Questions with Frederic Gagnon

As a grower, you’re looking for growing media that can elevate your crop production process, not complicate it. Frederic Gagnon, Lambert Peat Moss agronomist, tells us how Lambert develops consistent mixes that growers trust.

How does peat quality affect the success a nursery has with its growing media?

Peat quality can make the difference between a very successful crop or an average one. It is the base of your production, the foundation. You can try to correct or improve a so-so quality peat by adding a lot of perlite or other components, but the base will remain the weak point. A great quality peat will provide you with a mix structure that will provide lot of porosity/air space. It becomes possible when the harvest is well done by conserving the peat fibers’ integrity, so less dust or fine particles are created. Those fine particles will not add any mix volume because they are hiding in the air space, reducing it.

What steps does Lambert take to improve peat quality?

We focus on the harvest procedures. That’s the first step and it’s very critical as this raw peat will be your material to work with. You need to put a lot of care into preparing the field for harvest and always keep an eye on the weather forecast. The decision to go out in the field to do some preparation work should be done when you can reasonably predict a harvest period. It’s evident that nobody can predict a unexpected thunderstorm that will ruin your preparation work (forcing you to do it again and breaking fibers), but it’s always wise to play safe.

Photos courtesy Lambert Peat Moss

How does Lambert ensure consistency in each type of mix it produces?

The consistency is for sure the main point of a quality control department. Producing a consistent product from batch to batch is always very appreciated by customers. They can rely on a recipe that they applied before and can expect the same results. We have technical specifications for all the mixes and no products leave our yard if some criteria are out of the required ranges. It’s insurance for the growers that chemical and physical characteristics are as expected when the order was placed.

How does Lambert work with growers to help them determine the right type of mix for their needs?

We discuss it with them; that’s the first thing. Production management, container sizes and types, locations, etc. are different points that influence the recommendation that will be made. You cannot only focus on the crop as Texas and the Northeast U.S., for example, will not necessary require the same mix in wintertime! You need to know how a new customer’s greenhouse is set or if a long-time customer makes some changes and needs something slightly different. Communication is very important. 

For more: www.lambertpeatmoss.com