Currently we have two options for shade net structures.

Option 1: Haygrove shade net structure comes in at double the leg spacing of our plastic structures. The reason for this being that there is far less resistance against wind from shade netting than plastic. We therefore space the legs at 4.4 meter distance from each other. We have many farmers who start of their farming venture with a shade net structure when capital is a shortage. Then in year 3-5 they will convert everything to plastic by purchasing more hoops and legs.

Option 2: Pole and cable system. The attached picture is over Apples. Trials are being conducted on the benefits of different shade net colours and percentages with their effects on the trees. This system is about half the price of the Haygrove shade net structure. But is made of wood. And depending on how it is constructed, can battle to stand up to serve hail storms or snow. Whereas the Haygrove shade net structure sheds hail. And can handle snow if managed. And always gives you the option to convert to plastic cover. The steel also insures some sort of re sale value later.

The Haygrove Trellis tunnel is a reflection of Haygrove ever improving developments. We strive to keep in line with what the agronomists/advisers are recommending farmers go for in the industry. This tunnel is a result of looking at the needs of farmers across Africa.

Farmers are battling high temperatures. Haygrove Trellis tunnel with silver reflective shade net and a simple misting system yields great results in the Hot climates. In cooler climates this tunnel can have extra heating retrofitted. The air volume is reduced under the trellis system. And a smaller heating requirement is needed.

This tunnel comes with two options in heights to the steel gutter.

1. 2.25 meter Trellis height to the gutter. (5.5 meters to the Apex)
2. 4 meter Trellis height to the gutter. (7.25 meters to the Apex)

Any farmers considering growing Indeterminate varieties of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers or Runner beans should consider the Trellis tunnel. Have a look at some of the pictures to see the results.

The Low tunnel is used for both seedling production & normal crops! This tunnel was constructed in the city at the Old Mutual head office in Cape Town. Seeds will be planted and distributed to surrounding communities. Seriously exciting for the beneficiaries! Very positive for community gardening on the Cape flats!!!

Another successful construction going up in Pretoria at one of the country’s leading nurseries!!

This block consists of 15 bays x 8.5 meter widths x 30 meter Greenhouse gutter tunnels. The Greenhouse gutter tunnel is very unique & adaptable, in the fact that the large air volume it provides allows for many different production techniques. In varying climates.  Crops ranging from Flowers, Tomatoes, Peppers & Seedlings are produced commercially in this structure. Durable simple gutters along with a large air voulme make this tunnel one of Haygrove top sellers.

This tunnel comes with options of Automation & Manual operation as well as Ventilation gaps. We have farmers applying different planting practises.

Without extra winter heating most farmers crop a cold tolerant variety in winter. This crop is used as a filler crop. And the summer months crops such as Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers etc. are planted.

One of our bending Machines, is now stranded in Mozambique (Chimoio) until the effects of the Tropical cyclone are overcome.We have farmers cut off from the outside world. The pictures say it all!!!

Exciting times! We are busy constructing two large blocks of tunnels in Mozambique (near Chimoio). This is a very hot climate and they receive an incredible amount of rain through the summer. We have therefore gone with our highest trellis tunnel, steel gutter and plenty of vent gaps down the length of the tunnel for maximum ventilation. Each vent gap has a mini-tunnel below it. Here are a few photos taken during the construction. I will be back there at the end of the month and will post some photos of the finished product.

Now that we are getting into the hotter months it is important to keep your tunnels vented. Open the door and wined up the sides. If your tunnel is long then additional “venting” may be necessary. You can order a second door for your back gable or open up the plastic. See the photos to see how this is done.

Welcome to Haygrove South Africa’s brand new website! We trust you have all had a great festive season and wish you all the best for the 2012 year.

We have exciting plans for 2012 and will constantly keep you updated with these as well as any news, interesting stories, upcoming open-days, photos, specials on this blog page.

Mark Pritchett