Catoctin Mountain Growers (CMG), a renowned ornamental flowers and young plant grower based in Keymar, Maryland, has successfully upgraded its lighting system in collaboration with JumpLights. This strategic move aims to boost plant growth while significantly reducing energy consumption. The new lighting system has already demonstrated remarkable improvements in light coverage, energy efficiency, and plant turnaround times.
A Tailored Solution for Optimal Growth
CMG, a 23-acre nursery owned by Bob and Denise Van Wingerden since 1985, specializes in growing a diverse range of ornamental flowers and young plants. Many of these plants, especially young annual plugs, require consistent yet not overly intense lighting to thrive. During the colder months, when daylight is shorter and inconsistent, supplemental lighting becomes crucial. However, the previous High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights used in the greenhouse were prone to burnouts and provided uneven light distribution, as explained by Tyler Van Wingerden, Vice President of CMG.
When searching for a new lighting solution, CMG consulted various vendors, most of whom recommended lights that were too powerful for their specific needs. JumpLights, however, offered a tailored solution that was both energy-efficient and provided the right amount of light for CMG’s products.
Efficient Lighting with Reduced Energy Consumption
Matteo Del Ninno, Chief Technology Officer at JumpLights, highlighted the collaborative effort with CMG to develop a more efficient lighting system. “We worked directly with CMG, and one of the key benefits we brought to the greenhouse is what we call ‘rebat engineering,'” Del Ninno explained. “We assessed the total power usage in the greenhouse and replaced it with a lower total power output. Specifically, we reduced the number of lights from 20 to 16 and decreased the wattage per light from 600 watts to 400 watts. But this is not just a simple swap.”
JumpLights’ 400-watt lights feature two lighting locations, effectively increasing the total number of lighting points from 20 to 32. This not only reduces the number of lights required but also maximizes efficiency and energy savings. The new lights provide better coverage across the greenhouse, resulting in more uniform plant growth. “Where the light falls, that’s where the plants are going to grow,” Del Ninno emphasized. “Uniform light leads to uniform plants, which is exactly what we aimed for.”
Improved Results and Challenges Overcome
For CMG’s young plants, which predominantly consist of annuals requiring steady and consistent lighting, the transition to JumpLights’ system has been highly successful. “Our previous HPS lighting was very inconsistent, with frequent burnouts and switching issues,” said Van Wingerden. “Now, with the new lights, we have achieved 100% coverage, and the plants are thriving.”
Initially, CMG faced some challenges with overgrowing plugs during the first year. “We needed to adjust to the increased light intensity,” Van Wingerden noted. “However, now the plants look great due to even light distribution, customized light intensity, and the right spectrum tailored to our plant types.”
Energy Savings and Faster Turnaround Times
The new lighting system has not only improved CMG’s yields but also reduced energy costs by 41% and decreased plant turnaround times by three weeks. Additionally, JumpLights secured rebates that covered half the cost of the new lights, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the solution.
Van Wingerden expressed his satisfaction with both the energy savings and the efforts made by JumpLights to find incentives. “The new lighting system saves us energy, and the JumpLights team’s dedication to finding incentives has made this a very cost-effective solution,” he said.
About Catoctin Mountain Growers
Catoctin Mountain Growers is a family-owned greenhouse operation spanning 23 acres in Keymar, Maryland. Since 1985, the company has been supplying ornamental flowers and young plants to customers throughout the eastern U.S. Recognized for its innovation, high-quality products, and commitment to customer service, CMG continues to thrive under the leadership of Bob and Denise Van Wingerden, with the support of their children and dedicated employees. The company remains dedicated to adapting to the evolving needs of the horticultural industry.
