Tune in every week as we share conversations with growers, operators, and innovators from around the world, providing insight into what’s working in their greenhouses. We discuss firsthand experiences and provide insights into how these farms are succeeding and thriving. Hosted by Founder of Little Greenhouse That Could, Trina Semenchuk.
Greenhouse Success Stories
Claim This Podcastby Trina Semenchuck
13 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Tune in every week as we share conversations with growers, operators, and innovators from around the world, providing insight into what’s working in their greenhouses. We discuss firsthand experiences and provide insights into how these farms are succeeding and thriving. Hosted by Founder of Little Greenhouse That Could, Trina Semenchuk.
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Publishing Since
10/2/2025
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Recent Episodes
March 23, 2026
12: Why Investing in Canadian Seed Genetics Holds the Key to Long-Term Food Security with Darby McGrath
<p>📺 Watch, Subscribe, Follow on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ5VAHi9_eJJ3DWueXrT4zaIs6zNJWsc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a> & <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1fFHaSmGGBVEdxtJ1yu95h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p><h2>Thanks to Our Sponsor</h2><p><h2>Harnois Greenhouse</h2><p>Website - <a href="https://igrownews.com/gss-harnois" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/</a></p><p>Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses</a></p><p>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/</a></p><p>LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/</a></p></p><p>“I think it is a little bit of a blind spot for us with respect to supply chains... the seed genetics being a key bottleneck or point of risk in Canada,” says Darby McGrath, Vice President of Research and Development at the Vineland Horticulture Research and Innovation Center, in this compelling episode of Greenhouse Success Stories. With an insider’s perspective on the future of Canadian food security, Darby McGrath exposes how the nation’s greenhouse sector is largely dependent on imported seed genetics not tailored to local climates, leaving growers vulnerable and highlighting a critical gap in innovation.</p><p>Tune in to learn why Canada risks losing control of its food supply without urgent investment in homegrown seed breeding, how Vineland works with both domestic and international partners to advance R&D, and what it really takes to bring resilient, high-yield crops to market. Whether you’re fascinated by genetics, the business of agriculture, or the future of food production, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Don’t leave seed genetics to chance—demand Canadian-adapted crops and support initiatives building local breeding capacity now.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Break research silos—reach out, collaborate, and leverage networks like Vineland to accelerate real-world horticulture solutions.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Take control of your supply chain—identify vulnerabilities and advocate for investment in domestic R&D and greenhouse innovation.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Harness new tech—explore advanced solutions like pathogen labs and digital tools to future-proof your greenhouse operation.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Act on knowledge gaps—access Vineland or similar organizations for support, and bring your unique challenges forward to drive sector-wide progress.</li></ol><br/><h2>Memorable Quotes</h2><blockquote>"Breeding doesn’t operate on funding cycles, and the way that we invest into these things is through competitive granting, and that doesn’t work because breeding extends beyond those funding cycles that are connected to policy frameworks."</blockquote><blockquote>"If we want to invest in breeding, it can’t be based on competitive funding alone. Not that I’m saying that doesn’t have its place for encouraging innovation and developing new tools, but it’s got to be a strategic decision that we say, no, this is worth it and we’re going to invest in it and here’s why."</blockquote><blockquote>"I think our job is to support the sector, identify where there are market gaps, and develop new practices, processes, and products for horticulture in Ontario."</blockquote><h2>Connect with Darby</h2><p>LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darby-mcgrath-a6671935/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/darby-mcgrath-a6671935/</a></p><p>Vineland Research and Innovation Centre - <a href="https://vinelandresearch.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://vinelandresearch.com/</a></p><h2>Resources Mentioned</h2><p>University of Guelph: <a href="https://www.uoguelph.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uoguelph.ca/</a></p><p>University of Toronto: <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.utoronto.ca/</a></p><p>Brock University: <a href="https://brocku.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://brocku.ca/</a></p><p>University of Waterloo: <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://uwaterloo.ca/</a></p><h2>Connect With Us</h2><p>GSS LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast</a></p><p>GSS Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/</a></p><p><strong>Subscribe to our newsletters!</strong></p><p>AgTech Digest - <a href="https://agtechdigest.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://agtechdigest.com</a></p><p>The Indoor Farmer - <a href="https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/</a></p><p>Horti-Gen Insights - <a href="https://www.hortigeninsights.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hortigeninsights.com/</a></p><p>🎙️🎙️🎙️</p><p>Podcast Production and Marketing by <a href="https://fullcast.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FullCast</a></p><p>Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: <a href="https://www.thepodosphere.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thepodosphere.com/</a></p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p>
January 23, 2026
11: Why Prioritizing Quality Materials Holds the Key to Long-Term Greenhouse Success with Harnois
<p>📺 Watch, Subscribe, Follow on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ5VAHi9_eJJ3DWueXrT4zaIs6zNJWsc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a> & <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1fFHaSmGGBVEdxtJ1yu95h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p><h2>Thanks to Our Sponsor</h2><p><h2>Harnois Greenhouse</h2><p>Website - <a href="https://igrownews.com/gss-harnois" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/</a></p><p>Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses</a></p><p>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/</a></p><p>LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/</a></p></p><p>“I'm doing something that helps people. So that's really rewarding—being a younger person in the industry, I get to help people, and I get to help people help other people,” says Christopher McIntosh, technical sales rep at Harnois Greenhouses, in this edition of Greenhouse Success Stories. From bridging French and Western Canadian cultures to orchestrating complex greenhouse installations in some of the country’s most remote communities, Christopher McIntosh reveals how Harnois’s relentless focus on quality, local materials, and community networking transforms both food sovereignty projects and commercial operations alike. </p><p>Discover how a blend of business savvy, family legacy, and youthful energy is shaping the next chapter of greenhouse innovation—listen in to find out why growers of all sizes turn to Harnois for top-tier structures, support, and connections.</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Quality is everything—choose partners who source local, high-grade materials for lasting results in your greenhouse project.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Don’t navigate alone. Connect with experienced growers and suppliers through industry networks to gain hands-on solutions and best practices.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>When planning your greenhouse, hash out crop types, design needs, and future flexibility early—customize your structure to grow with your vision.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Leverage your equipment provider’s expertise and resources; ask about turnkey solutions, in-house engineering, and connections for ongoing support.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Take the first step now: reach out, ask questions, and get advice from your greenhouse manufacturer—they’re ready and willing to walk the journey with you.</li></ol><br/><h2>Memorable Quotes</h2><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Quality is everything—choose partners who source local, high-grade materials for lasting results in your greenhouse project.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Don’t navigate alone. Connect with experienced growers and suppliers through industry networks to gain hands-on solutions and best practices.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>When planning your greenhouse, hash out crop types, design needs, and future flexibility early—customize your structure to grow with your vision.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Leverage your equipment provider’s expertise and resources; ask about turnkey solutions, in-house engineering, and connections for ongoing support.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Take the first step now: reach out, ask questions, and get advice from your greenhouse manufacturer—they’re ready and willing to walk the journey with you.</li></ol><br/><h2>Connect with Chris & Harnois</h2><p>(mention you heard about them on our podcast!)</p><p>Chris' LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mcintosh55/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mcintosh55/</a></p><p>Harnois Website: <a href="https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/</a></p><p>Harnois Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses</a></p><p>Harnois LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/</a></p><p>Harnois Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/</a></p><p>Harnois YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFgZ9qgSov7mQfHEUD0YpQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEFgZ9qgSov7mQfHEUD0YpQ</a></p><p>Harnois Pinterest: <a href="https://ca.pinterest.com/harnois_ghs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ca.pinterest.com/harnois_ghs/</a></p><h2>Connect With Us</h2><p>GSS LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast</a></p><p>GSS Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/</a></p><p><strong>Subscribe to our newsletters!</strong></p><p>AgTech Digest - <a href="https://agtechdigest.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://agtechdigest.com</a></p><p>The Indoor Farmer - <a href="https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/</a></p><p>Horti-Gen Insights - <a href="https://www.hortigeninsights.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hortigeninsights.com/</a></p><p>🎙️🎙️🎙️</p><p>Podcast Production and Marketing by <a href="https://fullcast.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FullCast</a></p><p>Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: <a href="https://www.thepodosphere.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thepodosphere.com/</a></p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p>
January 16, 2026
