1.) Can I winterize my Modine Heater? Yes! This is a step that will allow your heater to perform more efficiently and prolong the life of the heat exchanger.
2.) Can you offer some tips in pest control? Yes! For Western Flower Thrip use Conserve. For Aphids, use a Tame / Orthene combination, Endeavor and Distance. For Whiteflies, use Marathon and Talstar. Marathon applied early in the growing cycle will reduce the Aphid and Whitefly populations. For Fungus Gnat control use Gnatrol, Distance and a quick knock down like Pyrenol. For Spider Mites, use Pylon or Flora-mite. After knock down has been achieved, we suggest using Whitmire Total Release Aerosols to maintain control of Aphids, Whiteflies and Fungus Gnats. For mildew control, use Strike, Milstop or Zero-tol. There are other products, and combinations of products, to use in controlling greenhouse pests. Remember one of the best controls is to keep the greenhouse as clean as possible. For more information please call American Clay.
Safari provides foliar and systemic insect control in ornamental plants and it has a 12 hour REI. Safari can be applied as a foliar spray or broadcast spray for insect control on ornamental plants in commercial or residential landscapes, greenhouses and nurseries. Safari controls aphids, scale, Japanese beetle, mealy bug, leaf miner, thrip (suppression) and whitefly. Safari comes in a WSG (Water Soluble Granule) form, which means as soon as it hits the plant or soil, the active ingredient is in a form that is immediately taken up by the plant. Safari will be a great addition to your chemical arsenal.
3.) Can you recommend an inexpensive hobby greenhouse? Yes! The Enthusiast Home-owner Greenhouse. This 6' x 8' hobby house is extraordinary. The greenhouse comes packaged in UPS sized cartons. The greenhouse is complete with extruded aluminum framing, polycarbonate sidewalls, gable ends and roof, walk door and roof vent. The how to build feature, is user friendly , and the most amazing feature is its price. There is also a larger 8' x 10' Enthusiast available. Please call for pricing.
4.) Can you recommend a quality watering system for my greenhouse? Yes! Netafim Watering Systems is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to water greenhouses and nurseries. Netafim is constantly improving their product, making a good system even better. Overhead watering, misting systems, hanging basket watering and on bench pot watering, is made easy with Netafim. A Netafim system can pay for itself in one season by labor saving. Please call American Clay for price quotes and system design.
5.) Can you recommend several quality products for cleaning away fungi spores? Yes! Zero-tol has proven to be one the most effective chemicals on the market today for controlling many fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens. For mildew control, use Strike, Milstop or Zero-tol. Zero-tol, Oxidate and Green Shield are excellent products for greenhouse cleaning. Many fungi overwinter in the spore form, Zero-tol and Oxidate kill these spores and with fewer or no host plants present to propagate the fungi, the spores are all that remain.
6.) Would you recommend a good quality inexpensive patio pot? Panterra Patio Pots by ITML are great for spring gardens. Pots and bowls are available from 8" to 14" in terracotta and granite color. Duraco Pots are available from 8" to 20" in terracotta and granite color, both Duraco and ITML make for inexpensive plastic patio gardens.
Also there is the Casabella line of Casabella Decorative Pots and containers. They come in a 12", 15" and 19" size. The containers are also available in 10" & 12" hanging planters. The Casabella line comes in 4 colors; clay, green, gray & sandstone. The look resembles a European urn shape, making it an ideal planter for patios and outdoor living areas.
American Clay also carries a decorative line of plastic and fiberglass pottery, which was displayed at the Pro-Green Expo with a lot of interest from our customers. It looks like clay, but is made from fiberglass and plastic materials. It’s hard to tell them apart and the prices are great.
7.) Does American Clay Works and Supply Company offer any type of leasing program for larger equipment? Yes! American Clay Works has available leasing programs, for large equipment sales, such as Gleason equipment. Expensive equipment, flat fillers, potting lines etc. can be leased. These programs will allow all growers to address ever expanding labor problems. Please call American Clay for more details.
8.) Do you have a product that allows for even watering of bedding plant trays? Yes! Rain Cane equipment allows for even watering of bedding plant trays, by dispersing water evenly over each tray. This helps eliminate missed edges and corners and their design makes it more comfortable when watering large areas.
9.) How can I control fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens? Zero-tol has proven to be one the most effective chemicals on the market today for controlling many fungal, viral and bacterial pathogens.
