Robin Hones - Tips for Starting an Indoor Commercial Farm - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #5

05/06/23 • 60 min

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #5. Today, we're joined by Robin Hones, owner of Cascadia Greens, a hydroponic indoor farm in Seattle, WA. In this episode, Robin shares his journey into gardening, his experience with hydroponic growing and how he setup his business to sell at local farmers' markets in the Pacific Northwest.

Robin tells us about the various options of growing produce in greenhouses vs. the indoors and the challenges of commercial farming in the winter in the Seattle area. He also explains the difference between gardening and farming and his process of setting up a growing container system.
We dive deeper into hydroponic growing methods, including the Kratky method and other effective techniques for growing leafy greens. Robin also shares his process of growing microgreens and how he keeps his growing methods as effective as possible in order to scale up operations.
We learn about Robin's experience selling produce at the Capitol Hill Farmers' market, his customer's favorite products, and what this type of customer usually looks for. We also touch on other ways to bring indoor farmed produce to market like through restaurants or distributorships and how you can do it too.
Finally, as a worldly person, Robin shares his future hopes to bringing efficient farming systems to Africa.
Thank you for joining us on the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #5 with Robin Hones of Cascadia Greens. Tune in every two weeks to learn more from our engaging group of growers kind enough to share their knowledge with us!
We discuss some of the following:
• His journey into gardening and his experience with hydroponic growing.
• The challenges of commercial farming in the winter in the Seattle area.
• Growing in greenhouses vs. indoors.
• The difference between gardening and farming.
• The Kratky hydroponic growing method.
• His technique for growing microgreens at scale.
• The options for getting your produce to market.
• His experience selling at the Capitol Hill Farmers' market.
• What customers like to see at farmers' markets.
• Other tips for success in commercial farming as a small business.
This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.
Now Get Up & Grow!
Taylor S.
To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

Previous Episode

Joe Gardener - The Guru of Organic Gardening - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #4

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast! In this episode, we have a very special guest, Joe Lamp'l, also known as Joe Gardener. He is the host and executive producer of the PBS show Growing a Greener World, and has appeared on various television programs such as NBC's Today Show and ABC's Good Morning America. Joe believes that the world needs more gardens and gardeners, and he shares his knowledge with everyone through his website, joegardener.com.

In this conversation, we dive into Joe's journey in gardening and TV production. He shares the moments that brought him closer to the path he wanted to take, and the challenges he faced as an entrepreneur. Joe talks about what motivates him to keep educating people with generosity and understanding, and he walks us through his day and what's next for his garden and business.
We also discuss the importance of sustainability in gardening and how Joe implements it into his growing operation. Joe shares the mindset you need to be a successful gardener, and how gardening can benefit society as a whole. He also tells us about his least favorite gardening activity and something new he's learned about gardening recently.
Joe emphasizes the importance of being a good steward to the planet and taking control of your own food production. He shares some basic things you need to start your own garden and talks about his seed starting course and how you can sign up for it.
Join us as we explore Joe's story and why gardening is so important for our minds and the planet. Listen now on the Get Up and Grow Podcast!
We discuss some of the following:
• Joe’s story in gardening and tv production.
• How he has adapted to new forms of media to reach new growers.
• How he continues to stay motivated and teach new gardeners.
• Why people learning to garden is so important.
• Something he has learned about gardening recently and his least favorite gardening activity.
• What kind of a mindset you need to be a successful gardener and what kind of mindset can you develop through gardening.
• Why sustainability in gardening is so important.
• How you can take control of your own food production.
• How you can get started growing your own garden in any space.
Please check out the following links to what we discussed on the podcast today:
Joe's website where you can sign up for gardening courses, checkout his podcast, download free growing guides and more is available here: http://www.joegardener.com/
Joe's latest book The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Vegetable-Gardening-Book-complete-growing/dp/0760375712/ref=sr_1_2?crid=282W0MM40FH4E&keywords=joe+gardener&qid=1681817439&sprefix=joe+gardene%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2
This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.
Now Get Up & Grow!
Taylor S.
To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

Next Episode

Hilary Dahl - Mastering Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #6

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast! In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Hilary Dahl, co-owner of the Seattle Urban Farm Company. She shares her journey as a grower, entrepreneur, and educator. She discusses the unique aspects of designing gardens in the Pacific Northwest, the significance of sustainability in garden projects, and the increased interest in gardening since the pandemic.
Hilary spoke with us about the two books she co-authored which are, Food Grown Right, In Your Backyard and Grow More Food. She also touches on how her yoga practice complements her life as a gardener. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, Hilary provides valuable tips for starting and improving your own vegetable garden.
We discuss some of the following:

Seattle Urban Farm Company: Hilary provided insights into the Seattle Urban Farm Company, its mission, and its impact on the community.
Creating Edible Landscapes: Hilary elaborated on the concept of "edible landscapes" and highlighted some of the work she has done in this area.
Unique Aspects of Pacific Northwest Gardening: We explored how working and designing urban gardens differ in the Pacific Northwest region.
Rewarding or Challenging Projects: Hilary shared a specific project that was particularly rewarding or challenging, offering insights into her experiences.
Importance of Local Food Production: We delved into the significance of local food production through gardening and its impact on sustainability and community resilience.
Integration of Sustainability in Garden Design: Hilary emphasized the importance of sustainability in their projects and described various methods they integrate into garden design.
Marketing and Photography for Business: We explored the significance of marketing and taking good photos to promote the Seattle Urban Farm Company.
Yoga Practice and Gardening: Hilary discussed how her yoga practice complements her life as a gardener and enhances her connection to nature.
Advice for Aspiring Gardeners: Hilary provided valuable tips for individuals who are considering growing their own food.

Hilary shared resources during this episode where people can learn more about the Seattle Urban Farm Company and its initiatives which are all available on her website here: https://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/
This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.
Now Get Up & Grow!
Taylor S.
To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

The Get Up & Grow Podcast - Robin Hones - Tips for Starting an Indoor Commercial Farm - Get Up & Grow Podcast EP #5

Transcript

Taylor (00:00.886)
Hi everyone, thanks for joining the podcast today. My name is Taylor Schaberg. I'm the owner of Active Grow and the host of the Get Up and Grow podcast. We're really excited and honored to have a special guest on today. His name is Robin Hones. He is the owner of Cascadia Greens in Seattle, Washington. He is a guy who's really experienced in growing hydroponically, microgreens, leafy greens, and other vegetables. And he doesn't say no to a challenge when it comes to.
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