Wilbert de Rijke builds a solid foundation with ErfGoed

While the logo of the previous grower still adorns the greenhouse and part of the facility is still filled with amaryllises, the first large-flowered cyclamen grown by Wilbert de Rijke have already reached his customers. Operating from his new greenhouse in ’s-Gravenzande, where he currently has access to only half the space due to the transitional phase, Wilbert is working toward his vision: cultivating premium seasonal products for the high-end market.

With 15 years of experience working in his father’s nursery and three years managing his own business on a rented location in Monster, Wilbert has now taken the step to establish his own property. His new nursery is equipped with an ErfGoedFloor and the ErfGoed WaterSystem—an investment he considers crucial for the future of his business.

From renting to ownership

After three years on a rented 22,000 m² site with basic facilities like foil and ground cloth without proper drainage, Wilbert decided it was time to invest.
“In a rented greenhouse, you can’t make significant improvements easily. You lack the freedom to upgrade,” he explains. “When the opportunity arose to buy this greenhouse, it was a great chance to take the next step.”

The new location provides 30,000 m² of greenhouse space, plus an additional 6,000 m² for a future outdoor field. The transition from the old site to the new one is happening in phases. The previous grower is still using part of the greenhouse until the current harvest is complete, so Wilbert is operating with only half the space for now. This presents logistical challenges but also allows him to optimize the layout step by step.

ErfGoed has already installed an ErfGoedFloor with ebb-and-flow irrigation in the available section, and the final phase of the installation will begin in a few weeks. “This phased approach provides the flexibility to grow while ensuring a smooth transition,” says Wilbert.

Practical advantages in action

The ErfGoedFloor has made a significant difference in the quality of Wilbert’s plants. One of the key benefits is the even water distribution. Thanks to the floor’s design, all plants receive the exact amount of water they need, preventing issues with pots being too wet or too dry. “This directly contributes to uniform plant growth,” Wilbert explains.

The floor also allows for precise irrigation with a thin layer of water, giving him better control over water management. “With smaller pots, I don’t want the same amount of water on the floor as I would for larger pots, to avoid waterlogging. Conversely, I also want to avoid shortages in the pots. Depending on pot size or growth phase, I can precisely adjust what’s needed,” he says. “I can manage this on-site with the ErfGoed WaterSystem or conveniently from my mobile phone.”

Additionally, the quick drainage of excess water plays a vital role. Unlike other systems where standing water can be an issue, the ErfGoedFloor prevents overwatering and keeps the plant roots in an optimal environment. Combined with water and nutrient recycling, the ErfGoedFloor offers a sustainable solution. “At my old location, water and nutrients were wasted, but here everything is captured and reused. This saves a lot on costs,” he notes.

A valuable partnership

ErfGoed’s collaboration was crucial in ensuring a successful transition to the new site. Despite the complexity of having multiple parties sharing the greenhouse, ErfGoed managed the project efficiently and tailored it to Wilbert’s needs. “What I appreciate is that ErfGoed was always willing to think along and find solutions together,” he says.

Looking ahead

With his new nursery, Wilbert focuses on producing distinctive, high-quality plants, such as early-season lavender and cyclamen with silver foliage. By standing out with uniform and premium products, he positions himself in the high-end market. Wilbert already sees the benefits of the ErfGoedFloor and WaterSystem: “The uniformity and efficiency I achieve now were impossible at my previous location. The ErfGoedFloor truly makes a difference.”

He looks to the future with confidence. The investment in the ErfGoedFloor and WaterSystem aligns with his ambition to build a sustainable and innovative nursery. “It’s more than just a floor and a water system; it’s the foundation for the future of my business,” he concludes.