10.) How can I reduce water consumption in my greenhoouse? For Nurserys and Greenhouses, American Clay has several product lines which will save on water consumption. Netafim USA produces one of the finest drip irrigation and overhead irrigation systems in the world. Netafim is most efficient in putting water only where it is needed. The drip irrigation system, utilizing arrow drippers, delivers precise water volume to each plant. The arrow dripper delivers the water to the plant below the soil surface. Using this system helps eliminate plant disease by keeping foliage dry. Overhead systems allows for precise watering over large areas, very effective for greenhouses, growing on benches or on the ground.
Both pot watering and overhead can be controlled manually or with automatic clocks, saving the grower precious water and time.
Another excellent product is Agrosoke Watering Crystals. These are an unique cross linked polyacrylamid crystal that absorbs excess water, then releases it to the plant as the soil media begins to dry. Agrosoke is excellent for hanging baskets, french gardens, patio pots or any containerized plants.
Both Fafard and Scotts Companies offer blends with water crystals. The up charge for the water crystals incorporated into a soil blend is minimal. Water crystals can retain a great deal of water, supplying water to the plant after the media dries out. In the event, the water crystal "gives up " it's moisture, the crystals re-hydrate during the next watering, repeating the cycle. In nurseries for example, a great deal of water can be saved by incorporating drip irrigation with water crystals. Add to this a Pot-in-Pot container system, more water can be saved because the plants are held below the ground surface. Doing our part, during this drought, will be an important factor in dealing with public perception.
Increasing insert size and utilizing semi-cell configurations is another great way to reduce water frequency. Larger cell sizes allow for the expansion of water crystals and more crystals per cell.
One can conserve water by shading plants. American Clay has a large inventory of knitted and woven shade cloth. We also provide custom shade cloths in dozens of different materials and colors. We have shade cloths, weed barriers, wind screens, pond liners, bird netting, hail screen, truck tarps and much more. We also have shade structures, that are very affordable and easy to erect.Also shade cloth can really help reduce water evaporation.
Also the re-use of irrigation water and the reduction of evaporation in growing areas, are two areas that have receiving increased attention
11.) How can I winterize my greenhouse? Here are some helpful hints. Use white polyfilm to seal the north end of the greenhouse. This allows for heat reflection back into the greenhouse as well as providing an additional barrier to the cold. Seal the inside of all exhaust fans you will not be using with white polyfilm. This reduces the amount of cold air coming from the louvers. Use horizontal air fans. These fans keep warm air from rising, thus putting less demand on your heaters.
12.) How can I reduce winter heating costs? To offset the actual consumption of gas, several options available. First, upgrade to more efficient heaters. Second add horizontal air flow fans. American Clay distributes Modine heaters and Schaefer fans. The Modine Power Vent heaters are more energy efficient in several ways. Power vented heaters have electronic ignition ( no pilot lite ), and are vented out the sidewall, eliminating expensive piping above and through the roof. This feature allows for better consumption of gas. Power vent heaters in combination with horizontal air flow fans does reduce the amount of gas consumed. Once the heater throws the heated air into the greenhouse, the HAF fan picks it up and moves it horizontally. HAF keeps warm air from rising and moves it throughout the entire greenhouse, thus reducing the demand on your heaters. For more information, please call American Clay.
13.) Please explain American Clay Works 'Fix It Up' Program. The American Clay 'Fix It Up' program normally occurs in July of each year and features discounts on products like twin wall and corrugated polycarbonate covering. The 'Fix It Up' Program also has extra discounts on products like Modine Power Vent and Hot Dawg heaters. Please call American Clay for more details.
14.) Please explain the 'Western Pulp Early Orders Program'. American Clay and Western Pulp have been offering this program for nearly 25 years. The program continues to be a success each year. The program allows you to buy early, get greater product discount and extended billing terms. If fiber containers are part of your production program the Western Pulp Early Order Program is a great way to receive extra discounts and extended payment terms. Their is normally a minimum order. The shipment occurs between August and October. The payment is due in November. Please call American Clay for more details
15.) Please list several products that can be applied through irrigation systems. Growth Products Companion is a liquid fungicide, that comes in 1 gallon and 5 gallon containers that gives growers a liquid biological fungicide, that can be applied through irrigation systems.
