Reed canary grass in our growing media
Reed canary grass is a sustainable, locally produced raw material with a low CO2 footprint. It is renewable and harvested annually in early spring. This stable and dry fraction is easy to process in potting machines and can be used in various types of growing media.
As a fast-growing crop, reed canary grass is highly sustainable. After harvesting, it is processed to ensure it is free of harmful pathogens, making it suitable for use in substrates.
Customer testimonial video: According to our customer SV.CO, a Dutch ornamental plant grower, reed canary grass has many positive characteristics as a growing media material. SV.CO’s experience is that reed canary grass helps maintain stable growth performance when growing flowering plants like kalanchoe.
Proven performance tested with customers
Tested with customers and research centers, reed canary grass contributes to good air content and increased rooting, essential for healthy plants. It also keeps the top layer of the pot dry, reducing algae or mold formation.
The product has high air capacity and low water capacity, ensuring a good air-water ratio and preventing plant roots from being deprived of air. A substrate with reed canary grass will never be too wet.
Customer testimonial video: VDA Plant, a Dutch grower of sustainable tropical houseplants, has tested reed canary grass in several growing media mixes across multiple crops. In the case of the Yucca palm, the growth performance has been so strong that the new circular blend is now in permanent use.
A versatile raw material
Reed Canary Grass is a versatile raw material for various growing media, suitable for tree nurseries, soft fruits, ornamentals, herbs, perennials, and consumer potting soil. It enhances air-filled porosity and drainage, stabilizes re-wetting, and has a stable yet soft structure.
Reed canary grass has a high air capacity and low water capacity due to its coarse pores. This ensures a good air-water ratio, preventing plant roots from being deprived of air. The pH value of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal for most crops. Reed Canary Grass is low in salt and contains minimal soluble nutrients, except potassium.
Customer testimonial video: Finnish ornamental plant grower Ansari (part of Schetelig Oy) has successfully tested our enhanced growing media containing reed canary grass, moss, and wood fibre in growing poinsettias and chrysanthemums.
A unique raw material for growing media
Reed canary grass is a unique, cultivated fiber, whose value chain is fully in the control of Kekkilä-BVB. The grass is cultivated in the old peat production areas of Neova in Finland and harvested annually with exclusive rights to Kekkilä-BVB. This guarantees a secure supply for our customers.
Harvesting video: Watch the short video where our Development Manager Juha Valli explains why we have chosen reed canary grass to complement our growing media mixes.
