Krug’s experience includes supporting customers with using the best products to fit individual needs, plant production and more. He has over 25 years in the greenhouse industry and has a passion for ornamentals.

Fundamentals of Growing: Watering Plants – Training for Success

During his presentation, Krug will break down the necessary steps it takes to train employees on how to properly water plants.  

“Watering plants is really difficult. It’s often the first job we ever give a new employee, yet it’s the most critical job in the greenhouse,” Krug said.

When offering advice to growers who are teaching new employees, Krug likes to stick to this philosophy: “I do, you watch. I do, you help. You do, I help. You do, I watch. You do.”

“This process of thinking can give people the confidence to actually see what you’re doing, then giving them the support to do it on their own,” Krug said. 

Krug noted that it takes time to properly train staff on watering protocols — sometimes up to a year. Factors like crop changes, weather and season changes can prolong this process. 

Learning how to effectively train employees is crucial and Krug highlights everything a grower needs to know in this session.

Nutrition: Using Substrate Chemistry to your Advantage

In this session, attendees can expect to learn the concept of chemistry within the greenhouse and see why it matters and how to put it into practice. 

“Everything that I cover is something that growers can put into practice pretty quickly in their greenhouse,” Krug said. “I want to present these fundamental concepts in a way that’s easy to assimilate.”

Krug will discuss pH management and how certain practices affect substrate pH such as water alkalinity and fertilizer selection. Ultimately, Krug will use different real-world examples to help growers understand how it all works together. 

“Overall, growers shouldn’t get overwhelmed by everything all at once,” Krug said. “When we break the information down, we can make it manageable. If you can get things with your nutrition and substrate under control, it makes the rest of the crop cycle pretty manageable and easier to produce the crop successfully.”

Renowned as one of the premier agricultural trade shows in North America, the Great Lakes Fruit Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO and the Michigan Greenhouse Growers EXPO is a must-attend event for greenhouse growers seeking to stay ahead of industry trends and innovations. Learn about this year’s show and register at glexpo.com.