Grow Like a Rock Star: Liz of Hook’s Greenhouse - Every Great Song Has a Great Hook

In southern Lorain County, just west of Wellington, Ohio, there’s a grower who knows how to put on a show. Liz Hook, co-owner of Hook’s Greenhouse, is striking all the right chords with her family-run business, blending hard-earned experience, sustainable practices, and a whole lot of heart. With over 50,000 square feet of production space and a growing fanbase of loyal customers, