Cultivate’24 guide

Saturday, July 13

Nursery Production Tour

Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See some of the leading nursery grower operations in the Midwest on the Nursery Production Tour.

Begin your tour at Natorp’s Nursery, a nursery with a diverse range of offerings, from container shrubs and perennials to grasses, vines, roses, pot-in-pot trees and a 3-acre annual greenhouse. Witness the intricate process of propagation and the cultivation of field trees and shrubs. With an additional nursery 20 miles north, Natorp Companies operates a retail garden center and a landscape division, contributing to a comprehensive horticultural experience.

Next, embark on a tour of Bowyer Farm, a 600+ acre haven dedicated to sustainability and conservation for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Delve into native plant propagation and sales. Learn about their commitment to environmental stewardship, as evidenced by the farm’s growth since its inception in 1995.

Best Management Practices for Grower Adoption of Native Plant Propagation

Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Location: A120

Native plants are becoming increasingly popular choices for low-input ornamental landscapes in residential and commercial applications. Many nurseries and independent garden centers are currently growing or offering at least some native plants in response to this increasing demand. However, supplies are still limited and there are specific best management practices associated with growing, marketing and maintaining native plants that need further development. This presentation will discuss replicable and comprehensive Extension programming from Rutgers University to support this growing segment of the green industry that includes surveys, workshops, fact sheets, field trials and propagation methods focused on native plant production.

Speakers: William Errickson, agriculture agent and assistant professor, Rutgers University; Tim Waller, agriculture agent, Rutgers University

Plant Breeding for Grower Productivity: How New Varieties Can Improve Your Profitability

Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Location: A113

Professional plant breeders do not develop new plant varieties for fun. They develop new varieties to help growers be more productive and more profitable. Using examples from R&D collaborations between GardenGenetics and small- to medium-sized growers, our speaker will describe how a plant breeder makes decisions which can improve a grower’s bottom line.

Speaker: Rick Grazzini, executive director, GardenGenetics

Forecasting Workshop: It’s a Strategy, Not a Tactic

Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: A220

For many years, growers and retailers built most forecasts on the back of an envelope. Last year plus or minus. Then COVID hit and the supply chain was turned on its head. Suddenly, good forecasts are a competitive edge as well as tantamount to your company’s health.

In this workshop, you will gain hands-on experience in different ways to make forecasting a strength within your organization and a strategy for building your profitability. Learn the fundamentals of forecasting for a greenhouse/nursery business, starting with an overview of what forecasting is, how it’s used and various tools and methodologies to help build a better forecast.

Bring your laptop, your Excel skills, and all the people in your company that can benefit from this investment of time and technology. Bring your actual examples or work from what the session leaders provide.

Speakers: John Beauford, president and CEO at Advanced Grower Solutions; Ken Lane, president at Hathaway & Lane Direct LLC

Plastics: Upcoming Regulations and Sustainable Solutions on the Horizon

Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: A110

Join a discussion on current and coming regulations in some regions concerning single-use plastics and some of the emerging sustainable technology trends and products available that address these concerns.

Speaker: Tom Marting, HC Companies

Sunday, July 14

Morning Jolt! Keynote Presentation

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location: Short North Ballroom

Chad Foster will explain the anatomy of resilience at a practical level, providing tried and tested tools that empower you to transform your challenges into opportunities.

Speaker: Chad Foster, business leader, international speaker and author

2025 Garden Trends

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: Union Station Ballroom B

Why should you care about trends? It’s simple. Trends drive consumers and consumers drive sales. Once again, Cultivate is the place to learn about the newest trends, stay relevant and make data-driven decisions to grow your business. Join Katie Dubow, global trendspotter, president of Garden Media Group and QVC guest host, in this informative session. Katie will outline the 2025 Garden Trends, including the color of the year, and offer tips on how to apply each trend to your own business. Garden trends are more important than ever to guide us in uncertain times and give us hope. When you’re ahead of the curve, your company becomes a trendsetter and you become the go to place for what’s new whether you are a breeder, grower or retailer.

