Fifteen years ago, I went to a local Blue Seal store looking for a product. I ended up talking with the store manager for a couple of hours. That was the start of a collaboration that has continued to grow over the years.
Now I grow 30,000 seedlings each year for Blue Seal stores in a controlled environment greenhouse I designed and built. I am also an independent controlled environment and agricultural science consultant for the Blue Seal stores throughout New England. I dedicate much of my time to researching the science and data associated with the unique production requirements of the complex high value/medicinal sector. I assisted Blue Seal in developing comprehensive, science based, indoor/controlled environment grow departments designed to help you get the right products for your crop production – whether that is food, ornamental or high value/medicinal crops.
David O’Connor
Your Controlled Environmental/Agricultural Science Advisor
What does this collaboration mean for you? You, the grower, have a valuable resource. First, a source for products that are based on science and data – not label graphics and marketing hype. If it is in store it has science and data backing it up. Second, you have access to the latest peer reviewed science data to guide you in your decision making.
Having an Ivy League science education, I have been a science and data driven commercial grower for many years. I do not work for Blue Seal nor do I represent any companies. I am a “science guy” not a salesperson.
Whether you are a home gardener with questions about one pot of petunias or you are a commercial grow operation, helping you reach your goal of optimal growing will be approached with the same level of care and attention. If you cannot find an answer at the Blue Seal store or you want to discuss technical issues, the store staff can call me or you can contact me directly through the link below. No matter what crop you grow or how big or small your operation is, the goal is the same – the highest productivity with the highest quality at the lowest production cost.
Blue Seal and I look forward to working with you to help you achieve that goal.
David O’Connor castleanamcara@gmail.com
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State of the sector info.
CBS NEWS – 60 MINUTES *********in California: How the state’s legalization of weed has not destroyed the black market This is a short and interesting look at the problems California has seen after the legalization vote nearly four years ago. It highlights many of the same issues that were anticipated and are being seen here […]
Humidity/pathogens/VPD
READ THIS SHORT ARTICLE! EXPERT OPINION: DID YOU KNOW? By Nadia Sabeh, Ph.D., PE, LEED AP Humidity, Pests, and Pathogens Controlling humidity is important to ensure good plant health and productivity. … Under both too-dry and too-wet conditions, the plant will be stressed and, if prolonged, can result in nutrient deficiencies and greater susceptibility to […]
Factors influencing light purchases.
October 2021 SPECIAL REPORT: STATE OF THE [Medicinal]* LIGHTING MARKET Research CBT Staff (CBT is a leading industry sector journal) Top Factors When Purchasing Lighting Fixtures As in past “State of the [Medicinal]* Lighting Market” reports, cost is a significant factor for cultivators purchasing a lighting fixture. However, in 2020, other considerations, such as light intensity and spectrum, product warranty, and scientific […]
What’s the “best” light?
THE “BEST” LIGHT FOR MY PLANTS? I get a lot of questions from growers using LED lighting. Many of them have fixtures that allow them to adjust the light spectrum by multiple dials – more blue, more red etc. They ask “what is the best setting for those dials?” The bottom-line answer is quite complicated […]
David vs Goliath
The medicinal/high value sector is becoming an ever more crowded playing field. And a concern for most small and medium sized operations is the influx of big money and regional, national and international players. Here is an interesting, short business sector article that should give a little bit of comfort to those of you […]