Perennials are usually grown outside in pots. Over 1000 species of perennials exist: from herbs to ground covers and from short to long cultivation.
Ericaceas are outdoor plants that are grown on a substrate with a low pH. The mixes mainly contain peat because it has a naturally low pH.
Shrubs and fruit trees require a longer cultivation period than perennials, because they don’t grow as fast. Thus, we recommended more stable mixtures for shrubs and fruit trees. The main ingredient of these mixtures is block peat.
For the cultivation of conifers and Christmas trees, bark or pumice stone is added to the stable substrate mix for optimum root formation.
Young plants benefit from a stable and airy mixture consisting of turf, coconut, pumice and perlite. These mixtures are always in stock, both seperately packed in bags and in big bags.
Contact our sales advisors for more information or our offering for tree nurseries!
We use a number of main components for our tree nursery mixtures:
The following sub-components can be added to the mixture:
BVB Substrates supplies various alternative products that can fulfill a similar function as peat in a mixture. We produce 100% peat-free mixes, but we also produce mixtures in which part of the peat is replaced. We always test the ratios thoroughly and keep looking for ways of doing business in a more sustainable way. For mixtures for the low-pH category Ericacene, alternative compositions are being looked into to reduce the proportion of peat.
Bram van Bommel
Sales adviser
In many cases extra fertilizer is added for outdoor cultivation. Depending on the wishes of the customer, regular, organic or slow-release fertilizers are used. The percentage of fertilizers is based on the duration of the cultivation and whether or not there are possibilities for extra fertilization later on. With the FMTM (Fertilizing Made To Measure) program developed by BVB Substrates, we can determine what kind of fertilizer and what amount of it to add in a mixture; tailored to the needs of the plant and the growing methods used.
Plant enhancers can be added to our mixture. Plant enhancers encourage plants to make antibodies against pests and diseases. This way plants develop a better root system with more root hairs. By using natural (fungal) enhancers, among other things, it is possible to grow with fewer artificial fertilizers and fewer crop protection agents. Our plant enhancers are products that occur freely in nature. They are not harmful to the environment.
BVB Substrates supplies substrates for both traditional and organic cultivation. The composition of substrates is tested in our modern laboratory and then tested at growers. Together with growers, we set up trials and see what the results are. But we also collaborate intensively with multiple partners in the value chain and various knowledge institutions to optimize our products. In collaboration with Koppert Biological Systems, BVB Substrates has conducted tests in which the plant resistance has been tested.