Family Coolen

Location

Ell

Active since

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About Family Coolen

At Tuinderij Coolen BV, cucumbers have been grown for many years in Ell, in Dutch Limburg. The family business was founded in 1965 by Jack Coolen’s father. Jack joined the company in 1991.

The company is located far from other greenhouse horticulture businesses in the region. As a result, plant diseases have less chance of spreading to their greenhouse, which helps keeping the plants healthy.

A crop that can change quickly

Growing cucumbers requires close attention. The plant reacts strongly to sunlight, meaning that on sunny days everything progresses much faster. When there is less sun, work slows down. “It often involves a lot of walking or standing still,” says Jack.

No two days are the same in the greenhouse. Sometimes everything has to move quickly, and at other times there is a bit more time. When the plants grow well, it brings great satisfaction.

Good quality starts with a strong plant

At Tuinderij Coolen, quality is all about care and monitoring. Every day, they ensure the greenhouse conditions remain optimal. The plants must grow strongly, and tasks must be carried out on time. “If the plant develops well, it produces healthy cucumbers,” Jack explains.

The season starts early. The first cucumbers are planted around January 10th. From mid-February, harvesting takes place every day, continuing until mid-November. After that, the major greenhouse clean-up begins.