10: Why Embracing Family Legacy Holds the Key to Greenhouse Success and Longevity with Tom Van Wingerden
<p>📺 Watch, Subscribe, Follow on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlZ5VAHi9_eJJ3DWueXrT4zaIs6zNJWsc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a> & <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1fFHaSmGGBVEdxtJ1yu95h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p><h2>Thanks to Our Sponsor</h2><p><h2>Harnois Greenhouse</h2><p>Website - <a href="https://igrownews.com/gss-harnois" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://harnoisgreenhouse.com/</a></p><p>Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/SerresHarnoisGreenhouses</a></p><p>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/harnois.ghs/</a></p><p>LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/serres-harnois-greenhouse/</a></p></p><p>“You know what I'm really pushing for is actually a plant graveyard, because I feel like it'd be nice to know how many plants I've killed over time, and I feel like that's a little bit of fun, too,” says Tom Van Wingerden, sales director at Van Wingerden Greenhouses, who joins Greenhouse Success Stories to share a refreshingly candid—and often humorous—look at the realities of running a multi-generational greenhouse operation in the Pacific Northwest.</p><p>From childhood “oasis plug fights” among eleven siblings to the challenges of losing major retail accounts and the necessity-driven innovation behind their custom fundraising software, Tom Van Wingerden reveals how loving plants (and people) is at the heart of greenhouse success. Tune in for actionable business insights, real-world stories, and the evolving blend of tradition and technology that helps this family farm thrive.</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Diversify your customer base—don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Proactively seek new wholesale and retail partners to safeguard your greenhouse’s future.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Streamline your operations with tech—build or adopt software tools like Plant Buy to simplify fundraiser management and scale effortlessly.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Leverage fundraisers for growth—collaborate with local organizations to attract new customers, expand reach, and strengthen community ties.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Focus on what works—hone in on a select range of products and customers so you can control quality and master your market.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Connect with people—relationships drive success. Invest in trust, nurture partnerships, and make every interaction count.</li></ol><br/><h2>Memorable Quotes</h2><p>"I think it has to start with a love for plants. I don't think anybody gets into this industry because they want to make money. It's more about loving to grow plants and loving to be around plants, and if they make money doing that, that's the lifestyle we're looking for."</p><p>"We're trying to help people be successful with their plants at home, no matter what plant it is. You can buy a monstera and bring it home, and we'll help you take care of it—you’re not in this alone."</p><p>"You really need to love both plants and people to be in this industry. Plants and people—you need to love them both to succeed."</p><h2>Connect with Tom and Wingerden</h2><p>Tom's LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-van-wingerden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-van-wingerden/</a></p><p>Wingerden LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanwingerden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanwingerden/</a></p><p>Wingerden Website - <a href="https://www.vanwingerden.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.vanwingerden.com/</a></p><p>Wingerden Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanwingerdengreenhouses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/vanwingerdengreenhouses/</a></p><p>Wingerden Facebook -<a href=" https://www.facebook.com/vwgreenhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/vwgreenhouse/</a></p><h2>Resources Mentioned</h2><p>Grocery Outlet: <a href="https://www.groceryoutlet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.groceryoutlet.com/</a></p><p>Plant Buy: <a href="https://www.plantbuy.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.plantbuy.com/</a></p><p>Plantsome: <a href="https://www.plantsome.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.plantsome.com/</a></p><h2>Connect With Us</h2><p>GSS LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticalfarmingpodcast</a></p><p>GSS Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/direct/inbox/</a></p><p><strong>Subscribe to our newsletters!</strong></p><p>AgTech Digest - <a href="https://agtechdigest.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://agtechdigest.com</a></p><p>The Indoor Farmer - <a href="https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.indoorverticalfarm.com/</a></p><p>Horti-Gen Insights - <a href="https://www.hortigeninsights.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hortigeninsights.com/</a></p><p>🎙️🎙️🎙️</p><p>Podcast Production and Marketing by <a href="https://fullcast.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FullCast</a></p><p>Discover the best podcast services in the world at The Podosphere: <a href="https://www.thepodosphere.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thepodosphere.com/</a></p><p>Mentioned in this episode:</p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p><p><strong>2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews</strong></p><p><a href="https://greenhouse-success-stories.captivate.fm/precision2025">2025 Precision Ag Report</a></p>
13 total episodes available
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