October marks a noticeable change in the seasons.
The days become shorter, temperatures fall and the bright conditions of summer begin to disappear.
For tomato growers, these seasonal changes mean the environment outside the glasshouse is changing too – and crop management needs to respond accordingly.
Less Natural Daylight
One of the biggest differences between summer and autumn is the amount of daylight available.
Tomato plants use light for photosynthesis, the process that allows them to convert light energy into the energy needed for growth.
As natural daylight reduces, supplementary lighting can help provide crops with additional light when required.
At R & L Holt, technology including LED top lights and high-pressure sodium lighting can play a role in supporting our crops during darker periods.
Falling Temperatures
Autumn also brings colder days and nights.
Glasshouse heating systems help growers manage the environment around the plants rather than relying solely on outdoor temperatures.
We’ve previously shared some of the technology working behind the scenes at R & L Holt, including our biomass heating system and pipe rails used to distribute heat around the glasshouse.
Monitoring the Plants
Technology is incredibly useful, but growing tomatoes isn’t simply a case of setting a temperature and walking away.
The crop itself provides valuable information.
Our team continually monitors the plants and the environment, making adjustments where necessary and carrying out the regular crop-care jobs needed to support healthy growth.
Every Season Is Different
One of the interesting things about growing fresh produce is that conditions are constantly changing.
Even inside a controlled glasshouse environment, growers still need to respond to factors such as the season, available daylight and the needs of the crop.
That’s where experience and technology come together.
While many of us associate tomatoes with sunny summer days, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes when autumn arrives.
From supplementary lighting and heating to careful crop monitoring, October brings its own set of jobs to the R & L Holt glasshouses.
