The fertile and vigorous sea clay of southern Flevoland is characterised by an excellent soil structure, providing a perfect medium for the cultivation of high-quality basic material. Precision planting machines guarantee an exact inter-row spacing as well as consistent plant depth, ensuring the optimal development of shoots in all directions.

We prefer to use virus-free grafting and bud wood, sourced from Vermeerderingstuinen Nederland, among others, for our trees. Whip-and-tongue grafting provides the strongest bond between rootstock and tree variety, and this bond is the basis for the development of the apple tree in the nursery.

Pear trees are budded in August, and we use the most appropriate rootstocks from our own nursery beds, because the quality of the basic material greatly impacts the development of the trees as they mature.

Growth of trees in the summer

We monitor the quality of the trees and rootstocks throughout the growing season, and adjustments are made as required. Each type of tree – or variety – has its own specific instructions when it comes to the planning of the various nurturing treatments, such as putting in stakes, fixing the trees, disbudding, pruning, selecting,  budding, removing weeds, and crop protection.

If fruit growers have specific individual requirements in terms of height of variety, branch length  or tree shape, we establish such specifications beforehand. Timely consultation about customised trees is an essential starting point for us. The basic quality requirements that trees must meet are laid down by Naktuinbouw, who also carry out monitoring. Supplementary quality requirements are established in consultation with the customer. Clients who wish to view their trees at our nursery are advised to do so prior to harvesting.

Inspection

The plants are intensively tested throughout the growing stage. The major points of attention for our quality-control staff are: external diseases, varietal purity, vitality and well-balanced vigour. The Naktuinbouw inspector is responsible for all external testing. He checks all trees and rootstocks for interior and exterior quality. Any discrepancies are registered by both the inspector and our own quality-control staff, after which appropriate measures are taken. Tested trees are fitted with a Naktuinbouw authenticity hallmark during the harvesting and grading process.

Lifting

The fruit trees are uprooted using a specially designed belt lifter. To avoid dehydration and/or overheating, it is essential that the trees do not carry too many leaves for the uprooting process. A well matured tree is less vulnerable and will grow better.