“We now grow almost year-round” – Van Tilburg expands greenhouse

MARCH 2022

Last year, Van Tilburg Nursery expanded its greenhouse facilities: “We went from five to six sections. We were missing production in the spring. Now we grow almost year-round,” says Han van Tilburg.

In the new greenhouse, A1 Tuinbouwtechniek installed two climate screens: Luxous 1547 D FR and Harmony 5920 O FR. Here’s why Han chose these screens and how the installation went.

The greenhouse expansion had been planned earlier, but the project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team waited to see how the world and market would evolve before restarting the build. Construction resumed quickly, and the new greenhouse was completed in August 2021 — the same summer Han joined the company alongside his father, Peter.

Combination of Luxous and Harmony

The choice of two screens was made quickly, and it is a common setup for Cymbidium cultivation. “I visit a colleague grower regularly, and I had seen the screen with the stripe (referring to Harmony 5920 O FR) there. It’s a good screen for diffused light. Ideal for us,” Han explains. He follows the principles of The New Cultivation method, focusing on conscious climate control. “We use energy efficiently. Screens stay closed longer, and I grow somewhat cooler at times.” Han emphasizes that he does not follow automatic settings; every choice has a rationale. “Let’s put it this way: there’s a thought process behind everything.”

Han also chose A1 Tuinbouwtechniek as a new installation partner after a neighbor recommended them. “A neighbor nearby had experience with A1. That’s how we ended up with them,” he says.

Plenty of time for installation

Kevin Kuivenhoven, sales manager at A1, oversaw the sales process and installation at Van Tilburg. “We were given plenty of time for the installation. That’s nice. We’ve often seen otherwise, and in my opinion, that comes at the expense of the installation,” Kevin says. He also comments on the growing popularity of the Harmony screen. “Luxous is a very common screen. We see Harmony more and more. It’s a nice screen for diffused light, and somewhat more exclusive. Now that the ornamental sector is doing better after a few tough years, you see the screen more often.”