of Greenhouse Production Systems. Raymond has also written book chapters, manuals, PICT or picture-pocket guides, and extension-related publications. Raymond is a frequent speaker at state, national, and international conferences and seminars; and has received numerous awards and honors during his over 25-year academic career. Raymond’s professional specialty areas are plant protection, biological control, plant-insect interactions, insect ecology, pesticides, integrating pesticides with biological control agents and sanitation.

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 record a podcast answering some of these questions and of course, his partners in crime for the annual trek westward agreed to it.

Here are the questions the three tackled in this episode:

• If the 2025 California Spring Trials were a person, how would you describe their 2025 vibe?
• Name a few new introductions from CAST 2025 that stand out in your mind—and why.
• Do you go to CAST looking for something specific or just to see what’s new and report back via the magazine, videos and social media?
• If you could have ONE new introduction shipped to your house for free, what would it be?
• What are some new intros that you feel are Instagram-ready?
• What new variety should launch on Shark Tank?
• Name some 2025 CAST varieties that got major promotion at the event that you think will live up to the hype?
• Were there any new intros that made you think, “what the heck is that” OR that surprised you?
• What’s a new product you haven’t seen yet that you WISH would be introduced (i.e. if you were launching your own product, what would it be?)
• What’s ONE reason why a grower who’s never been to Spring Trials should go at least once?

CHECK OUT BALL PUBLISHING’S INDUSTRY-LEADING COVERAGE OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA SPRING TRIALS:

Daily Newsletters

YouTube Playlist (26 Videos)

Facebook

Instagram (@growertalksgreenprofit)

LinkedIn

Broch and Bill start with a conversation about XXpire, an insecticide with two active ingredients that provides control for 39 pests—while minimizing phytotoxicity risk and risk to beneficials and pollinators.  Then the topic shifts to IPM and the steps greenhouse teams can take to create a holistic plan that leads to results. Broch then dives into the importance of resistance management, a topic that is becoming more critical each year and one that he has plenty of expertise in and experience to share. You’ll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode and share it with your entire production staff.

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/1qwbpAyXe5k 

RESOURCES:

XXpire Insecticide

Insecticide Resistance Action Committee

IRAC Mode of Action Structures Poster (English)

IRAC Mode of Action Structures Poster (Spanish)

From transplanting best practices and nutrition strategies to irrigation management and container selection, there are plenty of tips and tricks for your entire team. Will spends extra time on nutrition in this video, because fertilizer choice and application is so critical for vegetative petunias, as well as viral pathogens to watch out for and ideally prevent.

Resources:

GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/2025_IMF_Guide.pdf

GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide (Spanish): https://growertalks.com/pdf/2025_IMF_Guide_Spanish.pdf

GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/BioSolutions_Guide_0624.pdf

As Will and Bill continue to say, PanAmerican Seed (the breeding company behind Wave) has done so much research into Wave and has developed tools to practically ensure success with this amazing collection of series and varieties. Some of these tools are listed below.

FINISHED CROP VIDEOS—FULL PLAYLIST

Resources:

PanAmerican Seed—All Wave Information: https://www.panamseed.com/Products/Brands/Wave/

Wave Smart Scheduling Tool: https://www.panamseed.com/Products/Brands/Wave/SmartSchedule/

FINISHED CROP PRODUCTION VIDEO—FULL PLAYLIST

Guests: Karen Oie—Director of Sales, Smithers-Oasis North America Lisa Nason—Director of Marketing, Kennicott Brothers Carmen Marquez—Marketing Director, Ball SB

That Flower Feeling is an industry-wide cooperative effort to encourage consumers to purchase more flowers regularly. The philosophy is simple: As long as people are bringing home flowers regularly, it’s considered a success. The initiative aims to make the experience of having fresh flowers a part of daily life, challenging the notion that flowers should be reserved for special occasions.

