Now that the cold calendar month are squeeze at our heels and plants need protection from the frost , the demand for climate netting is increase . Horticultural fleece used to be the most vernacular crop covering , but in the retiring few year Howicover , a multifunctional clime clear from Howitec Netting in Bolsward , is realise in popularity . But what is Howicover ?
History“Until the starting line of this century , harvest were covered with horticultural wool to protect them from the cold . There was really no other way to protect crop at the time , " according to Anton Hulsegge , Sales Manager for Howitec Netting . “ But masses were n’t really satisfied with the horticultural wool . The fragile material and the clime underneath were both a disadvantage . That ’s why we went in search of a gamy - quality and sustainable substitute .
After across-the-board research and interview with one of the company ’s European manufacturer a new climate netting was developed together . The climate gauze is made out of transparent HDPE tape , with a more breathable structure . “ So a better clime under the netting grant to Anton . He continues : “ The climate veiling is a uniquely soft that does not damage the plant . ” Besides the gauze can be used for many years , make it a sustainable choice . The Howicover climate veiling was introduced to the Dutch market place in 2002 .
Howicover on lettuce
PioneersThe market place continue firm to the trusted horticultural fleece for the first few years . hoi polloi were sceptical and the reaction was often “ we ’re familiar with horticultural fleece , so we ’ll take that . ” The previous saying ' you wo n’t know until you try it ' was sure as shooting applicable here , Anton laughed . Howicover was being sold in those years , but the mood netting was not really embraced by the marketplace . However , that all change at the ending of 2010 , the cold year in the last decade .
Howicover on leeksIn the southern part of the Netherlands , a few leek cultivators cover their leek plants with Howicover . The covered leek plants were not damage by the cold . There was even an supply benefit ; there were no leaves in the stalks . This result was a good , in high spirits - quality harvesting , contrary to the exposed leek works and those plow in horticultural fleece . Howicover had raise itself and demand for the product increased . In addition to the leek agriculturist , other root vegetable cultivators saw the amazing benefit Howicover had to offer . They began using it on a large scale and to everyone ’s satisfaction .
On leek
TestingMeanwhile , main Belgian research institutes realised that Howicover had a gravid mess more potential than just protecting against frost . Over the long time , various tests were carried out at Proefstation voor de Groenteteelt v.z.w . in Sint Katelijne Waver ( PSKW ) , Provinciaal Proefcentrum voor de Groenteteelt ( PCG ) in Kruishoutem and Inagro in Rumbeke . “ These test showed that the veiling can also be used in constitutive cultivation against lucre root flies and many other types of louse . Howicover , the multifunctional climate netting ” .
Multifunctional , even against reindeerHowicover ’s multifunctional character do it worthy for various sphere in both traditional and constituent gardening . Howicover is often used for leek finish in the southern part of the Netherlands . “ In November Howicover is placed over the leek field of honor as a preventive measure to screen the crops against the cold , knows Anton . He go on : “ In North Holland , Howicover is used in the early spring to protect , among others , the cauliflower from the coldness and price by hungry wench , while in Belgium it is also used to protect white turnip and Formosan dough from cabbage root flies and other pests . On the other hand , in Sweden , Howicover is used to protect strawberry mark flora both from the coldness and trample ( rein)deer . These animals often destroy the fields where horticultural fleece is used , but they do not tramp down those covered with Howicover . ArboricultureHowicover is also used in arboriculture “ We developed Howicover Green to cover young Tree ” , explain Anton Hulsegge . Howicover Green is the same material but in a gullible colour which protects against the sun . The former spring sun in particular can be very prejudicious to various type of tree diagram seedling , Christmas trees , for example .
On tree farming
SustainableHowicover ’s sustainable character reference is an incredibly important aspect in today ’s world where we are seeing a switching from traditional to organic cultivation . The twisty fleece nets make a capital mint of waste each twelvemonth liken to Howicover which can be used for up to ten years . “ From a financial standpoint , that is a drastic reduction in both investiture and thriftlessness toll ” , as Anton calculates . clear also importantly reduces the use of chemical pesticides . Cabbage root tent flap and turgid insect can not rest their eggs on the crops as long as they are cover by Howicover .
The multifunctional climate veiling , with which Howitec Netting has already built up eighteen age of experience , is available from the grower ’s horticultural suppliers .
For more entropy : Howitec Nettingwww.howitec.com[email protected ]
