‘The greenhouse is the perfect place to work with plants and people’

Cold greenhouse

While the head office site in Epe features demonstration greenhouses containing crops for breeding programs, much of the work takes place in the ‘Rozenkamp’ cold greenhouse in Oene. Soon, a heated greenhouse in Heerde will be added to the facilities. These greenhouses are used to cultivate crops for seed production. A wide variety of crops can be found in the enormous Rozenkamp greenhouse: peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, but also pumpkins, lettuce, carrots, and various herbs. Since December last year, the greenhouse has been managed by team leader Aafke, who can truly pour her passion into her work here.

Where I was used to taking the best possible care of plants in vegetable cultivation, I now sometimes have to give them stress on purpose.

No two days are the same

After completing her education in bio-dynamic agriculture, Aafke spent years working for various companies both at home and abroad. Then, four years ago, she saw a vacancy for an assistant team leader at De Bolster. ‘It’s quite different from growing vegetables,’ she says. ‘At De Bolster, I learned to look at plants in a different way. Where I was used to taking the best possible care of plants in vegetable cultivation, I now sometimes have to give them stress on purpose. For example, by letting them stay a bit drier so that they produce seeds.’

‘Because there are so many different crops in the greenhouse and you can’t always control nature, no day is ever the same. I find that wonderful. I also find it very interesting to see what influence small interventions have on plant growth, such as adjusting the amount of water, the climate in the greenhouse, and the method of pruning. Since December last year, I have moved up to the position of team leader.’

Winter: preparing for spring

Even in the winter season, Aafke has plenty to do. The temporary employees are gone, but that doesn’t mean the work stops. At that time, there are green manures in the greenhouse; Japanese oats and legumes. Aafke: ‘We want to keep the soil active and healthy even in winter. By sowing green manure, the soil remains lively. These plants nourish the soil and become available to the crops during the growing season.

In February, we mowed the oats short and tilled them shallowly into the ground. In March, the temporary employees returned and we spread compost and cattle manure, ensuring the crops planted in April have enough nutrients for the season. We are ready for the new year!’