Challenging winter months for North American growers

The winter is usually a period in which greenhouse growers are affected by the weather. Last winter, however, the growers in North America were affected more than ever. This year, the extreme weather did not only increased their energy bills, but even damaged or destroyed greenhouses, like Lockwood Nursery in Hamburg, US (NY), Avon Valley Floral in Nova Scotia and Middle Atlantic Gardens in Middle Sackville, both in Canada.

We spoke with Ted Oorsprong, owner of Northend Gardens 1991 inc in Jordan Station (ON). Together with his wife Carrie he grows spring bedding, hanging baskets plants and Medinilla's in 200,000 square feet of greenhouses. They are the only North American grower of year round blooming Medinilla's.

He told us that February has been the coldest winter ever in Canada. The average temperature in week eight was -13.4 Celsius and -10.6 Celsius in week nine. "Interestingly, the light levels were high; in week eight, the light levels were 6400 joules and even 8300 joules in week nine", explains Ted

"We have snow tires on all our trucks"

Due to these cold temperatures and the snow storms, the last few months were challenging for Ted and Carrie Oorsprong. The fuel costs were higher and snowstorms delayed the shipments. Moreover, the hampering markets on the east coast caused unrest.

Fortunately, the spring is on its way and the forecast is looking good. "After 36 days, the temperature is now finally above 0 Celsius", says Ted.

For more information
Northend Gardens 1991 inc
Ted Oorsprong
Email: oorsprong@aol.com
www.medinilla.ca