Takao Nursery

Today, under the growing influence of third generation family member Lisa Takao-McCall, the Fresno greenhouse facility concentrates on propagating California natives and drought tolerant plants. The MeeFog system allows them to grow many varieties that are difficult to propagate.

Thirty Years of Fog Technology:

Takao Nursery has 120,000 square feet of Agra Tech greenhouses and 40,000 square feet of cold frames, under cover. The original MeeFog system was installed in the 1980s and was designed to humidify 25,000 square feet of the greenhouse. An array of 240 fog nozzles spans the area, with each nozzle covering about 100 square feet of plant beds. The nozzles are mounted on copper tubing installed about 10 feet above the benches and when operating, the ultra-fine droplets form a fine mist that fills the entire volume of air, evaporating quickly to increase humidity and cool the air. In the early years Danny Takao tried other misting systems, “We’ve looked at other systems but always stayed with MeeFog.”, he said. The MeeFog system is used for both cooling and humidification, and because of the high-pressure and tiny droplet size, the system is the most effective. “We are starting to do more drought tolerant plants so we need to do precision adjustments with the humidity to get better take on those plants. It would be impossible to do that with a conventional misting system.” In 2004 Danny upgraded his system with a more energy efficient 5hp 3-phase motor and 1050 model pump.

“We’ve been using the Mee System for over 30 years now. My daughter is taking over now so we’ll continue with what works for another 30 years.” — Danny Takao, President

The MeeFog Difference:

The MeeFog system creates an ideal environment in the greenhouse, which prevents cuttings from drying out. The super-fine fog doesn’t over-wet the growing medium, thus eliminating the worry of disease. Takao Nursery experienced a rapid return on their investment in MeeFog, because of the increase in their plant production, and the minimal energy and maintenance costs. They can grow more difficult plants than before, and propagation areas achieve up to a two times faster turnover rate. Danny has plans to install another MeeFog system next year that will be synchronized with attic fans for precision cooling during the hot summers. He says, “We’ve been using the Mee System for over 30 years now. My daughter is taking over now so we’ll continue with what works for another 30 years.”

The Right Size for Any Project:

MeeFog greenhouse cooling and propagation humidification systems are custom engineered to the exact needs of each project. Mee Industries will analyze the supply water and provide a water treatment system if needed. Treated water eliminates mineral dusting on plants and reduces fog nozzle maintenance.