Blog

We’re in the business of growing your growing business.

When it comes to farming, success isn’t just about what you grow—it’s about how you grow it.

Money out, money in. 
Expenses, profits.
If you can reduce the former, you’ll increase the latter.  

“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” – Leonard Bernstein

At any given time we have hundreds of people working on dozens of greenhouses. For all these projects, the stakes are high and timelines are tight. Without our tried and true project management structures, things could go wrong very quickly and jeopardise our 30-year reputation as Africa’s leading greenhouse engineers.

Effective lighting is a key component of modern greenhouse farming. By utilising the right grow lights, growers can optimise conditions for photosynthesis, significantly enhance plant growth, and ultimately increase crop quality and yield all year round. 

Let’s explore the science and technology behind grow lights. The more you understand this invaluable tool, the better-informed choices you can make for your greenhouse operation.

Farmers understand the increasing demand for organic produce. Consumers are willing to pay more for food that is perceived as healthier and more environmentally friendly. And high-end retailers offer premium prices for organic products, but that comes with strict requirements. 

Let’s explore why greenhouses are ideal for organic farming and how Vegtech Netafim can help you achieve the highest standards of organic production.

A greenhouse’s goal is to create the perfect microclimate for plant growth. This involves a delicate balance of temperature, light, and humidity with the climate outside. It’s no surprise that greenhouse designs and coverings vary according to climate, weather patterns and plant requirements, and the choice of greenhouse covering is deeply tied to crop yield.  

Welcome back to our "Green Thumb Guide," where we dive into the art and science of greenhouse cultivation. Today, we're tackling a hot topic: balancing heating practices and the need for CO2 in a way that maximises plant growth and minimises your heating bill.

Have you ever paused before biting into a perfectly ripe fruit, wondering what was sprayed on it to keep it looking so good? Many people wash fruits and veggies not just out of habit, but from a real concern over pesticide residue. It adds even the tiniest bit of repulsion (at worst), and doubt (at best) in our minds, before eating something delicious and healthy.  

Welcome to another instalment of our Green Thumb Guide, where we dive deep into the nuances of greenhouse farming. Today, we're focusing on a topic that often takes the backseat in discussions about plant health and yield: the importance of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2); and how their careful balance is crucial for optimal plant growth.

As a company, we’ve always strived for the highest standards in greenhouse design. We are committed to using precision engineering techniques and processes cultivated over decades of experience to help farmers thrive through our innovative and sustainable undercover growing solutions.  

You may know it as coco peat, but we call it coir. It avoids confusing coco peat as a kind of peat - which it most certainly isn’t. It’s actually far superior to peat, more versatile and eco-friendly.  

Food security is one of our time’s most pressing issues, not only in Africa but around the world, too. While the global or Western stance toward food security is more pre emptive, in Africa and some Eastern countries, it is very real today.  

It’s a common misconception that greenhouses are “magic boxes” that produce a perfect internal environment no matter the external climate conditions.