We have been using peat substitutes for almost 25 years now. First of all, not for ecological reasons, but to get a better drainage effect in the substrate. Today the ecological point is more and more in the spotlight. The main substitute here is wood fiber.
We have been watering exclusively with rainwater since 2010, and as part of this we have also installed a water recycling system on our production fields. This means that hardly any water is lost and remains in the closed system in this circuit. Thanks to our three large ponds, we can usually survive longer periods of drought without any major problems.
Furthermore, all plants that could not be sold and which have an added value for insects or small game are planted nearby. This can e.g. Fir trees for covering small game or Gaultheria / Buddleja for insects.
Every year we sow wild fields or flower strips on wedge-shaped areas in our nursery that we cannot use for other things and on areas belonging to the hunting association. These serve as grazing areas or as cover for local small game.
In 2020 we have also completely rearranged our pots. We now use a PCR pot for all our plants. This means that the materials consists out of recycled garbage and can be added to it again. We therefore have a closed material cycle here as well.
From 2022, we will also be using circular PP for image labels. These are made out of “label waste” and can also be reused. So we have a complete cycle here as well.
Our hall roofs will also be used from summer 2022. A photovoltaic system is installed here that supplies us with electricity. Since we have increased consumption due to irrigation in summer, we continue to use the electricity right away.
The last point in terms of sustainability is our own propagation. Here, transport routes of young plants are avoided by propagating almost all plants ourselves.
The materials such as E.g.: the plug-in substrate is delivered together with the potting substrate that is required anyway and the cutting plates are reused as long as possible.
