Greenhouse Grower to Grower

Ep.42 - How Jason Wenninger Leads His Team by Example at Ebert’s Greenhouse

Jason Wenninger of Ebert’s Greenhouse in Ixonia, WI, was a finalist for Greenhouse Grower’s Head Grower of the Year award in 2024. When I reached out to Jason about being a guest on this podcast, I should not have been surprised when he asked if his whole growing team could be included. I learned quickly why he wanted this. During our conversation, it became clear that despite their different responsibilities in the greenhouse, they had two main goals: One, to work together as a cohesive team, and two, to take on any challenges that came their way, whether that’s adding a new variety or adapting their pest scouting program. Here’s my conversation with Jason and the growing team at Ebert’s Greenhouse. 

Ep.41 - Up Close and Personal With Dr. Allan Armitage

Dr. Allan Armitage is a familiar name to many in the greenhouse industry. He’s been a professor, trial manager, consultant, and so much more. He’s written several books that highlight his love of plants, he takes plant lovers on virtual garden tours on his Facebook page, and he’s been a Greenhouse Grower contributing editor, columnist, and advisor for more than 40 years. But he’s never been a podcast guest – until now. I recently sat down with Allan for an in-depth conversation about how he developed his passion for plants and gardening, how growers and retailers can better connect and learn from consumers, and more. Here’s our conversation, and your chance to get to know the man under the hat just a little better.
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Ep.40 - Hoffman Nursery Heads Into 2025 With Big Plans and New Leadership

Hoffman Nursery is headed into 2025 with a few changes in leadership. Second-generation family member David Hoffman takes the reins as CEO of Hoffman Nursery, and he’s joined by Craig Reynolds, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. These leadership changes come at a pivotal time as Hoffman Nursery continues to strengthen its position as an industry leader, focusing on expanding its product offerings, embracing sustainable practices, and maintaining strong customer relationships. I caught up with David and Craig right before Christmas, when we talked about the transition, and what the company has planned for the coming year. Here’s our conversation. 

Ep. 39 - What You Need to Know About the New Glow-in-the-Dark Firefly Petunia

The Firefly bioluminescent petunia has captured attention both inside and outside the floriculture industry for its ability to bring natural illumination into homes and gardens. But where did it come from, how is it changing the game in plant genetics research, and perhaps most importantly, when and how will growers and consumers be able to find it? In this episode, I talk to the team at Rooted in Solutions, the exclusive licensed distributor of the plant in North America through a partnership with Light Bio. Rooted in Solutions is led by industry veterans Susie Raker and Casey Stanton of Raker-Roberta’s Young Plants in Michigan, along with Jim Devereux of Green Fuse Botanicals in California. 

Ep. 38 - Steve Costa of Headstart Nursery on the Importance of Giving Back

Steve Costa, the president of Headstart Nursery in Gilroy, CA, is a proud graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. So proud, in fact, that he recently provided a sizable donation to support the restoration of the school’s Horticulture Greenhouse Complex and further its learn-by-doing approach to agricultural education. In this episode, I talk to Steve about the importance of fostering the next generation of growers, as well as how Headstart Nursery has become a leader in transplant production. Here’s our conversation.

Ep. 37 - A Frank Conversation on the Challenges Facing the Future of Horticulture Research

Growers in the floriculture industry face many challenges when it comes to retaining key talent and building the next generation of industry leaders. The same holds true for both university Extension and the supplier community, two critical segments of the greenhouse market. In this episode of Greenhouse Grower to Grower, I talk to Melinda Knuth of North Carolina State University, and Brian Schulker of Jiffy Group, about a range of topics, including how researchers, manufacturers, and growers can all work together to navigate the barriers each of these market sectors are faced with, and what might happen if we don’t face these challenges head on. Here’s our conversation. 

Ep. 36 - Up Close With John Mark Courtney of Kind Earth Growers

The cover story of Greenhouse Grower’s November issue provides a closer look at Kind Earth Growers, a wholesale plant nursery in Ottsville, Pennsylvania, that offers more than 215 species of seed-grown native perennials and aquatic plants under 20,000 square feet of controlled-environment production. In this episode of Greenhouse Grower to Grower, you can hear my full conversation with Kind Earth owner John Mark Courtney and learn more about how his passion for native plants led to the launch of a new business that has become well known for its focus on quality and education about native plants. 

Ep. 35 - The Garden Trends You Need to Know About With Katie Dubow

The Garden Media Group released its official 2025 trends report in early September. In this episode, I sat down with Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, to get a first-hand look at what’s in this year’s report, and how you as a grower, or if you’re in another segment of the industry, can respond. Here’s our conversation.