Before I start explaining more about myself and what I do, let us start with YOU
- Do you sometimes feel all alone when it comes to growing?
- Find it hard to talk with someone about your crop who is genuinely interested in you succeeding in your business?
- Don’t have the correct horticultural background but have a glasshouse?
- Sometimes not sure what to do, or which steps to take?
- Feel there should be more potential in your crops but it is not showing in the results?
- Don’t have a profitable crop at the moment?
- Doubt why you chose this horticultural business?
- Are you looking for someone to be your sounding board?
- You are doing well but would like to become a better grower and up-level your skills.
ABOUT ME, WHO AM I?
Bert van Geffen Your Horticulture Coach
I am Bert van Geffen. I was practically born in a Dutch glasshouse in the South part of the Netherlands. My father was in the horticultural business and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to do the same. Over the years I’ve had my own glasshouses and managed (high-tech) greenhouses, yielding a variety of crops in countries all over the world. Although I left the Netherlands 20 yrs ago I am still in close contact with the growing industry there and have become an expert not only in growing in Holland but also on how to successfully grow crops in other countries in all conditions.
As a horticultural coach, I offer to mentor growers in commercial businesses, dealing with issues relating to the development and maintenance of crops. I will help you find effective solutions to a great range of problems relating to growing crops. The horticultural business literally runs through my veins; I eat, sleep, and breathe it and it is my passion to make sure each grower gets the most from each crop in every season. I am able to think outside of the box, coming up with unconventional ideas and solutions to make a profit and ensure the best outcome for the crop year after year.
MY EXPERTISE
My expertise spans over 40 years and I grew up with my father as a grower in his own glasshouses. During these school years, he was growing strawberries in spring, and tomatoes in autumn. After my graduation, I joined him in the business and we changed over to flowers. This due to the import of strawberries from Spain. We had to make a decision to change over to another crop as this was not profitable for us anymore. We chose to grow flowers, and have been growing carnations, lisianthus, and chrysanthemums for years. Unfortunately, my dad passed away way too early and I now had other challenges.
We couldn’t expand due to council plans and for us, this was very important at the time. I decided to sell the company and immigrated to New Zealand. To gain experience I started managing greenhouses and did this for 17 years in this beautiful country. I managed glasshouses with roses, tulips, lilies, peppers/capsicums, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Unfortunately, I left New Zealand, I still grow tomatoes, paprikas/capsicum, cucumbers, and other crops. I can grow both organic and conventional crops, with and without lights, HPS and LED. Climate settings are one of my areas of expertise and I am passionate about creating the right environment in the greenhouses for all of the plants.
Over the years I have learned how to read a plant and as you know; the plant tells it all. In different environments, hot, cold, light or dark these are all familiar to me. I know how to translate the plant needs into the most ideal climate settings for that period of time. So now I like to share all this experience with you and get you in the position to grow the company.
