ABOUT ARIS HORTICULTURE
Aris Horticulture is a family operation that has been in business for nearly 100 years. In 1920, Ira and Menno Yoder founded Yoder Brothers, Inc. by purchasing, at that time, the world’s largest greenhouse complex located in Barberton, Ohio. Since then and nearly a century later, the company has expanded into Florida and other states and is now called Aris Horticulture. The Ft. Myers location of Aris Horticulture is focused on growing Azaleas, Hibiscus, Mandevillas, Hydrangeas, Poinsettias and Mums year-round. Managing Director, Gary Knipe, along with Facilities Manager, Rod Willis, are committed to growing not only the company’s enterprise but also their sustainability efforts.
By implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), Knipe and Willis accomplish their goals of managing water and nutrient use as well as improving local water quality. Some of the most effective BMPs implemented include collecting and recycling rainwater for irrigation andreducing the use of groundwater or water resources from the nearby Caloosahatchee River.
Greenhouses are automated with sensors to monitor solar radiation, leaf temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity and air temperature. This calculates the drying potential and amount of water needing to be applied, therefore, preventing over irrigation.
To reduce nutrient use, drip irrigation has been used and the company is currently converting to the use of controlled release fertilizers placed directly into the growing containers. Water quality is tested every four hours each day to ensure no nutrients are leaving the property. Tissue testing is conducted regularly as well. To protect soil health and prevent erosion, all plants are grown in containers on ground cover cloth. All production areas are laser leveled and nutrients are only applied as needed.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to present a 2019 CARES designation and sign to Gary Knipe and Rod Willis, of Aris Horticulture, for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.
