The peat that can’t be beat

When it comes to problem solving, Lambert can help you deal with plenty of different problems. “Whatever the problem is, the key for us is to find the source of it and gather information that will allow us to discover where the issue originated and then offer a solution to fix it,” says Frédéric Gagnon, agronomist at Lambert. “For example, a weak plant is subject to diseases and insects, but the reason why is often that the growing conditions are not optimum to grow a healthy plant that will be more resistant to pathogens. We can correct that by offering a more suitable substrate or making a change in the growing management.”

There are lots of ways to grow a healthy plant with Lambert’s products.

“We have a huge catalog of possibilities,” Gagnon says. “Lots of them are for special crops or specific growing conditions or management. However, most classic crops will be successful with a handful of our best-selling mixes. … You can consider two or three mixes in each category that will be perfect for most of the requirements.”

Lambert’s peat-based germination mixes are great options for growing healthy plants. “To achieve a consistent seed germination, it’s crucial to work with a mix made with fine components — mainly the peat fibers, perlite and/or vermiculite — that still allows a great ratio of air space and water retention,” Gagnon says. “To do so, we developed a way to process the sphagnum peat moss by conserving the integrity of its fibers as much as possible and getting rid of the fine particles and dust at the same time. That’s the key for successful and uniform seed germination or rooting cuttings.”

Gagnon divides those mixes into three subcategories based on the main trays used in the industry. “For each subcategory, it’s very important to conserve the integrality of the peat fibers as much as possible,” he explains. When it comes to 50s and 72s, use “a mix with a little bit larger fibers and perlite,” he says. For 128s, use a classic germination mix. And for 288s or smaller (including the wrapped paper pots system), Gagnon says Lambert is “adding a step in the screening process to make sure that virtually no impurities will slow down the filling tray process.”

When it comes to choosing which option is right for them, growers can count on Lambert to help them make the best decision. “Gathering the most information and details possible will be the way to go to find the best option,” Gagnon says.

These details can include what trays or containers a grower is using, the irrigation system, their location and the time of year they’ll use the mix. “A summer crop in a Texas greenhouse will not need the same product as another one in the northeast in the middle of the winter,” he says. “It’s a case-by-case matter and sharing information is essential to pinpoint the best product for optimum results.”

If a grower can’t find an option that fits their needs, Lambert also has plenty of customization possibilities available for growers who need something a little more unique. “We will find a way to satisfy customer needs in virtually all situations,” Gagnon says.