16.) What are American Clay Works early order booking programs? They available now from Fafard and Scotts, on soilless growing medias. You can earn extra discounts and extended payment terms on soilless media purchases.
17.) What are the spring Fafard and Scotts soilless media programs? These programs allow you to buy now and pay later.
18.) What can I use to control aphids? Orthene / Tame combination is a excellent control for aphids, white fly, spider mite and thrip and labeled for use in greenhouses. The REI is 24 hrs and one can treats 3000 sf.
19.) What can I use to control weeds and grassses? Broadstar, a new pre-emergent herbicide for nursery and container application. Broadstar is competitively priced and controls more weeds and grasses than most granular pre-emergents currently on the market. Broadstar contains a new, more effective chemistry.
SureGuard (WPG) represent a new chemistry in pre emergent herbicides. These new products, depending on soil type will give up to 6 month control of many broadleaf weeds and grasses. Both are labeled for field and container use in nurseries.
20.) What do you recommend for erosion control? We carry erosion control mat, jute based, burlap and frost protection covers in two weights.
21.) What do you recommend for reducing water consumption in containerized plants? Water crystals can reduce water demands in containers up to 25% and having crystals pre-blended in your mix is a tremendous labor savor. An excellent product designed specifically with this in mind is Agrosoke Watering Crystals. These are an unique cross linked polyacrylamid crystal that absorbs excess water, then releases it to the plant as the soil media begins to dry. Agrosoke is excellent for hanging baskets, french gardens, patio pots or any containerized plants.
Both Fafard and Scotts Companies offer blends with water crystals. The up charge for the water crystals incorporated into a soil blend is minimal. Water crystals can retain a great deal of water, supplying water to the plant after the media dries out.
Using shade cloth is another great product to reduce water consumption, is a concern. Shade are available in custom sizes and several colors. We can even have your companies logo screen printed on a shade cloth. If you decide to go this route, please get your orders in early.
22.) What is a good product to assist with tree transplanting? Rhizanova is a blend of Endo and Ectomycorrhizal innoculants which reduce risk of plant loss, improve growth rates and are drought resistant. These are naturally occurring microorganisms, which greatly increase root surface area absorption via hyphal strands. Mycorrhizae increase water and nutrient uptake, thus establishing the plant much faster. The Mycorrhizae in Tree Transplant is combined with water absorbing polymers, organic fertilizer and humic acid to enhance drought tolerance. Tree Transplant is economical to use. Apply 3 oz to each caliper inch of tree. It is available in a 25 lb container or 130 3oz pkgs per container. Tree Transplant is available at American Clay Works. For more information and pricing please call.
23.) What is a good product for insect infestation? Neem-Oil provides long term control that aids in reducing the time it takes to knock down an infestation. For long term control of many greenhouse and nursery pests Neem Oil is an excellent addition. It is low cost, safe to use and acts as an IGR on many pests. Used in combination with other pesticides, Neem Oil Concentration that can be added to every spray application.
Distance is a new greenhouse Insect Growth Regulant, manufactured by Valent, that has produced great results. Distance is very effective on whitefly, scale, shore flies and fungus gnats, both in the greenhouse and interiorscapes. This is good news for plantscapers. Distance is a new chemical you can use for fungus gnats on the job site.
24.) What is a good product for ornamental plant fungi? QWEL is an ornamental plant fungicide, for use in greenhouses, for the control of powdery mildew and leafspots. QWEL is a liquid fungicide made from botanical extracts with a 12 hour REI. It is not OGA approved. QWEL is labeled for most annual and perennial plants and is recommended to apply every 8-10 days. QWEL is available in gallon containers. For more information please call American Clay.
25. ) What is a good alternative for someone who prefers not to use chemicals? If chemicals are not on your agenda for weed control, American Clay has a good inventory of woven weed barrier in 300' rolls and available in 3', 4', 6', 8', 10' 12' & 15' widths. We also carry a 12' x 300' white reflective weed barrier for use in greenhouses.
26.) What is the advantage of crop coverings? The most common fabric used for crop coverings is the 15' x 300' Frost Gard. This product is white in color, and allows water to penetrate, so the fabric does not have to be removed. Our 15’ x 300’ rolls of 2oz. Frost Gard are perfect for protecting your crops from the upcoming cold weather.
