Constant change

While plant trends may come and go as growers’ customer bases change, there are a few things that will always stay the same. New technology will always be coming, new trends will always be emerging and it seems that good help will always be hard to find.

The growers we spoke to for this year’s State of the Industry report are rising to the new (and old) challenges of greenhouse growing, and are optimistic about their future of their businesses, and the industry as a whole.

Indoor plants and succulents are up, which many say is driven by new Millennial customers who are looking for something a little different than older customers. And soon, Gen Z will be hitting the market with their own preferences and shopping habits.

As they say, change is the only constant, and by keeping up with the latest technology and trends, many of the growers we spoke to are growing their businesses, increasing their profits and expanding their businesses.

But some things never change. The challenges of harsh spring weather and difficulties finding labor seem to plague growers no matter what year it is. And with unemployment sitting around 3.7% as of this magazine’s printing, the labor issue is forefront of many business’ minds. Almost every year since the start of this report, labor has ranked among the top three challenges for greenhouses to grow their businesses and this year is no different.

Growers are rising to the challenge, though, and focusing on the things they can control to find new ways to succeed. From automation to new varieties to expansions, the growers we spoke to for this year’s report are excited about the opportunities and challenges to come.

Some are opening up garden centers, some are trying new watering techniques and some are working out the right crops to specialize in, but the one thing growers all have in common is a passion for plants and a persistence that’s hard to find anywhere else.

No one can predict the future, but it seems that it’s looking bright for the green industry. Read on for more details into the state of the industry now and insights into what’s to come.