Resources:

• Learn more about That Flower Feeling at https://thatflowerfeeling.org/
• Ball Seed Cut Flowers: https://www.ballseed.com/cutflowers/

In this episode Bill and Heidi discuss what she’s seeing and hearing as spring production ramps up across North America, her role as a “greenhouse CSI” when walking into a facility and meeting with owners and growers, common spring pests and potential prevention and management strategies, education and planning as they relate to biological IPM, the importance of relationships and her thoughts on Thrips parvispinus, the pepper thrips hitchhiking their way North on tropical plants. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this fantastic discussion!

RESOURCES:

Koppert U.S. 

Koppert Consultants & Locations

Koppert Crop Protection Products

2024 GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide

FROM A 2025 INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINE WEB-EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE

WRITTEN BY TRACI DOOLEY

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: An increase in the frequency of severe weather events, reduced market capacity, higher labor, material, and equipment costs, and unusually high jury awards are all causing insurance premiums to rise across industries. For horticultural businesses, as the cost and frequency of your risk increases, your insurance must account for them to help keep your livelihood protected.

Understanding these changes will help you make informed strategic decisions, including how best to mitigate your total risk to help offset several of these costs in the coming year.

Here are five key trends that will affect your agribusiness risks and coverage in 2025, along with practical steps you can take to reduce risks and manage your policy expenses.

Read the web-exclusive article at Inside-Grower.com: https://www.inside-grower.com/Article/?articleid=27227

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vYpzo65kFCU

RESOURCES:

(VIDEO) At Risk Crops—Zinnia: https://youtu.be/XzX2dXs9584?si=fJnwFhfr9nNIrkwb

GrowerTalks’ Grower Guides: https://www.growertalks.com/GrowerGuides/

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/7RcXvyFTdMo 

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/iLWlxDOKJyw

RESOURCES:

VIDEO: Impatiens 2.0: https://youtu.be/ZYlEcrqWO5Q?si=eoa5u01KZfJrCmk7

VIDEO: At-Risk Crops—Impatiens: https://youtu.be/3o7CyRb-jUE?si=_s_dj8vRCiUkqff_

GrowerTalks’ Grower Guides: https://www.growertalks.com/GrowerGuides/

FROM THE FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY AVIVA LeSHAW

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: Shoppers today want more than a good deal on plants. They’re looking for an experience—something seamless and personal. Research from the Square Future of Retail Report: 2024 Edition shows that a full 100% of retail businesses prefer automation for tasks like tracking inventory or ordering out-of-stock products, highlighting the growing demand for efficient, technology-driven solutions. For garden retailers, meeting these demands is essential.

Read the digital edition of Green Profit Magazine—February 2025: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_25_02/index.aspx

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/Zc4-LGfMTA0

RESOURCES:

VIDEO: At-Risk Crops—Tomato: https://youtu.be/aCBmuleuVXU?si=JV1wA7tF4ua6NRLb

GrowerTalks’ Grower Guides: https://www.growertalks.com/GrowerGuides/

FROM THE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY HARRISON DOWNING

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: Just as early root health is the foundation of explosive plant growth in its influence on a plant’s ability to develop properly and produce high yields, so is the importance of a thorough onboarding program for new hires in a company. 

Read the digital edition of GrowerTalks Magazine—January 2025: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_01/index.aspx

Learn more about ASCFG’s Dave Dowling Scholarship: https://www.ascfg.org/outreach/dowling-scholarship/

Find new varieties, best-sellers and many cut flower resources form Ball Seed: https://www.ballseed.com/cutflowers/

FROM THE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY BILL McCURRY

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: With the country headed in a potentially different economic direction, old truths prevail. All payroll factors are local to your area’s economy, your business realities, and your employees’ financial situations. Let’s look at ways to lessen employee stress, without pay raises that incur employer payroll taxes and employee income taxes.

Read the digital edition of GREEN PROFIT Magazine—January 2025: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gp_25_01/index.aspx

FROM THE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY BILL CALKINS

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT: … the team-based approach Ball Seed and its perennials partners employ to help customers solve challenges and optimize assortments. In this case, the grower worked with their sales rep, who in turn worked with supplier technical experts and R&D managers to find the best solution.