27.) What is the advantage of shade cloth? Shade Cloth is another great product to use when frequency of watering, is a concern. This coming spring temporary shade structures with cloth are an excellent tool to help reduce watering. Shade Cloths are available in custom sizes and several colors, we can even have your companies logo screen printed on a shade cloth. If you decide to go this route, please get your orders in early.
28.) What is the NAHSA? The North American Horticultural Suppliers Association
29.) What is the purpose for NAHSA? This association represents most of the horticultural distributors and manufacturers in Canada and the United States. The association has become more politically involved on issues affecting the industry, over the past few years.
30.) Are their other associations like NAHSA? Yes! American Nursery & Landscape Assoc (ANLA), American Nursery Association (ANA), Colorado Nursery Association ( CNA ) and many others...
31.) What lengths and width's are Woven Cloth available in? American Clay is well stocked with both woven and knitted cloth in rolls. Woven cloth is available in 6ft and 12ft width's by 150ft length in black only. Knitted is available in 12ft width by 82ft length available in green, black, terra cotta, and sandstone. These are stocked sizes. Custom sizes can be ordered and delivered in 4 to 6 weeks.
32.) What products will help to reduce rising natural gas prices? We have available several product lines that can reduce the actual consumption of gas. One system is Retractable Heat Curtains, another is Energy Efficient Heaters and Horizontal Air Flow Fans. Please call American Clay for more information.
Natural Gas prices are continuing upward. One way to lower them is to do annual maintenance on all your overhead heaters. Modine has a guideline for you to follow; this allows you to get maximum performance out of your heaters. General cleaning, knowing how to identify a bad gas valve or a faulty heat exchanger, etc., could save you $$$. For more information on heater maintenance please call American Clay.
33.) When is the best time for cleaning and preparing greenhouses for spring growing? October is a great month to prepare greenhouses for spring growing, especially the application of disinfectants. Zero-tol, Oxidate and Green Shield are excellent products for greenhouse cleaning. Many fungi overwinter in the spore form, Zero-tol and Oxidate kill these spores and with fewer or no host plants present to propagate the fungi, the spores are all that remain. You can really prevent serious fungal problems, starting next spring.
34.) When is the best time to order greenhouse UPC coded and printed containers? Normally August begins the buying season for next spring in greenhouse containers. Many customers are going the route of UPC coded and printed containers. These containers require a great deal of time with computer graphics and setup. Please, get your order requests in early, to assure delivery of these containers on time.
35.) Why would I use water crystals? Water Crystals can reduce water demands in containers up to 25% and having crystals pre-blended in your mix is a tremendous labor savor.
36.) What accounting Services does American Clay Works offer to it clients? American Clay Works has the ability to utilize all the information about your account in our database. This can offer you a variety of time saving and convenient ways to track and organize your sales information. Some of these services include file or hard copies of reports detailing products purchased by your company within any given date range. This has helped many of our customers in determining what they might need to reorder for the upcoming season and even track when a product was brought into stock. Along with mailing you a hard copy of an invoice or order acknowledgement, we also have the ability to email or fax these documents to you. Also, to better organize your own records, we also have the ability to input your company’s product numbers in place of our own. If you have a computer system that has set product codes or another product coding system this could help you in understanding receiving and invoicing. Call American Clay if you have any questions.
37.) What time of the year should I begin making plans for pre-emergent herbicides? February is the month you need to start thinking about pre-emergent herbicides. American Clay carries Rout, OH II, Broadstar and Sure-Guard. Rout and OH II are tried and tested; Broadstar and Sure-Guard are new to the market and have shown incredible pre emergent weed control last year.
38.) Is it good to change chemicals from one season to the next? It is a good idea to change chemistry once in a while, whether you are applying pre-emergence to containers, fields or non-Ag areas, try Broadstar or Sure Guard. You will be pleased.
39.) What do you recommend for controlling fungus gnat? A product called Nemasys is a very effective biological control for fungus gnat. Nemasys is sent to you directly from the factory and must be used immediately by incorporating it into the soil media. Usually one or two applications per growing season are required. For more information call American Clay.
40.) When is the time to purchase overwinter cloth (thermal blankets)? Fall is the time to purchase overwinter cloth (thermal blankets). We handle a variety of weights, most common being 2oz/sq yd. This blanket is available in 15' x 300' and is available now. Heavier weights are also available. Most of our blankets are treated with UV protection for use year after year. The blankets are water permeable and provide frost protection.
