The Viennese vegetable growers look back on a mixed 2024 growing year. "Particularly problematic was the prolonged heat in July and August, the associated stress for the plants, and the consistently high pest pressure. This was followed by a 'quasi-onset of winter' in September, when we had less light than we do in some years in December with unusually low temperatures. Most of the areas planted with cucumbers were in full yield at this time. With a week's delay, the yield here fell significantly, and the plants took quite a long time to recover. This made the ongoing weekly planning particularly difficult," summarises Karl Kasehs of the cucumber nursery of the same name.
Kasehs describes a technical problem around the middle of the year as a blessing in disguise. "As a result, young plant production was delayed so that we were only able to plant the second set of cucumbers in calendar week 37. Despite the conditions in September, this 'risk batch' ensured that we could achieve good yields and good quality until the end of calendar week 47."
In a multi-year comparison, the 2024 cucumber year was not too bad, according to the producer, who also grows mini-cucumbers and aubergines in addition to salad cucumbers. "The yield losses here were around 4 to 5 percent compared to the average. Demand was very high throughout the season, with prices also encouraging. Thanks to the good cooperation with our customers, we were able to guarantee seamless sales."
Positive outlook
The Kasehs family has been growing vegetables since 1886 and today cultivates a greenhouse area of around two hectares in the Viennese horticultural area. The family business is now preparing the greenhouses for the coming season. "Our young plants are developing well, and we plan to plant them out around 7 January 2025. We are now looking forward to the 2025 season and hope that the weather will be a little more on our side," he concludes.
Photo credit: K. Kasehs Qualitätsgemüse GmbH
For more information:
Karl Kasehs jun.
K. Kasehs Qualitätsgemüse GmbH
Hörtengasse 21
A-1110 Vienna
Telephone: +43 664 916 58 12
e-mail: [email protected]
https://www.kasehs-gurken.at/