Adopting Technology That Works for Your Team
While the use of technology in horticulture isn’t new, what has changed is its accessibility. Today’s solutions are easier to implement, more affordable, and increasingly compatible with legacy systems. As labor shortages persist, input costs rise, and production windows tighten, the opportunity and urgency for adopting technology have never been greater.
Forward-thinking operations are using automation and practical tools to improve efficiency, enhance product quality, and gain more control over workflows. But successful adoption doesn’t just depend on the technology. It depends on the people behind it.
More Than Labor Savings
One of the most common misconceptions about automation is that it’s purely about reducing labor. In reality, the greatest value often comes from operational improvements that lead to more timely production and better outcomes.
“A color grower once told me that buying their transplanter allowed them to sell 40,000 more flats of bedding in the first year. Why? Because they were able to plant everything on time with minimal labor, utilize newly freed up labor to get baskets hung on time and space their product on time,” says Robert Lando, co-founder of AgriNomix. “The biggest benefit was having increased saleable product during the peak sales window, which greatly improved the bottom line.”
Identifying pain points is central to selecting the right solution, says Jonathan Buswell, Director of Automation at Monrovia.
“One of the biggest improvements we’ve made was adding buffer belt systems to our canning lines. The belts hold multiple forklift loads, so even if a tractor’s delayed, we can keep the line moving,” says Buswell. “You buy the belt, you drop it in place, and you instantly have a 20% increase in what you can do based on the fact that you don’t have to wait on tractors every day.”
People First, Process Second
Technology is most effective when it’s aligned with the real needs of the people who use it. That’s why communication across departments, from the field to management, is key to successful implementation.
“You can’t just drop in new equipment and expect it to work. You need to identify pain points with the people doing the work and then leverage those craftsmen. Know the why, when and how, and then you’re ready to start running forward on it,” Buswell explains.
Getting buy-in means making sure employees understand the purpose behind the change and how it benefits them, too.
“Help managers and staff understand why the change is being made. It could be to improve quality and uniformity, to reduce hard-to-find labor hours or to set a product component up for better success in a downstream or later process,” says Lando.
Smarter Tech, Smoother Adoption
Unlike earlier generations of automation, many of today’s systems are designed to retrofit with minimal disruption. That means even smaller operations can adopt new technologies without starting from scratch.
“If you’re going to bring new technology in, make sure you have somebody in place who is able to share feedback with the vendors and stakeholders that are there to help you succeed, because that’s what they want to do,” Buswell advises.
Even when challenges arise during implementation, they can lead to meaningful improvements when approached with the right mindset.
“Those issues might be within the specific task being automated or related to an associated workflow. Either way, the group must be all about finding solutions and looking for improvements,” says Lando.
“It’s also a great opportunity to bring extra focus on that area of work in order to look for adjacent efficiencies and quality improvements.”
Learning Together, Growing Together
One consistent strength of the horticulture industry is its collaborative spirit. For managers and owners considering new tools or methods, reaching out to peers is often the best first step.
“We are all collaborating. We’re on the stage at Cultivate. We’re available to be a third party that can serve as a use case. We open our Oregon nursery for anyone to come tour and see the automation we have on the ground,” Buswell says. “Seek out those third parties, seek out those adjacent companies in your industry and just start asking questions if you’re interested.”
Technology is most powerful when it supports the people who keep this industry growing. By focusing on practical challenges, encouraging team involvement, and learning from peers, horticulture operations can take meaningful steps to prepare for the future.
Welcome, Debbie Eisele
Debbie Eisele joined AmericanHort as the Strategic Digital Content Manager in December 2025. She is an accomplished communications professional with decades of experience in driving engagement and creating compelling content. Previously, she held editorial leadership roles in both the nonprofit and specialty agriculture sectors, where she honed her ability to craft content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Debbie is committed to fostering community engagement through creative content. She is also passionate about horticulture, with some experience in plant propagation and the garden center retail environment. Based out of Northern Virginia, she enjoys paddleboarding, kayaking, and all things outdoors.
