{"id":7835,"date":"2024-12-06T10:40:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T08:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jiffygroup.com\/news\/jiffy-peat-free-preforma-plugs-turn-denis-plants-ambition-into-reality\/"},"modified":"2024-12-06T12:40:44","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T10:40:44","slug":"denis-plants-success-with-peat-free-preforma-plugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jiffygroup.com\/pt\/solucoes\/denis-plants-success-with-peat-free-preforma-plugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Jiffy Peat-free Preforma Plugs Turn Denis-Plants\u2019 Ambition into Reality"},"content":{"rendered":"

With sustainable practices becoming an essential part of life, the world of horticulture is changing its ways. Denis-Plants is taking the lead, aiming to be 100% peat-free at their nursery in Belgium in 2025. The business, specializing in young plant production, has collaborated with Jiffy to refine peat-free Preforma Plugs<\/strong> to meet its needs exactly.<\/p>\n

A peat-free transition<\/h2>\n

Denis-Plants is a young plant nursery located in Belgium, focused on hardening off tissue-culture perennials and house plants. Excelling in challenging species such as Calathea, Alocasia, and Agapanthus, their innovative work extends across continents.<\/p>\n

The company exports 85-90% of its plants internationally, serving markets across North America and Europe. A large part of their success is attributed to their advanced in-house R&D and tissue culture lab, ensuring full control of the propagation process.<\/p>\n

Driven by a powerful commitment to sustainability, Denis-Plants began transitioning to 100% renewable substrates in 2018. Ahead of the curve, they are now well-positioned to serve international markets, especially in the UK, where peat-free is being demanded by customers and retailers. Jiffy\u2019s peat-free Preforma Plugs play a key role in this shift, providing a long-term solution for plant propagation.<\/p>\n

Testing, testing<\/h2>\n

\u201cIn the beginning, our approach to the transition process was literally trial and error\u2014exploring what was available on the market and could be processed into a plug,\u201d explains Andy van den Broeck, Denis-Plant's Production Manager who has been at nursery for over 25 years. He has emphasized the importance of reliable and durable raw material throughout the transition: \u201cIt\u2019s crucial to work with components that remain available and stable for the long term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver two growing seasons, we tested about five different mixes,\u201d says Andy. \u201cIt became clear that the adoption of peat-free plant plugs isn\u2019t just about replicating what traditional substrates do; it requires adjusting cultivation methods to achieve the same plant quality our customers expect.\u201d These adjustments included tweaking irrigation schedules and increasing fertilization slightly to compensate for the new plugs\u2019 reduced buffer capacity.<\/p>\n

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Denis-Plant\u2019s experience with Jiffy solutions<\/h2>\n

Jiffy has played a critical role in supporting Denis-Plants throughout this shift. The partnership included on-site visits from Jiffy four to five times a year. One notable success was the calibration of the pH levels in the renewable mixes. Additionally, Jiffy focused on ongoing research to meet industry sustainability benchmarks and optimize the Preforma Plugs<\/a><\/u>\u2019 performance.<\/p>\n

The collaboration ensured that Denis-Plants could adapt to peat-free propagation while minimizing disruptions to their processes. For example, the new plugs\u2019 structure allowed for easy integration into the nursery's existing automation systems. \u201cWe didn\u2019t need to alter our sorting lines or planting systems, which made the transition smoother than expected,\u201d confirms Andy.<\/p>\n

Why growers are choosing Peat-Free Preforma Plugs<\/h2>\n

More and more growers in Europe are switching to peat-free Preforma Plugs<\/a><\/u> as the use of peat-based substrates is restricted. To help reduce growers\u2019 environmental impact, Jiffy has developed peat-free plant plugs, made from the highest quality renewable raw materials.<\/p>\n

These plugs are alternative plant propagation tools that are ideally suited for perennials and houseplants during their early stages. Made from materials like premium coco coir and wood fiber, they offer first-rate water retention and aeration properties. They are specifically designed for plant propagation and hardening off, ensuring top-tier root development and consistency.<\/p>\n

The plugs\u2019 advanced design supports growers in adopting more sustainable practices while maintaining efficiency and exceptional plant health. Thanks to these benefits, Denis-Plants achieved a smooth shift and rapid plant growth.<\/p>\n

A shared mission<\/h2>\n

Customer reactions, both in- and outside of the UK, have been very positive. \u201cSome customers are hesitant at first,\u201d notes Andy. "But once they see the excellent performance of plants grown in peat-free Preforma Plugs, they quickly become more confident.\u201d This highlights the industry\u2019s gradual embrace of alternative growing media.<\/p>\n

With 2025 just around the corner, Denis-Plants<\/a><\/u> is committed to achieving their target of going fully renewable in the short term. Jiffy\u2019s ongoing support underlines the shared mission of building a stronger future for horticulture. The peat-free movement is more than a market shift\u2014it\u2019s a step toward ensuring the industry remains resilient, innovative, and environmentally responsible for generations to come.<\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s work together<\/h2>\n

Jiffy is a\u202fleading global supplier\u202fof premium growing media\u202fand solution thinking. We aim to\u202fserve\u202fyou,\u202four customers\u202fin plant propagation and cultivation, to\u202fachieve better results with fewer worries. We do this\u202fby continually\u202fimproving,\u202finnovating,\u202fand\u202fworking toward our common goals,\u202fbased on scientific research,\u202fteamwork, and\u202fdecades of experience.\u202fLet\u2019s develop sustainable<\/a><\/u> plant growing solutions together: Let\u2019s start today!<\/p>\n