When Western Australian wholesale plant producer Touchwood Nursery came to Powerplants with plans to expand propagation, they were thrilled to assist. Having worked closely together on a range of projects dating back to 2015, Touchwood entrusted Powerplants with transitioning the company’s existing outdoor propagation set-up to an indoor facility.
The upgrade helps expand Touchwood’s capabilities by ensuring a stable environment for crops, as well as methods for optimizing crop growth. While the previous outdoor set-up made excellent use of natural lighting, uncontrollable weather made it difficult to maintain consistent growth rates or plan for long-term outcomes.
The project required a comprehensive solution: a facility with simple climate control that could still make use of the benefits of the original outdoor set-up. The final facility has been purpose-built to ensure fast and effective growth for young plant propagation, with a controllable climate and optimized lighting.
Constructed from a twin-wall, polycarbonate Croft Gullwing, the prophouse utilizes 2 layers of automated screens to ensure stable overnight conditions and maximize natural light while reducing heat.
The facility is a clear upgrade for efficient plant propagation processes - with side-shifting benches optimizing workable space by lifting plants off the ground for better air circulation and easier access. Aeromax circulation fans have been strategically placed to further regulate air flow across the greenhouse, reducing condensation & associated risks of fungal disease.
Misting and fogging zones evenly reduce temperatures through evaporative cooling, and all systems are managed with easily accessible electrical panels and integrated Priva tools – including the ultra-modern Priva Compass process computer.
These comprehensive solutions not only address Touchwood’s immediate needs but provide a foundation for future growth. With a modern propagation facility, the company can provide a stable and reliable growing environment, ensuring greater consistency for quality, growth rate, and overall plant health – capabilities that any nursery would be thrilled to claim.
For more information:
Sandra Boi, Project Coordinator 
Powerplants Australia
[email protected]
www.powerplants.com.au