Strategic Solutions for Substrate Success!

Re-imagine what your substrates can do! Read on to learn about the benefits of trialing new components for your media mixes.

For the last few decades, growers in North America have been reading headlines about the steady decline of peat used for horticultural purposes across multiple European countries.

Majority of the peat extracted in European countries is retained for domestic use. Additionally, commercial ornamental trade also remains between European countries, creating a closed circular market. North America has its own circular market. With Canadian sources of peat, and trade primarily between the United States, local growers haven’t been severely affected by global changes in peat use and reduction trajectories.

Even though Canadian growers haven’t seen the same reduction of peat use in the local market, it doesn’t mean we can’t learn from Europe’s goals, decisions, and success stories.

Raw material options

Research continues to expand the options of raw materials available to incorporate into media mixes. While this is not an exhaustive list, some popular material components include:

• Compost
• Coconut coir
• Wood fiber
• Bark
• Rice hulls
• Biochar
• Sand
• Clay pebbles
• Perlite
• Vermiculite

The most recent growing media survey by Greenhouse Management provides insights into how commercial growers use growing media across America. Between 2023 and 2024 the survey reported a 45% increase, with a total of 71% of respondents confirming they had changed their growing media formulation due to availability issues. Of the materials, compost, coconut coir, bark and biochar have increased in use within media mixes. Lastly, 41% of respondents said it was extremely important that their media components had a positive environmental story.

Benefits of trialing new raw materials

Safeguarding against future disruptions

Stay-at-home mandates during the recent pandemic attracted more consumers to purchase ornamentals, engage in gardening and consequently increase demand for growing media. Concurrently, a combination of bad weather impacting peat harvesting and supply chain issues resulted in a disruption to the supply of growing media. While supply chains have stabilized, demand remains high. Incorporating alternative raw materials into mixes will safeguard against a reliance on peat if future disruptions or reductions occur. Make sure you are doing your best while preparing for the worst.

Marketing your innovation

Sustainable cultivation techniques (SCT’s) are tools which growers can use to reduce the environmental impact of the production process. All raw materials will have some type of environmental impact attached but research into these footprints will help determine the best fit for your sustainable goals. Being more conscious of your growing media components can be a direct way to prioritize eco-friendly practices.

Marketing these techniques intern helps promote the quality, competitiveness, and commercialization of the plants. Severely studies have confirmed that marketing sustainable techniques increases consumers’ willingness to pay premium prices.

Don’t leave your sustainable practices behind closed doors. Discussing how and why you’ve made sustainable changes engages consumers in the product’s life history and set price point.

Keeping up with consumer trends

Perhaps you’re a wholesale grower reading this article and thinking that direct to consumer marketing isn’t apart of your business and you won’t see the benefits of incorporating alternative components into your growing media. THINK AGAIN.

More than ever before consumers are conscious of the origin of their products and how they were produced. An ornamental plant grown with sustainable inputs and environmentally conscious resources may align better with consumers concerns. Large corporations may offer incentives for or require SCT’s, such as reduced peat growing media, due to consumer demand. In the past, consumers have demonstrated their power to influence a shift in an industry input. Think back to when “grown without the use of neonics” was required by many corporations for ornamental plants to be sold within their stores.

Trialing new raw materials NOW, will allow you to stay ahead of trends rather than playing catchup.

Start TODAY!

We understand that changing your media mixes won’t happen immediately. It will take time and effort but finding the right fit for your operations doesn’t have to be a headache. Media suppliers across North American offer premade mixes with alternative raw materials making them more accessible than ever. Additionally, many of these companies offer services and representatives to help you trial on farm.

On farm trials don’t have to be a financial burden either. Learn how to leverage the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SRED) tax incentive. Keep up to date with government funding programs such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Lastly, uplift the industry by sharing what you’ve learned. Be a speaker at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, as part of OMAFA’s GrowON Webinar series, or hold your own open house.

Learning from others

Read through different success stories on the Royal Horticultural Society page about various commercial operations’ journeys to changing their growing media HERE.

Hear about how growers across North America are using growing media in this article originally published by Greenhouse Management on 2020.

This Landscape Ontario article “Filthy rich: the dirt on growing media”, provides interesting insights into Canadian based companies offering very unique growing media components and mixes

Want to learn more?

I recently presented at the 2024 Canadian Greenhouse Conference on the Global Perspectives on Peat Use and Growing Media Alternatives. Check out my presentation and others at the Program Archives page on the Canadian Greenhouse Conference website.

Want to learn more about peatlands and peat resources in Canada? Check out The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association (CSPMA).