April 13, 2020

April 10: Governor Murphy’s EO 122 – Impacts to the Landscaping Industry

NJ Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 122 pertaining to non-essential construction and landscaping as of Friday, April 10, 2020:

• Maintenance including cutting grass, weed wacking and leaf blowing (including cleanups) Permitted
• Install patios, walkways, pools, etc – NOT PERMITTED, unless project has begun before Friday 4/10 at 8:00 pm or there is an emergency fix to the front walkway
• Install plantings, including flowers and shrubs – Permitted
• Install irrigation systems – NOT PERMITTED, unless project has begun before Friday 4/10 at 8:00 pm. System startups and emergency repairs are permitted.
• Perform pruning and trimming – Permitted
• Provide weed and pest control services – Permitted
• OK Put down mulch or top dress – Permitted
• Install sod or seed lawns – Permitted (however, note that irrigation systems cannot be installed, so this would be at the discretion of the company if they can properly irrigate).

In addition, there is a limit of 5 crew members on site at all times. Masks (or some type of facial covering) and gloves must be worn and pPerson blowing leavesrovided by company to employees. Start times and lunch times should be staggered to avoid employees having close contact. Previous social distancing rules still apply. Employees/customers must keep six feet apart at all times except when workers must do a task together.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Resources for Nursery, Greenhouse, Landscape, Garden Centers, etc.

Please contact Cumberland County Extension Agent Tim Waller if you would like to have an association added to the “Green Industry COVID links PDF”. twaller@njaes.rutgers.edu

 

Defining Essential Businesses

Closing of non-essential retail businesses following New Jersey Executive Orders 107 and 108 have had many NJ green-industries wondering, “what does this mean for my business”.

Many NJ Green-Industries are now considered Essential Businesses (as of 3/24/20, list subject to change).

  • Nurseries
  • Greenhouses
  • Landscaping
  • Garden Centers
  • Farms
  • Farm equipment suppliers
  • Farmer-markets
  • Farms that sell directly to customers
  • Grocery stores
  • Hardware and home improvement stores
  • Livestock feed stores

These businesses can remain open as long as they adhere to the safety guidelines outlined in Executive Order 107 and the CDC recommendations (links in PDF attachment).

The included attachment (PDF) with web-links: has a number of important resources concerning COVID-19 at state and federal levels (click or copy links). East and west coast states have been included, as many nurseries will be shipping throughout those regions. Additionally, web-links to nursery and landscape associations of each state, have been included to serve as a point of reference when shipping in to or out of that state. Contact the local associations for additional clarification if needed. The list is in no way exhaustive as many states have numerous green-industry associations.

Links pertaining to international land border agreements between the USA, and Canada, and Mexico have also been listed.

 

(PDF): Green Industry COVID links PDF 3 30  (Click link. Copy web-address if not working)

 

Quick links to New Jersey Associations:

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association: https://www.njlca.org/

New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association: https://www.njnla.org/

New Jersey Green Industry Council: http://njgic.org/

New Jersey Turfgrass Association: https://njta.wildapricot.org/

New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers Association: https://njchristmastrees.org/

New Jersey Farm Bureau: https://njfb.org/

 

BUSINESSES WILL NEED TO FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES.

Business social distancing:

Social distancing for customers will include but limited to, signage for customers to remain 6 feet apart from one another as well as a concerted effort by owners/employees to sanitize frequently used carts, doors, loading equipment, etc.

  • Commonly touched hard surfaces should be routinely disinfected while wearing disposable gloves with 70% alcohol, or other common EPA-registered household disinfectants (diluted bleach instructions below). Soft/porous surfaces should be cleaned with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers. Any fabric that can be laundered (uniforms, table cloths, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry. The use of non-clothing linens should be discouraged. For example the use of tablecloths under cash registers is discouraged.

Employee social distancing:

These same efforts must be applied for social distancing amongst employees, including but not limited to, prohibit sharing of vehicles between different work crews or tightly packing single vehicles, routinely sanitizing commonly used tools and equipment, prohibiting congregations around break/lunch areas, etc.

  • Travelers per vehicle should be limited to maximize physical distance between employees/occupants. If possible 1 crew per vehicle for the duration of COVID-19 concerns should be implemented. While conducting business, employee sanitation efforts should be constantly minded. This would include cleaning hard vehicle interiors with disinfectant solutions (70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants) as well as soft interior surfaces with EPA-approved spray/aerosol sanitizers while wearing disposable gloves. Any fabric that can be laundered (seat covers, work uniform, bibs, etc.) should be done so separately from household laundry.

