Grow Like a Rock Star: Innovation, Teamwork and Continuous Improvement at Ebert’s Greenhouse Village

Driving through the countryside of Ixonia, Wisconsin, it is hard to miss Ebert’s Greenhouse Village. Expansive greenhouses, a classic red barn, and colorful seasonal displays have made it a destination for gardeners from across the region. During the height of spring, visitors have even referred to it as the “Disneyland of flowers.”

Behind that experience is Head Grower Jason Wenninger, whose career with Ebert’s has come full circle. Although he originally considered a future in welding and machining, an early interest in gardening sparked by his grandfather, along with a job at Ebert’s at 18, led him toward horticulture. After gaining experience in distribution and sales, he returned to Ebert’s in 2016 as Head Grower, where he now oversees greenhouse production and helps guide the operation through one of the industry’s busiest growing seasons.

Growing More Than Plants

For Jason, greenhouse production is built on teamwork.

Ebert’s calls itself a “Greenhouse Village,” reflecting the collaborative approach that drives the business every day. Growers, propagation teams, retail staff, maintenance crews, and customer service employees all contribute to delivering healthy crops and an exceptional customer experience.

“It takes many people, all with different talents, to accomplish the end goal,” Jason says.

That philosophy extends beyond daily operations. Developing people is just as important as growing plants. Team members are encouraged to build new skills, take ownership of their work, and eventually mentor others.

“I look at my growers as individuals, not their shortcomings,” Jason explains. “My job is to grow plants, but also people.”

That investment has helped build a knowledgeable, adaptable team capable of meeting the demands of each growing season.

Staying Ahead of the Season

Every spring represents months of preparation.

Winter is dedicated to planning, maintenance, and preparation of production schedules. As crops begin arriving, activity ramps up quickly until every greenhouse is full and the focus shifts to irrigation, fertility, pest management, and presentation for the retail season.

The compressed timeline leaves little room for error.

“It’s the small things that will get you,” Jason says, referring to how seemingly minor issues can quickly affect production if left unchecked.

Rather than reacting to problems, his focus is on preventing them through planning, communication, and making sure the team has everything needed to keep production moving efficiently.

Adapting Through Innovation

Like many greenhouse operations, Ebert’s has adapted to changing labor availability by introducing technologies that improve efficiency without compromising plant quality.

One example is the use of capillary mats in selected production areas, reducing the need for hand watering while allowing employees to focus on other priorities during the busiest times of the season.

 

 

Growing media has also played an important role in improving efficiency. After several years of trials, Ebert’s transitioned to PRO-MIX^® HPCC BIOFUNGICIDE^™ + MYCORRHIZAE^™ across its annual, perennial, and vegetable production. The compressed format reduces transportation and handling while supporting efficient greenhouse operations.

The growing medium also incorporates AGTIV^® biologicals directly into the substrate. By integrating beneficial microorganisms from the start, the medium supports early root development, helps plants better manage stress, and contributes to consistent crop performance throughout production.

The peat and coir-based formulation has also improved water management by retaining moisture while maintaining good drainage, helping to reduce watering frequency.

Jason emphasizes that successful innovation requires patience. New products and production methods are carefully evaluated before being fully adopted, ensuring they improve efficiency while maintaining the high plant quality customers expect.

A Culture of Continuous Improvement

At Ebert’s, innovation begins with asking how something can be done better.

New products, technologies, and production practices are regularly evaluated through on-site trials. Some produce immediate results, while others take multiple growing seasons before the team is confident enough to make a permanent change.

Working closely with suppliers gives the greenhouse access to emerging technologies while allowing new ideas to be tested under real production conditions.

Long-term thinking also guides many decisions.

“We have to ask ourselves what this looks like in 50 years,” Jason says.

Whether evaluating production practices, sustainability initiatives, or new technologies, the goal is to make decisions that will continue benefiting both the business and the industry well into the future.

Creating an Experience That Lasts

Everything happening behind the greenhouse walls ultimately supports the customer experience.

For Jason, Ebert’s is more than a place to purchase plants. It is a place where visitors can slow down, enjoy beautiful surroundings, and reconnect with gardening.

“I want people to feel relief when they walk through the doors,” he says, “even if it’s just for a few hours.”

Throughout the year, seasonal events help strengthen those connections. Spring brings vibrant displays and Mother’s Day celebrations, while fall welcomes families for pumpkin picking, school visits, and other activities that have become traditions for many returning guests.

Those experiences transform first-time visitors into loyal customers who come back year after year.

Looking Ahead

As Ebert’s Greenhouse Village celebrates its 50^th anniversary, the focus remains on continuous improvement.

Technology, production practices, and customer expectations continue to evolve, creating new opportunities to improve greenhouse operations. For Jason, embracing that change while staying grounded in proven fundamentals has been key to the greenhouse’s success.

Strong teamwork, thoughtful leadership, and a willingness to test new ideas continue to shape every growing season.

For Jason, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching people grow alongside the plants they care for. Seeing team members gain confidence, develop new skills, and eventually mentor others is just as meaningful as producing a successful crop.

“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” he says, recognizing the mentors who helped shape his own career.

That perspective continues to influence how he leads today. By investing in people, embracing innovation, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, Ebert’s Greenhouse Village is well-positioned for whatever the next 50 years may bring.