5 Tech Tools to Streamline Your Business
Whether you manage a greenhouse or nursery, run a garden center, design interior plantscapes, or provide landscape services, technology can streamline how your business works. From cutting down on waste to saving time and helping your team work smarter, the right tools make a difference.
Here are five practical ways to start using tech in your day-to-day operations:
1. Bring Scheduling and Job Tracking into One Place
Instead of juggling spreadsheets or paper forms, digital platforms let you assign tasks, manage crews, and track job progress all in one spot. For example, a landscaping team can stay organized across multiple job sites using real-time updates to avoid delays.
2. Switch to Real-Time Inventory Tools
If you’re still relying on manual tracking, switching to barcode scanners or mobile inventory apps can simplify things and reduce mistakes. In garden centers, linking real-time inventory with your point-of-sale system keeps stock levels accurate and helps prevent missed sales, especially during peak seasons.
3. Use Digital Time Tracking to Manage Labor
Cloud-based time tracking tools make it easier to log hours and get a clearer picture of labor costs. In nursery production, where crews rotate across zones and tasks, this kind of visibility can help fine-tune your staffing approach and make the most of seasonal labor.
4. Use Data Dashboards for Smarter Decision Making
Digital dashboards give managers a realtime view of key metrics—from labor hours to service frequency. For interior plantscape teams, tracking metrics like plant replacement rates, technician efficiency, and customer feedback can help fine-tune service schedules.
5. Go Digital with Equipment Maintenance
Using digital checklists and maintenance logs instead of binders makes it easier to stay on top of repairs and reduce downtime. Greenhouse teams, for instance, can track irrigation systems or flag issues early, helping protect crops and keep things running smoothly.
Start with One and Build from There
Look for tools that are easy to use, mobilefriendly, and flexible enough to grow with your team. Start with one area—like scheduling or inventory—and build from there. Even small changes can have a big impact on efficiency and profitability.
Save Time and Get Answers with Sage AI
Sage is the new AI-powered assistant available online, built to help you quickly find information about programs, services, and resources on the AmericanHort website.
You can ask Sage about topics like Cultivate, business solutions, workforce development, education, advocacy, events, and research. Need help writing a job posting, article, or social media content? Sage can also assist with that, all within a secure, members-only environment.
Unlike general AI tools, Sage is trained exclusively on AmericanHort content, providing you with responses that can guide you to education programs, the Hort Knowledge Center, upcoming events, the Horticultural Research Institute, member services, and more.
Five Questions to Ask:
1. What AmericanHort programs can help me train employees?
2. What advocacy issues are important in the horticulture industry?
3. How can I get involved with AmericanHort?
4. How do I access articles in the Hort Knowledge Center?
5. What are my benefits as an AmericanHort member?
Usage Tips:
Ask one question at a time.
Be specific with your questions.
Provide feedback on your answer so Sage can continue to learn.
Ask your questions at AmericanHort.org/Sage or scan the QR code.
Root Out Risks: Smarter Cybersecurity Strategies
By Alex Breitinger, lead IT advisor, Pinion
Digital transformation is reshaping horticulture businesses with tools to track orders, manage supply chains, and communicate with customers more seamlessly than ever. But greater connectivity also opens more doors to cybercriminals.
Cyberattacks today are smarter, faster, and harder to spot, especially for businesses without strong defenses. Gone are the days when clunky grammar and misspellings gave hackers away; today’s phishing emails can look polished, professional, and nearly indistinguishable from legitimate messages.
Rethinking the Threat
Cybercriminals often assume smaller operations lack layered protections. Ransomware attacks, especially during peak seasons, can lock you out of critical systems and stall production. Even basic phishing scams—where attackers pose as vendors or team members—can compromise sensitive data with a single click. Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a business continuity issue. If your systems go down, your business goes down with them.