Speaker: Katie Dubow, president at Garden Media Group

Sampling Methods for Nutritional Monitoring and Diagnostics of Containerized Crops

Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: A113

In-house monitoring of substrate pH and electrical conductivity is essential for understanding the nutritional status of containerized crops, but other sampling procedures can provide a deeper insight into plant health. In this session, growers will learn how to diagnose common plant problems by properly sampling irrigation water, plant leaf tissue and substrate for routine updates and diagnostics. Be prepared to stop guessing and start confirming during the growing season.

Speakers: Garrett Owen, assistant professor of sustainable greenhouse and nursery systems, Ohio State University; Brian Whipker, North Carolina State University

Color Me Intrigued: An evaluation of substrate temperature management strategies

Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: A213

In this session, our presenter will present research findings and updates from a collaboration on evaluating various methods to manage substrate (or root zone) temperatures across the country. Our speaker will show which methods are appropriate nationally and which may be considered based on region. Further, our speaker will present benefits to managing these substrate temperatures which include improving fertilizer efficiency, quicker growth, better rooting and overall healthier crops.

Speaker: Jeb Fields, assistant professor and extension specialist, LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station

Solving Grower Case Studies: The Easy, The Challenging and The Unexpected

Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Union Station Ballroom A

Join us as we look at a wide range of issues greenhouse, nursery and young plant producers have faced this past year. These are problems you have sent to the GGSPro Technical Team to help solve, so these are directly relevant to your personal education and the betterment of all operation types. Pictures, emails and handwritten notes are all valuable ways to communicate information to a technical specialist. This presentation will help provide insight into how we can maximize efficiency when trying to diagnose a plant problem virtually, as well as provide both preventative and corrective strategies for biotic and abiotic issues you may come across.

Speaker: George Grant, GGSPro Technical Services Manager at Griffin Greenhouse Supplies

Monday, July 15

State of the Industry

Time: 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Location: Short North Ballroom

Learn where our industry stands today and what the future holds. Our experts will provide insights on how to plan and navigate the changing market climate driven by rising costs, while also managing business challenges like labor and product availability. The latest thoughts on the political climate and regulatory policy and opportunities will also be shared.

State of the Association - Ken Fisher, AmericanHort President & CEO

Inside Washington Perspective – Matt Mika, AmericanHort Vice President Advocacy & Government Affairs

Economic Update - Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

Back2Basics: Gearing Nurseries Up for Spring

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: A113

Explore essential operational checklists for sales teams, production and operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow as your nursery approaches the bustling spring season. Our speaker will uncover fundamental strategies to optimize your sales team’s performance, streamline production processes and enhance overall operational effectiveness. From inventory management to customer engagement, this session will provide actionable insights to fortify your nursery’s foundation. Join us to rejuvenate your approach, maximize productivity and capitalize on the upcoming spring demand. Leave equipped with a comprehensive toolkit of practical measures to propel your nursery towards a flourishing and profitable season.

Speaker: Rayne Gibson, consultant and owner, Taproots Horticulture Consulting

Review of Perennial Trials Across the U.S.

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: A210

Join us for a captivating session on the “Review of Perennial Trials Across the US,” featuring a dynamic panel of greenhouse and nursery growers from diverse regions. Explore firsthand experiences as our panelists share insights on the most successful plant varieties in their respective geographic locations. Gain valuable knowledge about the triumphs and challenges faced by these experts, and discover key takeaways for optimizing your own cultivation practices. From the East Coast to the West, this session offers a comprehensive overview of perennial trials, providing a unique opportunity to learn from real-world successes and innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a budding enthusiast, this discussion promises to be an illuminating exploration of plant performance in different climates, offering actionable strategies for elevating your greenhouse practices. Don’t miss this chance to engage with industry leaders and enhance your understanding of successful perennial trials across the United States.

