Hydroponic greenhouse grower reflects on crop management in Southwestern Ontario

Grownetics

15 Jul 2026 — 2 min read

Hydroponic greenhouse grower reflects on crop management in Southwestern Ontario Thanks! Since joining Platinum Produce, he has been involved in the production of 67.5 acres of greenhouse vegetables, including 30 acres of bell peppers and 37.5 acres of beef and tomatoes on the vine (TOV).

"Right now, we're managing the peak summer season with a strong focus on climate control, maintaining optimal humidity levels during the hot summer months, irrigation strategy, EC management, and maintaining plant balance under high temperatures to optimize crop performance and yield," he explains. © Akhil Ravuri "Despite greenhouse temperatures reaching around 36°C, we're keeping the crops healthy and successfully preventing blossom-end rot across all crops through proper irrigation, nutrient, and climate management," he says.

"I'm grateful to everyone who has shared their knowledge and helped me grow along the way." For more information: Akhil Ravuri [email protected] Publication date: Tue 14 Jul 2026 © HortiDaily.com / Tinneke Hattingh Related Articles → See More Chile: AgroUrbana halts operations while seeking new investment Hydroponic greenhouse grower reflects on crop management in Southwestern Ontario Soilless farming attracts young entrepreneurs in Türkiye "Our Irish spinach is doing exceptionally well, and we have very good volumes available“ Mediterranean fig growing gets a high-tech overhaul CAN: Manitoba growers suffer from flood "Popits is not a cucumber innovation. It is a snacking innovation" China: Smart plant factory produces high-quality vegetables, creates jobs in Kuqa Technology, data and risk management drive hydroponic pepper production at South African pepper farm "The warm weather has driven weekly turnover to record levels" Related Articles Chile: AgroUrbana halts operations while seeking new investment Hydroponic greenhouse grower reflects on crop management in Southwestern Ontario Soilless farming attracts young entrepreneurs in Türkiye "Our Irish spinach is doing exceptionally well, and we have very good volumes available“ Mediterranean fig growing gets a high-tech overhaul Related Articles CAN: Manitoba growers suffer from flood "Popits is not a cucumber innovation.

Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?

Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.

What is the operator takeaway from this trial?

If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.

"South Africa's agricultural future depends on young people who understand both the science and the business of farming"

Source: VFD.com Training covers hydroponics, crop management, plant nutrition, pest and disease management, record keeping and controlled environment agriculture. "Through HandPicked, we are equipping participants with practical, workplace-ready skills that help them see agriculture as a pathway to employment, enterprise and long-term economic participation." © Mr. Price Foundation

Tropical greenhouse strategies improve consistency under Thailand's challenging climate

Source: HD.com According to Menno Keppel, CEO and Founder of Take Me Home Tomato, adapting propagation and greenhouse management practices has enabled the company to maintain production despite temperatures regularly exceeding 36°C before Thailand's rainy season. "The plants recover inside humidity tents where temperatures can

Uzbekistan proposes higher taxes for high-emission greenhouses

Source: HD.com The draft law, published for public discussion until July 31, proposes increased tax rates for greenhouses located in Tashkent city and the Tashkent region districts of Yuqori Chirchiq, Qibray (Kibray), Yangiyol, Zangiota and Tashkent. Under the proposal, land occupied by these greenhouses would be taxed at 10

Getting the most out of substrates with pre-planting

Source: VFD.com If you were looking for a news article, then it may have been deleted or moved. Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality,