In Staden, Belgium, a 1-hectare greenhouse has made way for a brand-new 2-hectare facility at Plantenkwekerij D'Hondt-Willaert. Thanks to this expansion, the nursery now covers a total of 5 hectares. A new warehouse is also being added, and the coming months will be spent setting up the new greenhouse. The goal is to have it fully operational by 1 February 2026. The construction was carried out by Maurice Kassenbouw.
Plantenkwekerij D'Hondt-Willaert was founded in 1991 by Rik D'hondt and Véronique Willaert, with the main focus on lettuce cultivation. In 1995, they decided to start sowing and growing lettuce plants themselves for other growers, initially only in summer, and later throughout the winter as well.
The assortment soon expanded to include other vegetable plants, such as cauliflower, green and celeriac celery, courgettes, white and red cabbage, savoy cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. At the end of 2020, the company was taken over by Thomas Spruytte and Jolien Nollet.
© Plantenkwekerij D’Hondt-Willaert
More capacity
"Since we took over the company, we've always had to rent extra greenhouse space," says Jolien. "Especially in summer, when plant propagation is at its peak, we simply needed more room."
The new construction is partly a response to growing market demand, but it also fulfills the company's wish to work exclusively in their own greenhouses, which can be perfectly tailored to the needs of cold-season vegetable propagation.
As the business grows, the team is also looking for new colleagues, including an extra crop manager and a production coordinator to help support the expanding operations.
Working more efficiently
The old greenhouse that was demolished had been in use for around 40 years. The new structure will be taller, more energy-efficient, and fully designed with future automation in mind.
The new warehouse will house one of the company's two sowing lines, which will significantly improve workflow. "This setup allows us to work more efficiently and reduces the need to transport materials back and forth between our nearby sites," Jolien explains.
© Plantenkwekerij D’Hondt-Willaert
Protecting lettuce plants from aphids
Over the years, Plantenkwekerij D'Hondt-Willaert has also invested in a unique phytodrip system, used on the sowing line for press pots. The new greenhouse won't change that setup, but the way the system is used has evolved.
"Previously, we worked with Cruiser, but that product is no longer permitted," Jolien explains. "Together with the test center, we've been trialing new products that can be applied through the phytodrip system. We're now using Closer and other approved products. Closer is applied during the propagation of lettuce plants, and it's effective against aphids."
© Maurice KassenbouwAn empty plot, now reconstructed. Berg Kassensloop demolished the greenhouse. Maurice Kassenbouw built the new greenhouse. Photo: Maurice Kassenbouw
For more information:
Plantenkwekerij D'Hondt-Willaert
[email protected]
www.dwplant.be
