Inside Hampshire Farms, Our 2025 Operation of the Year

By Greenhouse Grower staff|September 16, 2025

Last week, we shared our September 2025 Cover Story on Hampshire Farms, Greenhouse Grower‘s 2025 Operation of the Year winner from the Evening of Excellence award ceremony at Cultivate’25. However, for those wanting a closer look inside the success story of Hampshire Farms, check out the following slideshow to follow Greenhouse Grower‘s visit to the heart of their operation, located in Hampshire, IL.

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A greenhouse worker carefully hand-transplants young plugs from their starter trays into larger containers, a critical step in the production process that ensures each plant has the space and resources to grow strong and healthy before shipment.

All images courtesy of Melinda Taschetta-Milane.
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A Hampshire Farms worker prepares plant cuttings for the AutoStix system, which automates the transplanting process using biodegradable strips and a precision transplanter. This technology streamlines production while supporting sustainability.
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An expansive view of the greenhouse filled with planting plugs, which serve as the foundation for healthy, uniform plant development. These young plants are carefully nurtured in a controlled environment before being transplanted for further growth and eventual distribution.
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Coneflower varieties, with lavender visible in the background, are prepared for shipment. These plants are part of the wholesale greenhouse’s distribution to The Home Depot locations across Chicagoland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Northwest Indiana.
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Current progress of the 2-acre greenhouse expansion, as of August. According to Matt Fredrickson, Director of Production Operations, construction is scheduled to be completed by January 2026.
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Greenhouse staff transport plants prepared for shipment to retail partners. Each plant is carefully selected and packed to ensure it arrives in peak condition, maintaining quality from greenhouse to garden center.
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Growers Josh Pepping (left) and Michael LaRusso (right) closely inspect the growth and health of garden mums, ensuring each plant meets quality standards for optimal development and vibrant blooms.
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Hampshire Farms growers, from left: Benito Hernandez; Rodd Groat; Matt Fredrickson; Josh Pepping; Michael LaRusso.
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Hampshire Farms team members break ground for the company’s new expansion on September 26, 2022. Completion date of the expansion is targeted for January 2026.
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Hydration is managed to ensure each plant receives the right amount of water for its growth stage.
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The farm produces more than 3.5 million plants each season, utilizing approximately 1 million square feet of combined indoor and outdoor production space.
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The Hampshire Farms team at their 1,000,000-square-foot greenhouse facility in Hampshire, IL, located 40 miles west of Chicago. This dedicated group is behind the success of the operation, which was honored with this year’s Greenhouse Grower Operation of the Year award.
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Trial gardens located outside the Hampshire Farms greenhouses are used to evaluate plant performance in real-world conditions. These gardens provide valuable insights into growth habits, color, hardiness, and overall adaptability before large-scale production. The office headquarters is visible in the background.