Seedling and flower growers

9five commenced with the successful development of alternative organic growing mediums designed specifically to replace imported peat-based substrates used predominantly in the seedling and block mix industries in South Africa. These peat-based products have become harder to source as a growing number of countries introduce bans on the mining of ancient peat beds because of the environmental damage it causes. 

In addition to becoming harder to source, they have also become more expensive due to the devaluation of the ZAR, increased shipping costs and longer delivery lead times which means  working capital is tied up in inventory for longer.

In 2020, 9five commenced with an independently managed test programme to investigate whether an organic growing medium could be manufactured locally in South Africa to produce blends suitable for the seedling and flower block industries to replace these imported products. 

Rigorous tests over a three-year period concluded that we are able to locally manufacture organic growing mediums that cost-effectively replace peat-based substrates. In fact, our replacement substrate improves germination rates and yields, promotes better root and plant growth and maintains water holding and aeration capability, at the same time reducing input costs. 

9five’s substantial investment in developing this product, with the help of our valued customer base who facilitated the live test programme, has resulted in seedling and block mixes that meet all the criteria of substantially lower costs, high germination rates and yields, excellent root and plant growth using less water whilst maintaining aeration. 

These products are available to seedling and flower growers at substantially lower costs than the imported equivalent products. Locally manufactured means a lower carbon footprint and easy availability. As growers don’t need to factor in long lead times their working capital is not tied up for as long, improving cash flow.