Maximum Yield USA 2012 September | Page 171

MY: What customer feedback have you received that has been implemented into research and development? Khanvi: When GeoPot first started, we noticed that many customers were unhappy with the top rim of the fabric container because it would flop in while it is being filled or watered. As a result, we have doubled over the fabric on the top rim making our pots more rigid and help them stand up straight for easy filling and watering without having the top flop in. branching of desired fibrous feeder roots. Thus, air pruning results in a healthy more robust plant that utilizes the entire root zone for optimum plant growth. MY: How much oxygen do plants need to reach optimal growth? Khanvi: Oxygen is key to diffusing carbon dioxide, caused by the respiration of root cells and microorganisms, away from the roots. Roots without adequate access to oxygen will result in weak plants that exhibit slow growth and are predisposed to pests and diseases. GeoPot’s porous fabric allows air to enter the root zone from all surfaces of the container. This aeration provides a healthy environment for the roots, as well as supports beneficial microorganisms and bacteria. MY: What products do you offer and what is unique and advantageous about each product? Khanvi: All of the GeoPots are available in both black and tan color.The tan GeoPots are very popular in warmer climates because they absorb less radiant heat. GeoPot also come with the option to add handles that make moving plants quick and easy. Our handles are made of durable polypropylene webbings, and are sewn on using a heavy-duty bonded polyester thread. GeoPot Transplanter with the Velcro seam allows the side of the container to open for easy removal of the root ball of starter plants. This makes transplanting quick and easy with the least amount of transplanting shock. MY: What makes GeoPot the “very best fabric container on the market?” Khanvi: GeoPot is set apart from other fabric containers for a variety of reasons. We use a thicker fabric that is very porous, which ensures a longer life span for the container while offering all of the benefits of aeration and air root pruning. All of our products are stitched using an extremely strong bonded polyester thread and our signature quad-stitched side seam makes GeoPot even more durable, so they can wash and reused. MY: Can you let our readers in on what your company as planned in R&D for 2012 and beyond? Khanvi: There is a new product still in the R&D stage that we are testing out. It is a triple-layered block-out fabric that is white on both sides with built-in D-rings and can be expandable to fit any size greenhouse. We have decided to develop this product after many inquiries from our customers for a breathable block-out fabric for greenhouses. MY Maximum Yield USA | September 2012 169