Evolving Cyber Hygiene Practices
The basics still matter, like training staff, keeping systems updated, and backing up your data. But as threats evolve, so should your strategies.
A nursery in Ohio learned harsh lessons about cybersecurity: basic defenses like firewalls and antivirus software weren’t enough. The business had not tested its disaster recovery plan, which left them scrambling after a breach just before Mother’s Day, one of their busiest times of year.
Here are a few modern tools and approaches to consider:
1. AI-Powered Password Management
Artificial intelligence is changing password hygiene. AI-enabled tools can flag compromised credentials, suggest strong, unique passwords, and monitor for suspicious logins across your platforms.
2. Zero Trust Frameworks
Rather than assuming trust within your network, Zero Trust models verify every
access request. This limits lateral movement in case of a breach and better protects remote access points.
3. Cloud-Based Systems with Built-in Security
Modern ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management) can be cybersecurity allies. These systems are increasingly cloud-native, maintained by providers with 24/7 threat monitoring, data encryption, automated patching, and compliance support. They help centralize operations while reducing exposure from legacy software or isolated spreadsheets.
Many solutions also support role-based access and multifactor authentication— two key controls for protecting customer and financial data.
4. Smart Segmentation and Network Monitoring
With operational technology (OT), such as greenhouse sensors, smart irrigation, and HVAC controls, becoming more connected, these devices need protection, too. Keep OT on a separate network, monitor access logs, and apply security updates from vendors regularly.
Cyber Insurance and Incident Readiness
No cybersecurity plan is foolproof. That’s where cyber liability insurance comes in—helping offset the financial fallout from breaches, downtime, and regulatory penalties. But coverage should be part of a broader resilience plan, not your only line of defense.
Let’s
Get Started
Premium members have access to expert guidance from Pinion. Contact AmericanHort at (614) 487-1117 or email MemberServices@AmericanHort.org to connect with an advisor or scan the QR code for more information.
Make Security Part of Your Culture
Cybersecurity works best when it’s embedded into everyday operations:
• Include it in onboarding and seasonal training
• Run tabletop drills for incident response
• Conduct annual risk assessments
• Choose vendor partners with security-first practices
In each issue of Connect, we’ll be “hiding” a new small graphic. When you find it, email us at ConnectSeekAndFind@AmericanHort.org, and tell us where you found it.
For this issue, respond by October 3.
OSEEK & FIN
Investing in Efficiencies with McCorkle Nurseries
With 83 years under its belt, McCorkle Nurseries in Dearing, Georgia, thrives by blending time-tested growing practices with strategic investments in technology, efficiency and workforce development.
Led by Operations Manager Chris McCorkle and General Manager Blaze Podgorski, the operation grows a diverse mix of woody ornamentals and perennials across 460 acres, shipping primarily to six Southeastern states.
Field Improvements
McCorkle Nurseries has made meaningful low-tech upgrades that improve both quality and productivity, proving that adopting technology does not have to be complicated.
“We have a soil mixing line and potting machine, which are pretty standard,” says McCorkle. “But adding the soil line a few years ago was a major improvement. Up until that point, we mixed everything on a pad with a front-end loader. It’s greatly improved both our efficiency and the quality of our soil mix.”
An efficiency improvement can be as simple as looking at your current procedures in a new light. McCorkle Nurseries hired a team of efficiency consultants to review their processes. The end result was a reengineering of the operation’s propagation and shipping processes with an eye toward ergonomics and labor savings.
“We used to bend over to stick cuttings into flats staged on the ground,” Podgorski explains. “Now, everything is done at a better working height. That’s eliminated a lot of repetitive stress.”
The team also implemented a pre-staging system where plants are loaded directly onto carts to minimize plant handling. Plus, Podgorski says, “It’s much more ergonomic and efficient than what we were doing in the past.”
