Author Archives: admin

Sprouting Life

By admin | Published: May 6, 2012

Seedlings

It was never my intention to get technical with my blog. But I have to admit that it is awfully hard to talk about reproducing plants from seedlings without getting into complex systems and processes. Nonetheless, for those interested in propagation at Houweling’s, I’m going to try to limit the technical talk and give you a lesson, with a quick and easy Q & A format. I have also included an interesting 60 second video tour conducted by my nephew Ruben, who is Houweling’s Propagation Manager.… Read more

Posted in Greenhouse Grown, Innovation, Mastery, Tomatoes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

What Goes Around, Comes Around

By admin | Published: April 23, 2012

Gridlock

My choice of heading for this week’s blog isn’t the least bit vindictive. I’m not telling you that justice has been served or that you got what you deserved. My intent is to take you through a brief history of a tomato’s journey from farm to market.

Before the invention of refrigeration, farmers transported crops by horse and wagon to the local market. If the market wasn’t close, canned goods were the only option.… Read more

Posted in Greenhouse Grown, Health, Life, Sustainability, Tomatoes | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

Come on CEOs, Do Something Green. You Can Make Money at It.

By admin | Published: April 5, 2012

Houweling's Solar Panels

In this day and age, not enough CEOs are giving thought to making their companies more environmentally friendly. Some, like Richard Branson (the Virgin Earth Challenge – see the YouTube video below) and Larry Page (Google Energy) are leading the way. Mr. Page has invested more than $200 million dollars in wind farms and solar power. If all goes well, Google’s investment in the construction of a solar power plant in California (http://ivanpahsolar.com/) will be the largest solar thermal project in the world, supplying electricity to 140,000 homes.… Read more

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Mindsets & Manifestos

By admin | Published: March 26, 2012

I’ve always thought of manifestos as politically-driven calls to action. Worldwide, the “Communist Manifesto” is probably the best known, but I suspect that you, like me, have never read a single word of it. In fact, it was news to me that businesses also have manifestos. I read Tim Cook’s version of The Apple Way soon after Steve Jobs passed away and now I understand why Apple’s employees are so motivated and loyal.… Read more

Posted in Business, Culture, Mastery | Comments closed

10 Easy Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes

By admin | Published: March 11, 2012

From time to time, I’m asked about tomato recipes. From the outset, I tell people that I’m not a gourmet cook and the way I judge tomato recipes is pretty simple. I like tomato recipes that are quick and easy to make, and don’t contain cilantro. Of course, there’s no reason why my distaste for cilantro should be your problem. If you like salsa, you probably like cilantro. And one more thing – a tomato recipe is a non-starter if it doesn’t showcase the natural flavor of a fresh tomato.… Read more

Posted in Greenhouse Grown, Health, Tomatoes | Tagged , , , | Comments closed