This type of success extends across the entire Ball Seed perennial supply partner network and shines a spotlight on the importance of feedback loops and close communication.

Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—January 2025: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_01/index.aspx

From transplanting best practices and nutrition strategies to irrigation management and container selection, there are plenty of nuances to be aware of—especially avoiding boron deficiency—and Josh is here to help.

Resources:

WATCH THE VIDEO! Finishing Vegetative Angelonia—Promote Branching & Avoid Boron Deficiency: https://youtu.be/qaQ06b3kO7k

(ARTICLE) Branching Out with PGRs: https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=26878

(RESEARCH) Going Viral: https://e-gro.org/pdf/2023-12-39.pdf

(GROWER GUIDE) Plant Growth Regulator Guide for Annuals 2025-2026: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/PGR_GUIDE_2025-26_Annuals.pdf

From receiving, prioritizing and handling through all stages up until transplant, Josh is going to help you reduce risk and produce top-quality liners. Research on optimum light levels and tips for holding cuttings (if that is necessary) are key points in this discussion.

Resources:

WATCH THE VIDEO! Vegetative Angelonia Propagation—Temperature, Light and More!: https://youtu.be/BbQ9G6z4LaY?si=JJsijOu_ZpRqy6Cz

(DOCUMENT) BMPs for URC Hydration: https://www.ballseed.com/PDF/TechOnDemand-URC-Hydration.pdf

(ARTICLE) Avoiding Diseases in Propagation: https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=24435

(RESEARCH) Effects of Increasing Light Quantity on Greenhouse Crops: https://e-gro.org/pdf/203.pdf

FROM THE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY TROY BUECHEL

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT:

Building roots on young plants can be challenging. With poor weather conditions in winter and early spring, variable sun appearances, inconsistent rooting or germination, unknown plant genetics, etc., it’s difficult to build great roots. Although these issues are outside of a grower’s control, this article will cover some variables that can be controlled to help build great roots on young plants.

Read the digital edition of GROWERTALKS Magazine—January 2025: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/gt_25_01/index.aspx

Bob shares tips and tricks for based on years of campanula production experience taking viewers from germination to transplant and on to finishing and post-harvest care. Campanula crops certainly have some nuances to be aware of, and Bob provides plenty of critical information for managing all factors of plant growth (light, water, nutrition, temperature and gas exchange), as well as strategies for controlling pests and diseases.

RESOURCES:

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/UaJZZgj3KfE

• Campanula Champion II from Sakata: https://sakataornamentals.com/plantname/champion-2/ 
• Ball CutFlowers: https://www.ballseed.com/cutflowers/
• Tools from Ball CutFlowers (presentations & literature, market trends, videos, podcasts, Dave’s newsletter, industry resources): https://www.ballseed.com/cutflowers/Resources/

FROM THE WINTER 2024 ISSUE OF INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINE

WRITTEN BY JOSE CHEN LOPEZ

NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS

EXCERPT:

Choosing the right substrate for a particular application can be a challenge. Choosing the right beneficial microorganisms for a specific plant, mode of action and ensuring compatibility with other beneficial microorganisms can be excruciating.

When choosing and adding beneficial microorganisms to the substrate, growers must ensure that they’re viable, that the carrier is compatible, that the application rate is uniform and homogenous within the whole volume of the substrate, and that they’re from a reputable company.

Read the digital edition of INSIDE GROWER Magazine—Winter 2024: https://www.ballpublishing.com/magazine/ig_24_11/index.aspx

From the start, you’ll need to follow some best practices when receiving and handling young plants—planting immediately, protecting the crop in hoop houses when planting them in summer, using support netting to reduce losses and more. Once they are in production, lighting and temperature are critical, and understanding the impact of photoperiod is necessary for optimum flower timing. Alicain covers all of this, as well as strategies for pinching and bud removal to enhance branching and create different forms (single bloom vs. a spray of flowers). Then she wraps up with when to harvest and tactics for postharvest care.