Behind the Scenes Upgrades
Pairing field machinery upgrades with software solutions working behind the scenes can also make a difference. Podgorski says the nursery recently upgraded their enterprise resource planning
McCorkle Nurseries has made meaningful low-tech upgrades that improve both quality and productivity, proving that adopting technology does not have to be complicated.
(ERP) system to a cloud-based system, which had an immediate impact.
“It cuts out steps, reduces clerical burden, and improves reporting,” Podgorski notes.
“It makes upper management more efficient, which ideally works its way down to the field level.”
By blending practical upgrades with smart technology, McCorkle Nurseries shows how investments in efficiency can improve daily operations and support long-term success.
New AmericanHort Members!
We extend a warm welcome to the new members who joined in June and July.
Premium Members Tagawa Greenhouse Brighton, CO Welcome
See the full list of new Plus, Basic, and other members at AmericanHort.org/NewMembers or scan the QR code.
2025 Salary & Benefits Survey and Report
The green industry moves fast—don’t make critical staffing and compensation decisions based on guesswork.
Essential data on salary, staffing, and benefits will be captured in three distinct areas by the AmericanHort Salary & Benefits Benchmark Survey: company demographics, staffing and benefits, and salary.
Respondents who complete the survey receive high-impact insights to assist in strategic business decisions, like identifying compensation strategies and ensuring competitive compensation and benefits are being offered.
Participation in the data collection provides you with reliable benchmarks on salary, benefits, and staffing that can also guide businesses in attracting and retaining topquality employees.
This is more than a survey—it’s a strategic tool.
Real Numbers, Impact, and Results
The green industry’s most robust compensation dataset is powered by you.
Why Completing the Survey Matters
Respondents who complete the survey will receive insights and tools that help guide smarter decisions and improve business performance, which include:
• Exclusive access to real, relevant industry data
• Tools to identify where your company stands
• Insightful comparisons to help shape your future workforce strategy
• The chance to influence and strengthen industry-wide standards
Each completed response helps produce accurate benchmarks that benefit everyone in the field, from small operations to largescale businesses.
By submitting your company’s information, you contribute to a resource that offers realworld numbers and measurable insights.
The survey is simple to complete and requires basic company data, including:
• General company demographics
• Staffing and benefits information
• Salary data for up to 34 specific job titles (including full-time, part-time and seasonal roles)
What You’ll Receive
Companies who complete the full survey will receive a comprehensive Industry Report—a data-packed guide to compensation and benefits trends prepared by third-party experts, Industry Insights.
This exclusive report includes:
• A complete Compensation & Benefits Analysis, broken down by role, geographic region, and company size
• Strategic insights to strengthen recruitment, retention and salary planning
Additionally, AmericanHort Premium members who complete the survey have access to the Compensation & Benefits Comparison Report (a value of $899). This report helps businesses understand where wages and benefits are competitive and where adjustments can be made to attract and retain top performers, allowing you to see how your business stacks against industry averages. All other eligible members who complete the survey can purchase the Compensation & Benefits Comparison Report, which is an exclusive member-only opportunity.
Continued on Page 13…
Kay Jeong: From Student to Innovator
When Kay Jeong first stepped onto the show floor at Cultivate, she was a shy new graduate student at The Ohio State University. Today, she leads research and product innovation at Sun Gro Horticulture. A major inflection point in her professional journey was becoming a HortScholar.
Finding Her Place
Kay’s involvement with AmericanHort started long before she applied to be a HortScholar. She got involved in her first year as a master’s student at Ohio State when she spotted a volunteer recruitment poster. Her involvement eventually led Kay to being selected as a HortScholar in 2009. The experience pushed her beyond simply observing the trade show.
“The HortScholar program allowed me to meet leaders in the industry,” she recalls. “We met key people and even had breakfast with the head of Ball Horticultural Company. That was a special moment.”