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Detailed disinfection instructions can be found at the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html

 

Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operations.

Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business. This would also apply when nursery deliveries or landscapers services are being performed.

 

Ideas to generate more business during COVID-19:

  • Increase social media marketing, targeting local audiences
  • Offer delivery services or order online-pick up at store
  • Generate ‘kits’, of easy to grow plants for a new wave of horticulture enthusiasts
  • Offer online demonstrations or classes, branding your business as top-notch
  • Promote different horticulture techniques that should spur purchases
  • Promote unique plants that the average person has not seen and may take interest

 

In the case of economic disaster:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which includes businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profits. Application filing deadline is 12/18/2020.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

phone: (800) 659-2955

email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

 

OTHER IMPORTANT QUICK LINKS:

CDC COVID page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

NJ COVID page: https://covid19.nj.gov/

Inventory or donations of PPE (Executive Order No. 109): https://covid19.nj.gov/ppereport

All current and archived executive orders: https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/approved/eo_archive.html

 

 

Stay healthy. Exercise caution on- and off-the-clock!  

 

 

 

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 17, 2020

Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19

In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, and in line with the Mexican government’s call to increase social distancing, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice. For farmers this means, H-2A workers and others from Mexico may be prevented from entering the U.S. until further notice. NJ Farm Bureau is researching the subject for more clarification. For now to see more information go to the U.S. Embassy’s website at: Field of plantershttps://mx.usembassy.gov/status-of-u-s-consular-operations-in-mexico-in-light-of-covid-19/

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
March 2, 2020

2020 South Jersey Nursery Meeting Registration Deadline is This Thursday, March 5th

2020 South Jersey Nursery Meeting

What:
2020 South Jersey Nursery Meeting

When:
March 12, 2020 8:30 A.M – 4:00 P.M. (registration deadline is this Thursday, March 5th)

Cost:
$25 per person. Registration fee covers morning coffee/tea, donuts, and lunch.

Where:
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County
291 Morton Ave. Millville, NJ 08332
Phone: 856-451-2800 ext 1
Fax: 856-451-4206

Pesticide Credits: CORE (1); PP2 (5); 1A (5); 9 (1)

This year’s meeting will be an introduction of Tim Waller and Bill Errickson to the nursery industry here in South Jersey. The educational programming will include weed and pest updates, irrigation management, pesticide use /safety, and soil fertility presentations.

The deadline for registration is this Thursday, March 5th. Please register by mailing in the registration form in the attached tri-fold brochure or call Brandi or Katie (ext 1) for assistance. Due to the proximity of the meeting please call and let us know if you will be attending. 

 

Tri-fold brochure (print out registration form): Trifold 2020 Nursery Meeting
Meeting flyer: Flyer 2020 Nursery Meeting

 

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf
October 4, 2019

Hilling-Up Demonstration and Post-harvest Vineyard Management

Where – Monday, October 14, 3:30 PM

When – Coia Vineyards – 3650 Oak Rd., Vineland, NJ 08360

  • On-farm demonstration of hilling-up and the discussions on hilling-down (Larry Coia and Hemant Gohil)
  • Understanding the Cold hardiness (Daniel Ward)
  • Post-harvest Disease Management including understanding of trunk diseases (Peter Oudemans)
  • Weed Management for hilling-up and for fall and winter (Thierry Besancon)
  • Vineyard fertility Management (Gary Pavlis)

There is no registration fees, however please let Joan Medany know if you are planning, by email jmedany@co.gloucester.nj.us or call 856-224-8030

This site is accessible to the physically impaired. If an additional assistance is needed, please contact Hemant Gohil (Program Organizer) at 856-224-8029 prior to the meeting.

With Support from the New Jersey Center for Wine Research and Education (NJCWRE)

Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Nursery, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
April 9, 2019

Mechanization of Pruning in NJ Container Nurseries

In the 2017 survey of labor and mechanization of New Jersey’s nursery industry, pruning was ranked, the third most important operation, that needs mechanization the most (41 responses).  In spite of obvious benefits such as efficiency, quality, and consistency, lack of practical information about the mechanized pruning is delaying the rapid adoption by container nursery growers. This article summarizes inputs from Chris Ruske of (Cumberland Nursery), Donald Blew (Centerton Nursery) and Ed Overdevest (Overdevest Nurseries) on pruning mechanization, shared during the panel discussion at Clayton in Gloucester County in January 2018. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Turf Tagged With: , ,