“In the sprawling greenhouses of the Waffenschmidt nursery in Russikon, near Lake Pfäffikon in the Zurich Oberland region, silence reigns. No noisy machinery can be heard. There are no chemical fumes in the air. Instead: the delicate fluttering of wings, the barely audible crawling across leaf veins, the scent of tomato plants and damp soil. Anyone who bends down here discovers life in miniature. “Where beneficial insects work, life flourishes – completely without poison,” says owner Hannes Waffenschmidt. His dark green eyes twinkle through fine, black-rimmed glasses that harmonize with his black hair. A few white stubbles adorn his cheeks. His slightly crooked front teeth lend his smile a playful air. “Beneficial insects are our little helpers with a big impact.” The 43-year-old points to a tiny insect, a fungus gnat larva. Eaten. A predatory mite, an inconspicuous natural predator.
The nursery, which extends across several greenhouses and outdoor areas, relies entirely on biological pest control. "The use of pesticides is out of the question in this greenhouse. If only because we hold an event approximately every two weeks, and these substances are harmful to health." "Our nursery is a habitat, not a chemical battlefield." Between raised beds filled with colorful flowers, potted herbs, palms, and fruit plants, courses, readings, and brunches are held regularly—a meeting place for many. Where chemical agents dominate elsewhere, here nature is allowed to take its course. "What nature has invented doesn't need chemicals."
Small white cards hang among the pepper plants and geraniums, bearing barely visible eggs and larvae—deliveries from specialized Swiss biological laboratories.
Parasitic wasps, lacewing larvae, gall midges, ladybug larvae, predatory mites.
The system has been working for years. Plants infested with aphids, fungus gnats, scale insects, or thrips are specifically treated with beneficial insects. The pest populations remain stable without disrupting the ecological cycle.
The air in the greenhouses is warm and humid. A hint of citrus lingers among the rows. Outside, bumblebees buzz. It's a self-contained, tranquil system. No noise, no stench, no warning signs – just the silent work of nature. "Even a balcony can be a little paradise, completely without pesticides," says Waffenschmidt. "Balconies in bloom don't need chemicals, just plants with a good defense system and nutrient-rich soil." The defense system is crucial for resistance to pests and the longevity of the plants. "Just like with us humans.
A good defense system requires well-aerated soil and nutrients.
Nutrient supply is possible, for example, through the use of bacterial strains. There are bacteria that produce so-called siderophores. These siderophores bind iron and transport it to the roots." In calcareous soils, like those found in Germany and Switzerland, many plants suffer from iron deficiency, leading to slow growth, pale leaves, and reduced flower production.
The clientele is diverse: families, hobby gardeners, and working professionals with city balconies. Many want to know what they're taking home—and how to care for it. "Those who buy from us receive high-quality plants, nurtured with soil fungi and beneficial insects." Among wooden shelves of seed packets, mud-caked rubber boots, and garden hoses, the atmosphere is down-to-earth. "We let nature do the work for us. With respect and common sense. Quality doesn't grow on its own." "It requires experience, patience, and a commitment to avoiding pesticides." The nursery was founded in 1960—a family business with deep roots. It employs 39 permanent staff and several part-time workers. "Back then, anything with legs and a crawling motion was considered bad," Waffenschmidt remarks, referring to his father, who used pesticides to kill anything that crawled on his plants. "Nature is the best gardener. You just have to recognize it." [1]
1. Man wählt das kleinere Übel: Winzlinge machen eine Gärtnerei zu einem bodenständigen Betrieb. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 15 Dec 2025: 26.
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