From Cultivate to Career
A casual conversation with Dr. Paul Nelson during his book signing at Cultivate led Kay to pursue her Ph.D. in horticultural science and soil science with him at North Carolina State University.
After graduating, she landed at Scott’s Miracle-Gro as a senior research scientist in growing media, delivering “real products people could use,” she said. “That was my dream.”
“It’s been a great journey.”
Kay eventually moved on to her current position at Sun Gro Horticulture, where she’s held roles ranging from Grower Specialist Manager to Research Leader. Today, she works with research partners at universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on key research programs. Kay also has her hands in new product development and has released several over the last few years, including six new ones that debuted at Cultivate’25. “It’s been a great journey,” Kay says.
Staying Involved
Kay has stayed involved with AmericanHort over the years. She served as a board member for the Horticultural Research Institute, reviewed HortScholar applications, contributed to the AmericanHort Greenhouse Certification Program, and appeared in a Women in Horticulture webinar to share her personal journey from Korea to leadership in U.S. horticulture.
“The HortScholar program opened doors for me—to meet mentors, build confidence and launch my career,” says Jeong.
Learn More about Kay
Watch the Women in Horticulture interview with Kay by scanning the QR code below and logging into the AmericanHort Learning Center.
Meet the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2026
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and AmericanHort are proud to announce the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2026, a cohort of accomplished professionals from across the green industry who are poised to take their leadership to the next level.
These individuals, representing various industry segments and career paths, were selected for their commitment to horticulture and their desire to help shape the industry’s future.
The HRI Leadership Academy is a one-year advanced leadership program designed for experienced horticulture professionals. Built around in-person classes, peer collaboration, and mentorship, this program prepares leaders to confidently navigate business challenges, drive innovation, and spark positive change in their businesses, the industry, and their communities.
Introducing the Class of 2026:
Andrea Avila (Smith Gardens–OR) oversees the company’s largest facility, which produces over half of its annual volume. With a background in corporate finance and production operations, she brings global perspective and strong leadership rooted in lean practices and people development.
Fred Higginbotham III (Millcreek Gardens–OH) began as an intern and progressed to a key leadership role, managing the growth of operations. Fred is known for his steady presence, strategic thinking, and deep commitment to mentoring and workforce development.
Tom Hughes (Hughes Nursery & Landscaping–IA) is a fourth-generation owner and president of his family business. With over 25 years of experience, Tom blends operational excellence with community stewardship and a legacy mindset.
Colin Jones (Manor View Farm–MD) has built his career at the intersection of nursery production and landscape operations, giving him a well-rounded view of the challenges and opportunities facing green industry businesses.
Kaitlyn Larson (Larson’s Garden Center & Landscaping–CT) leads her family’s century-old business and has expanded both its retail and design/build operations. She is a champion for customer experience, team development, and peer collaboration.
Rebecca Lusk (Vaughan’s Horticulture–IL) brings two decades of experience in floriculture sales and strategy. She’s known for her work with key retail accounts, her practical leadership style, and her commitment to advancing women in the industry.
Emily Mason (Syngenta Flowers–CA) is the Global Head of Marketing, with over 25 years of experience in product management, branding, and strategy. Her international career spans roles in Europe and Latin America, with a focus on innovation and inclusive leadership.
Hilliary Metzger (Home Nursery–IL) leads a multistate sales team for one of the Midwest’s top nursery growers. She is focused on customer service, team culture, and supporting the next generation through FFA and educational outreach.
Amanda Staehely (Columbia Nursery–OR) owns and operates her family business and recently served as president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. She brings a bold voice in advocacy, entrepreneurship, and grassroots leadership.
Leland Toering (Ball FloraPlant–IL) manages national sales strategy across North America. His career includes work in retail, cut flowers, and international operations, with a focus on succession planning and strategic alignment.
“The HRI Leadership Academy continues to elevate the green industry’s most promising leaders,” states Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator. “Each year, we look for individuals who are not only accomplished professionals but also thoughtful, forwardthinking leaders. This class brings together the mix of experience, creativity, and purpose that reflects the best of what our industry has to offer.”
Ken Fisher, President & CEO of AmericanHort, adds, “Programs like the HRI Leadership Academy are critical to ensuring the long-term strength of our industry. We’re not only investing in the growth of these leaders, we’re investing in the success and sustainability of horticulture as a whole.”
Read more about the class at HRILeadershipAcademy.org or scan the QR code.
Continued from Page 11…
The annual Salary & Benefits Survey is being conducted on behalf of AmericanHort and Ball Publishing by Industry Insights, an independent expert professional research firm.
All data is confidential. Survey responses are collected and analyzed solely by Industry Insights. AmericanHort and Ball Publishing—along with their staff and members—do not have access to any individual company responses. Benchmark data is reported only in aggregate, ensuring privacy is protected.
Get the Insights to Guide Your Decisions
Join your peers in contributing to the most accurate, comprehensive compensation benchmarks in horticulture. With every complete response, the data set becomes more valuable—for your company and the entire industry.
The data collection period ends September 26.
For more information and to participate, visit AmericanHort.org/ SalaryBenefitSurvey or scan the QR code.
Build A Stronger Team with Native-Language Education
Invest in your workforce with education that speaks their language. Training taught in Spanish helps employees understand technical skills faster, work more safely, and collaborate more effectively.
Here’s what to expect:
• Better teamwork across roles
• Clearer communication on the job
• Greater efficiency and fewer delays Each session is translated and reviewed by fluent industry professionals to ensure accuracy, clarity, and practical value for your team.
Learn more at AmericanHort.org/SpanishEd or scan the QR code.
“The Spanish-language content gave my team a sense of belonging to the industry. They felt included, not just by aligning with our company’s messaging, but by understanding best practices across the industry. I believe that kind of inclusion can lead to happier, more efficient, and more productive employees.”
Alfredo Rios, Plant Health Manager, Loma Vista Nursery
Two Days. One Supply Chain. Shared Success.
September 30–October 1 Baltimore, MD
Where Plants Begin and Projects Take Root
Whether you grow them or install them, understanding the full plant journey matters. Join us Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Baltimore for the Nursery & Landscape Tour—featuring seven unique stops where you’ll gain real-world strategies to improve efficiency, sourcing, team training, and project outcomes.
Visit AmericanHort.org/2025NLTour or scan the QR code for details.
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About AmericanHort
AmericanHort is the national association of horticulture businesses and professionals across the spectrum of the industry. Perform better, grow stronger and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association.
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AmericanHort Connect 2025: September
Publisher: Mary Beth Cowardin, Vice President, Marketing & Member Engagement
Editor: Cindy Whitt, Marketing Communications Manager Hello@AmericanHort.org 2130 Stella Court Columbus, OH 43215-1033 USA (614) 487-1117
©2025 AmericanHort. All rights reserved. This material may contain confidential information, and it is for the sole use of AmericanHort members. The information contained herein is for general guidance and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, retransmitted, or otherwise made public without prior written permission by AmericanHort. Please contact the editor at (614) 884-1147 for permission with acknowledgment.
¡NUEVO para el 2025! Incluye 13 charlas presentadas en español.
2130 Stella Court Columbus, OH 43215 USA (614) 487-1117
NEW for 2025! Includes 13 sessions taught in Spanish.
Cultivate’25 has wrapped, but two resources are still available.
The Cultivate’25 On-Demand Education Pass gives you access to 50+ expert-led sessions covering the latest strategies, insights, and innovations in the green industry. Perfect for individuals or teams looking to stay sharp year-round. AmericanHort.org/ OnDemand Plus, don’t miss the State of the Industry Address , an exclusive video featuring AmericanHort leadership. Gain valuable perspectives on today’s market climate, labor challenges, policy updates, and more.
AmericanHort.org/ StateOfTheIndustry
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