Its Summer and that is the time we disinfect our fields. Because we are in the desert we use the one source of energy
that is always available the sun. After we finish cleaning our fields from the remains of the last crop, we cultivate, the
soil so it is ready for planting. we put down the drip irrigation, and then we put down a plastic sheet that covers the whole
field.
A good irrigation together with the sun and we get what is called solar disinfection. It is so hot under the plastic
that no weed, no bug and very few funguses can survive.
After a month we remove the plastic, and before planting we usually construct a net-house where we place nets that are
60%-90% shade.
In the greenhouses we just place the nets over the whole construction.
The plants will be planted in a very comfortable, and friendly environment.
Production should resume sometime late September early October
Eyal
On my last visit to the States, I kept asking the florist
owners and managers if they ever get together?
If they have a place they meet to discuss issues that concern them. The
plain answer was "no". *(1)
Now that astonished me. I understand the need for a bit of secrecy, a bit
of inside information you want to keep for yourself, it makes perfect sense, in an environment where there is competition.
It's the same here with the farmers and it's the same all over the world in every field of practice.
BUT there are so many issues that are common knowledge, and just talking
or listing to other people that make a living in the same way you do, is always interesting.
Sometimes you walk away and think "what a waste of time that was" but so
many times you walk away with new insights, and sometimes you find yourself saying
"Now why didn't I think of that"?
The idea that florists don't get together on a local, regional and
national level is strange to me.
So I have put up on my site a calendar of events. I will post those events
that I think will be interesting.
As someone that has been in many shows, sometimes as a visitor, sometimes
as a guest speaker and sometimes as an exhibitor, I can say the pro usually outweighs the con.
New flower varieties, new ways of making an arrangement, adding potpourri,
or just a casual talk to someone that does what I do in a different part of the world, it really can be amazing.
Now these shows are usually held in different parts of the world, so it
always made perfect sense to me to combine work with pleasure.
After the show is over you go out see the sites, even take a vacation in
that country after all you are already there.
Makes sense to me
Eyal
(1) One shop in Worcester told me that many years ago they shops would get
together every once in a while under the
auspices of the local chamber of commerce
