Presenting the 2023 Head Grower of the Year Finalists
July 6, 2023 
Chris Schlegel, Drew Koschmann, Reid Martell
Drew Koschmann, Walters Gardens, Zeeland, MI
Drew Koschmann’s main goal at Walters Gardens is to develop a better growing team around him. He is always looking to help his team become more knowledgeable, whether it’s attending live and virtual events, moving growers around to assist in projects outside of their typical responsibilities, or asking his bilingual growers to train H-2A employees so they can become key parts of the growing team.
Because Walters Gardens’ 650,000 square feet of growing space is divided into multiple ranges, Koschmann works with his team to give the plants the proper conditions they need, from temperature to lighting. H-2A employees play a key role in improving plant quality and operational efficiency.
Koschmann recently led an upgrade of Walters Gardens’ environmental control systems with new automation technology. He has also started using new bark-based soil media to improve stands and increase turns in the company’s most popular varieties.
Reid Martell, The Garden Factory, Rochester, NY
Reid Martell is always looking to gain insights into other growers’ best practices and preferences, so as to improve his own growing knowledge. He likes to explore new products and approaches, and is not afraid to fail if it means learning how to adapt.
Automation has transformed the way plants are grown at The Garden Factory, and has helped enhance quality while minimizing losses. From automating tray cleaning to transplanting, trimming, and watering, Martell views technology as a tool for revolutionizing the plant production process.
Martell keeps detailed records and photos during the entire growing season, so he can review and plan for future improvements. He says there’s always room for growth and enhancement, even if something seems flawless at first glance.
Chris Schlegel, D.S. Cole Growers, Loudon, NH
Best management practices are critical to the success of D.S. Cole Growers, and Chris Schlegel is a key driver of the company’s focus on maintaining the highest levels of plant quality. D.S. Cole Growers participates in several certification programs, and Schlegel meets weekly with the growing team to review pest management concerns, PGR needs, and production plans for the coming week.
D.S. Cole’s crop aging program in its propagation area allows it to be very specific with handling cuttings. Using a Priva control system, multiple misting programs can run in small zones to manage a diverse range of crops.
Each week, Schlegel prepares a list that outlines production plans including potting, spacing, and other crop management tasks. The operations manager, production supervisor, owner, and at least one grower meet to review the list with Chris. She says this time to answer questions and get hands-on with the crop and the growing team is the best part of her day.
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