RESOURCES:

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/sSURz16OGng

SYNGENTA FLOWERS CUT FLOWER ASSORTMENT & CULTURE GUIDES: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/cutflowers

CHRYSANTHEMUM AGRONOMIC PROGRAM: https://www.greencastonline.com/programs/pdf/mumagronomic.pdf

ALL ABOUT SUNFINITY (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/FkNh4yDCTU8

GROWING CUT FLOWER DAHLIAS (VIDEO): https://youtu.be/ddd680snZM8

Will says African marigolds and French marigolds are like oranges and grapefruits when it comes to production protocols—meaning they’re similar (like the two citrus fruits) but very different in many ways. He takes you from plug transplant to shipping, with a particular focus on iron toxicity related to phosphorous deficiencies, tips for minimizing stretch to avoid the need for too many PGRs, nutrition to keep them growing strong and how to avoid Botrytis in the flower heads. Will has worked with many growers dealing with leaf spots and his advice on phosphorous is based on hundreds of crops and decades of experience.

Will also spends plenty of time on fall production of African marigolds for Day of the Dead sales, which is certainly a growing market and newer sales opportunity for many of you.

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/nfA66OczRQM

If elementary school kids can grow French marigolds in Dixie cups, they must not be too difficult … But finishing professional-quality crops requires attention to detail—especially pH, nutrition, moisture management and lighting. Will is here to explain all the nuances so you can avoid stretch and turn them quickly to maximize profits.

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/dePbEKylbYo

From transplanting best practices and nutrition strategies to irrigation management and container selection, there are plenty of nuances to be aware of and Chris is here to help.

Resources:

Watch the VIDEO! https://youtu.be/Gqoz00MIr7M

GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/2025_IMF_Guide.pdf

GrowerTalks Insecticide, Miticide & Fungicide Guide (Spanish): https://growertalks.com/pdf/2025_IMF_Guide_Spanish.pdf

GrowerTalks Biosolutions Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/BioSolutions_Guide_0624.pdf

From receiving, prioritizing and handling through all stages up until transplant, Chris is going to help you reduce risk and produce top-quality liners.

WATCH THE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/Tff-o5FfZ9U 

Brian explains exactly why both Delta Pro and Penny Pro offer major benefits for growers, including Delta’s super-short timing window (all colors bloom within 10 days!), reduced need for PGRs and huge 3-inch blooms; and Penny’s flower power, non-stretching habit and vigorous root system.

After taking you through the key features, Dr. Krug dives deep into best practices when propagating and finishing both Delta Pro and Penny Pro. Although your production of these new series will look a lot like typical pansy and viola plans, there are a few nuances to note. Breeding for compact habit in production dictates lower PGR needs and the tight bloom window for Delta Pro means you don’t have to stagger these pansies to ship the full color range in flower. Brian also shares some tips and tricks learned throughout the years working with pansy and viola growers that will no doubt benefit your team. NOTE: Delta Pro was bred for Spring OR Fall production, which is fantastic, and Brian touches on this in his presentation, as well as some regionally-specific advice to help growers across all of North America.

RESOURCES:

Delta Pro—Produced for Precision: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/deltapro

Penny Pro—Produced for Performance: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/pennypro

Syngenta Technical Library: https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/techlibrary/search/techlibrary

WATCH Delta Pro Grow—Comparison Trial Time Lapse Video: https://youtu.be/PnChUHNehcE?si=NVe-8QVNQe0XmZ_Z

From transplanting and pinching to selecting media and producing for a range of finished container sizes, there are certainly best practices to follow when growing coleus. Josh covers all of this and more, including nutrition, light, temperature and PGRs to help you create a winning production plan. Then he touches on pest and disease management with an emphasis on reducing risks associated with coleus downy mildew.

Resources:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/cVbRSj7K7dM 

GrowerTalks PGR Guide: https://www.growertalks.com/pdf/PGR_GUIDE_2023-24_Annuals.pdf

e-GRO Coleus Disorder Guide: https://www.e-gro.org/pdf/2022-11-06.pdf