“Given the increasing shortages in resources, this is the best growing system a grower can use nowadays,” says David Steenkiste, founder of Plant-T. The Belgian company provides plug and play growing towers to European growers and businesses.
Solving the climate issues
According to David, these towers are part of solving the puzzle of climate change. The Benelux is suffering more from floods and heatwaves, which are becoming more extreme every year. “Via our systems, you’re solving many ‘issues’ such as energy use and cultivation surface. Everything is getting more limited or expensive due to the strict rules of the EU,” David notes.
David van Steenkiste, founder
“Lettuce growers, as well as herb growers, can heavily benefit from the towers, given the many varieties that can easily be cultivated. Next to that, tomato and strawberry growers could obtain a huge water-saving advantage, as those crops consume a lot of water,” David states.
According to him, this does not only apply to aspiring growers, but also to companies, as they can easily facilitate the systems in a canteen or meeting area, where they can use the fresh produce for lunch or dinner, for example. “Even if you’d leave the tower for two weeks, you’ll come back and find the growing tower full of produce and ready to harvest!” As David explains, it has an educative side to it, too, that triggers people to be more engaged with their food.
The many benefits
One of the biggest advantages is costs, as the towers are low-cost and need little energy and maintenance, as well as the many crops, herbs, and plants that can be cultivated in the systems, making it child's play to grow anything. Next to that, the production can be ramped up effortlessly. Besides efficient and low-cost growth, the towers are also made of recycled materials.
David notes that, when adding more height to the tower, growth improves because the produce can reach warmer areas. As the system is plug-and-play, about 150 towers - and thus a spectacular 5400 plants! - can be monitored by one person.
All-in-one-service
“We believe in delivering the total package, not just the product. Based on the products, our team will create the right package a grower needs. You don’t need to be a pro in order to use our products, but we’ll help customers every step of the way,” David states. Delivery options are possible within Europe, and an extra discount is offered when ordering more than five towers. First, the focus is Europe, but after that, the company wants to take an international approach.
Customers can ask for anything they want, and the team will put it all together. If something breaks or is needed after delivery, from seeds to equipment, Plant-T will send everything in time. “We really want to make our clients feel understood, so we frequently facetime in order to help them out with anything, no matter when or what,” Davids adds.
The company offers a wide range of crops, herbs, flowers, and other products. Moving along with the seasons, Plant-T also provides specialty or seasonality crops for growers, from flowers in the spring to strawberries in the summer, etc.
For more information:
David van Steenkiste, founder and CEO
Plant T
[email protected]
www.plant-t.be