As greenhouse farming continues to be a cornerstone of agricultural production in southern Spain, monitoring crop development during critical stages is essential for maximizing yields. According to the Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service of Andalusia, the region’s greenhouse crops, particularly in Almería, Cádiz, Granada, and Huelva, show a mix of growth, planting, and early harvest activities between September 9 and 15. This period marks crucial transitions for key crops such as peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, strawberries, and various berries.
Almería: Pepper and Tomato Harvests Begin
In Almería, the region most known for its extensive greenhouse operations, all types of vegetables continued to be planted in mid-September. Peppers were at various stages depending on the variety. California peppers, planted earlier in May or June, had reached the harvest phase, with fruits ripening to green, red, and yellow colors. These crops are being harvested while other California pepper plants are still in the fruiting stage. Lamuyo peppers, which were recently transplanted, were in the early stages of cultivation, while Italian peppers continued to be planted.
Tomato greenhouses had largely completed new plantings by this time, with early-planted crops starting their first harvests. However, many tomato greenhouses are dealing with flower abortion problems due to excessive heat. This issue can severely impact yields, especially when tomatoes fail to set fruit during critical growth phases.
Eggplant and zucchini are also prominent crops in Almería’s greenhouses, with transplanting still ongoing. Some early zucchini crops had entered the harvesting phase, while others were just starting their growth cycles. Additionally, cucumbers, another major greenhouse crop in the region, were predominantly in the trellising phase, although some transplants were still being made.
Cádiz: Wrapping Up Watermelon and Planting Fall Crops
In Cádiz, the last of the watermelon harvests were being conducted in mid-September. Open-field Italian pepper crops were showing strong yields, while farmers were planting zucchini, cucumbers, and peppers to prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Granada: Soil Preparation for the Next Growing Season
In Granada’s coastal regions, specifically in the Itrabo-Molvízar-Salobreña zone, soil preparation in greenhouses was a key activity. Farmers applied around 10,000 kg/ha of peat to enrich the soil, and irrigation was being applied every 15 days to ensure adequate moisture levels. These efforts are aimed at preparing the soil for the next crop cycle.
Huelva: Strawberries and Berries Entering Early Stages
Huelva, known for its berry production, was in the process of planting early strawberry varieties such as Fortuna, Rociera, Victory, and Marisma. These varieties are critical to the region’s reputation as a top strawberry producer in Europe. For this growing season, the irrigation allocation has been set at 4,500 m³/ha, about 75% of the usual water supply, reflecting ongoing water management concerns in the region.
Raspberry greenhouses were at different stages, with some crops in full bloom and starting to bear fruit. Popular raspberry varieties such as Noelia and Adelita were primarily in their vegetative growth stages. Blueberry crops, on the other hand, were still in a summer dormancy period after being pruned in July. Varieties like Ventura, Manila, and Star were undergoing fertilization with calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and monoammonium phosphate to support recovery and prepare for the next growth phase.
The agricultural landscape in Andalusia’s greenhouse sector during mid-September reflects a dynamic and multifaceted production system. From early harvests in peppers and tomatoes in Almería to the meticulous soil preparation in Granada and the critical planting of strawberries and raspberries in Huelva, the region’s farmers are at the forefront of managing seasonal transitions. Despite challenges like high temperatures affecting crop yields, Andalusia remains a leader in greenhouse farming, setting an example for the future of sustainable agriculture.