Moderator: Allan Armitage; panelists: Brett Cromly, Monrovia; Denise Mullins, Smith Gardens Inc.; Laura Robles, Walters Gardens; Justin Wisniewski, Aris Horticulture

Sustainability: License to Operate, or Lucrative Business Opportunity?

10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Location: B130

In this interactive discussion, we will talk about sustainability in floriculture. We have a range of experts in our midst: from breeders to growers, nurseries and garden centers. We will have a vivid discussion about sustainability, looking at it from different perspectives. Can a metrics-based approach help you become future-proof and at the same time help your business flourish? What is the ROI of implementing sustainable business practices? And what next steps does our industry take? The session will be moderated by the Dutch foundation specialized in this topic, MPS.

Moderator: Maik Mandemaker, MPS

Panelists: Denise Godfrey, horticulturist, Olive Hill Greenhouses; Devin Johnson, senior sustainability analyst, WestRock; Melinda Knuth, assistant professor, North Carolina State University

Optimizing Quality: Advanced Practices for Bulking and Toning Finished Perennials

Time: 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Location: A120

Calling all finished perennial growers! Join us for an exclusive talk on advanced management practices, tailored for professionals seeking to enhance the quality of their products. Delve into precision temperature control strategies, the nuanced use of growth regulators, moisture management techniques and more. This session is a must-attend for growers aiming to elevate their craft, produce top-tier finished perennials and stay at the forefront of the industry. Don’t miss out on these targeted insights to optimize the growth and aesthetics of your finished perennial crops.

Speaker: Laura Robles, regional product manager for Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, Walters Gardens

Irrigation and Labor Savings

Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: A113

In this session, we will look at how to solve the problems we hear every day from growers regarding crop quality and the additional labor it causes when things go wrong. We will examine the best practices that can be applied to irrigation, that will result in real $$ savings on your farm right away. From pH control to nutrient monitoring and filter maintenance, we will cover a lot of ground. Whether growing indoors or out, there will be a nugget you can take home and use right away.

Speaker: Andrew Van Geest, irrigation and automation specialist, Zwart Systems

Tuesday, July 16

What is Your End Game? Succession & Exit Planning Best Practices for the Horticultural Industry

Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Location: A210

According to the Exit Planning Institute, 75% of business owners who exit their business profoundly regret it within a year. One day, by choice or by chance, you too will transition. Whether transferring to a family successor or a third-party buyer, you want the value of your business to grow and remain intact.

Key takeaways include:

• How to maximize your business and your return by managing your personal, business, and financial gaps
• Why and how different valuation methods and financing options impact succession and exit planning
• Leading practices and strategies to ensure your legacy isn’t left to chance

This session will examine preparation, planning options and transitional strategies, especially in highly owner-dependent companies. We will also discuss business continuity planning, address your personal and emotional readiness, and review actions to take today for you and your business to become transition-ready without regrets.

Speakers: Chris Cimaglio, managing director of PivotPoint Business Solutions and managing partner of BEST Human Capital and Advisory Group; Ken Lane, PivotPoint Business Solutions

Substrate, Water, and Nitrogen Management Lab - Extended Session

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Location: A120

Irrigation Water quality is an important factor in nursery production. We think of pH as the most important water quality parameter, as we do with substrates and soils; but is it? Do you calibrate your fertilizer injectors often? Do you monitor your substrate’s chemical properties to ensure it is providing the best possible environment for root health and nutrient availability? Are you familiar with the different methods of substrate monitoring? Do you understand the different types of fertilizers available to you and what to base your choice on?

In a 2-hour extended session, Extension Specialists in Nursery Production will give a hands-on program demonstrating the importance of these and other management practices that will increase the control you have over your production systems to ensure that your plant roots have a healthy environment to grow.

Speakers: Andrew Ristvey, principal agent and extension specialist for commercial horticulture at University of Maryland; Gerry Spinelli, production hort advisor for nurseries, floriculture and CEA at UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego.