Market research is not rocket science, but it is important to determine the viability of your operation or business. We want you to be successful, so please take this first step seriously. You will need to find answers to the following questions:

  What crops are selling well in your area?

  Who is buying these crops?

  How much are they buying?

  How frequently are they buying?

  How much are they paying for the crops they buy?

  What crops are rare/hard to find in your area?

  What are the high-ticket crops in your area?

  What packaging is being used? Is it preferred by the buyers?

Collect contact information from produce buyers working for your local markets, schools, medical facilities, and restaurants. Interview them. Don’t worry, they won’t bite! Find out the prices they pay and their willingness and ability to purchase their food locally. If you need help getting started, just give us a call.

Your Growing Facility

Some of you may need to construct a greenhouse. If so, you may have to determine what is needed to prepare your greenhouse site. Many of you will not need a building. You will also want to consider a water source.

Call us. We can help you determine what you will need.  Remember we have gone through this, lean on our expeience.

After completing your research, you know that your operation or business is viable. Now it’s time to prepare its foundation:

Legally

Check to see if your area has any requirements or restrictions for setting up your business.

Physically

Prepare your growing space. Everything should be set-up with intention. Consider how your crops will be transported to your buyers. Be sure you are equipped with storage space if needed. Ask us for advice.

Financially

Work with your community, family or friends to raise the necessary funds to begin your operation.  Tell your friends and ask them to spread the word. You could even pre-sell shares as a way to raise some initial funds! 

Technologically

Be sure that your produce buyers have an easy way to place orders with you. You will need a unique farm name and logo so your market can easily find, identify, and connect with you. Some growers build their own websites, while others use Facebook to connect with their markets. We’re here to walk you through it.

Emotionally

Starting a growing operation will change your life. Your daily routines will be determined by your crop cycles. Your relationships with your community will change. Your financial situation will change. Be sure you have considered how you will handle these changes. Remember, we are here to help you get returns on your hydroponic investments for decades. If you have worries, let us know.

With your foundation prepared, it is time to set up your business.

Grow Space Setup

Setting up your growing space will take time, but the process is simple. Depending on size and type, you may want to give yourself two to five weeks.

System Setup

Set up your hydroponics system. We will advise you on all of the parts you will need. Utilize our consulting services to get the help you need, when you need it. We will be there to help you plant your first batch of seeds.

Sales Setup

Once you have planted seeds, you will have approximately 6 weeks to secure orders for the first of many harvests. Return to your list of buyers from the research you did in step 1, and let them know when your crops will be ready. As you build out your customer list, build profiles on their specific needs.