Grow Like a Rock Star: Jason Wenninger, Ebert’s Greenhouse Village
In Ixonia, Wisconsin, the road winds through quiet farmland, and then, almost all at once, Ebert’s Greenhouse Village comes into view. Greenhouses stretch across the landscape, anchored by a classic red barn, creating something that feels bigger than a garden center.
When the season peaks, it has been called the “Disneyland of flowers.”
Behind that scale and energy is Head Grower Jason Wenninger, setting the rhythm that keeps it all moving. His path into horticulture was not mapped out from the start. As a teenager, he was leaning toward welding and machining. But early exposure to gardening through his grandfather, combined with a job at Ebert’s at 18, pulled him in. What began as hands-on work turned into a long-term career. After building experience in distribution and sales, he returned in 2016 to take on the role of head grower, a position he has now held for nearly a decade.
Today, he sets the pace across the greenhouses, making sure the team has what they need and that every crop stays on track season after season.
Built Like a Band, not a Solo Act
Ebert’s calls itself a “Greenhouse Village,” a name that reflects how the operation runs every day.
“It takes many people, all with different talents, to accomplish the end goal,” Jason explains.
From growers and production teams to retail staff and maintenance crews, everyone has a role. Some are on propagation, others on spacing, irrigation, customer service, or equipment. Together, they form a tight group where success comes from coordination and shared effort.
That philosophy carries into training. Knowledge and processes are developed, refined, and shared across the team, allowing growers to build confidence and take ownership of their work. As Jason puts it, “I look at my growers as individuals, not their shortcomings. My job is to grow plants, but also people.”
Over time, those growers step into mentorship roles, helping others develop the same skills. The result is a crew that adapts quickly and keeps things moving when the pressure is on.
Turning Pressure into Performance
Spring at Ebert’s hits like a headline act going on stage. Everything builds toward that moment.
January is about planning, maintenance, and dialing in equipment. February sets the stage, with early crops arriving and final adjustments taking place. By March, every greenhouse is full, and timing becomes critical. Crops need to be managed carefully, from pest control to fertility and spacing. April shifts the focus toward presentation as the garden center opens. Then May arrives, and the pace accelerates fast, generating a large portion of the year’s revenue in just a few weeks.
During that time, there is no room for missed cues. As Jason puts it, “it’s the small things that will get you,” referring to how minor issues can stack up and disrupt production.
His approach is to stay ahead of those problems. That means anticipating needs, making sure materials are ready, and ensuring growers have everything required to do their jobs efficiently. In recent years, his role has shifted more toward coordination and planning.
When the team is supported properly, the entire operation performs better.
Adapting the Setlist
Labor has become one of the biggest challenges for greenhouse operations. The seasonal workforce that once filled these roles is no longer as available, and competition from other industries is strong.
At Ebert’s, that challenge has led to strategic changes. “You have to change with the times,” Jason says. “If you don’t, time will change you.”
Automation has become part of the playbook. Capillary mats have reduced the need for hand watering in certain areas, freeing up time and labor for other tasks. The impact is measurable, with significant savings over a short period and even greater potential if expanded further.
The switch to compressed growing media has been another major shift. After years of trials, Ebert’s moved fully to PRO-MIX® HPCC AGTIV AMPLIFY® across annuals, perennials, and vegetables. The benefits showed up quickly. Fewer deliveries, less handling, and improved efficiency all contributed to cost savings and smoother operations.
Water management also improved. Coir-based components help retain moisture while still allowing for proper drainage. Compared to older bark-based mixes, this reduces the need for repeated watering cycles when plants dry down. Over time, that translates into both labor savings and more consistent crop performance.
There was a learning curve. Changing media types means adjusting irrigation habits and understanding how the mix behaves. By taking a gradual approach over several years, the team built that knowledge step by step.
The rule behind every change is simple. If plant quality drops, the idea is reworked or removed. If it can be improved, it stays in rotation.
Playing the Long Game
Innovation at Ebert’s starts with a problem. When something needs to improve, the team builds a solution and tests it. Trials can be short or long, depending on the complexity. Some adjustments are quick fixes. Others take multiple seasons to validate.
One of the strengths of the operation is its willingness to commit to those trials. Working with suppliers across different categories, from inputs to containers and irrigation, allows the team to stay connected to new ideas and technologies. It also creates opportunities to test products before they reach wider use.
The AGTIV® beneficial microorganisms in PRO-MIX® growing media are part of that strategy. Supporting plant health early, reducing stress, and maintaining balance helps prevent larger issues later. When pressure builds from pests or disease, conventional tools are still used, but the goal is to manage rather than react.
Sustainability is part of the conversation as well. Every input has an impact, and overuse can create long-term challenges. As Jason puts it, “we have to ask ourselves what this looks like in 50 years.” Decisions are made with an eye on the future, not just the current season.
More Than a Garden Center
What customers experience at Ebert’s is the result of everything happening behind the scenes.
The goal is to create a space where people can slow down. Walking through rows of plants, surrounded by color and texture, offers a sense of peace, a break from everyday stress. Even a short visit can change someone’s mood. “I want people to feel relief when they walk through the doors,” Jason says, “even if it’s just for a few hours.”
That experience is amplified through events. Spring weekends around Mother’s Day draw large crowds, with food trucks, vendors, and a full lineup of plants ready for the season. Fall brings another wave of activity, with school visits, pumpkin picking, and family-focused activities that turn the space into a destination.
These moments build connection. They create memories that bring people back year after year. In many cases, customers become the strongest promoters of the business, sharing their experience with others.
The Rock Star Moment
Ask Jason what stands out the most, and he points to his team.
Watching growers develop, take ownership, and grow into their roles is what matters. The progress is not just technical. It is personal. Confidence builds. Skills sharpen. Individuals find their place within the team.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” he says, recognizing the mentors and colleagues who helped shape his career.
That perspective drives how he leads today. The focus is on passing that knowledge forward: giving others the tools to succeed, and creating an environment where growth happens on multiple levels.
Keeping the Crowd Engaged
At Ebert’s, consistency comes from strong foundations and a willingness to adapt.
Safety, plant quality, and team well-being are not negotiable. These are the core elements that support everything else. Around them, processes evolve. New ideas are tested. Adjustments are made.
The balance between efficiency and quality is managed carefully. Improvements are adopted only when they enhance the operation without compromising the final product. That approach keeps the performance strong, even as conditions shift.
Looking Ahead
As Ebert’s Greenhouse Village marks its 50-year milestone, the focus turns to what the next chapter will bring.
The horticulture industry is moving fast. Technology is advancing, expectations are changing, and new challenges continue to emerge.
For Jason, that is part of the appeal.
There is always something new to learn. Always a way to improve. Staying open to change while holding onto proven fundamentals is what keeps the operation moving forward.
At Ebert’s Greenhouse Village, the show does not slow down. The team keeps refining, adjusting, and pushing for better results. The music stays loud, the energy stays high, and when the season hits its peak, everything comes together like a headline performance.
If you ever find yourself in Ixonia,Ebert’s Greenhouse Village is well worth the stop. To see more, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Want to grow like a Rock Star with PRO-MIX® AGTIV®?
Request a product demo at your facility!
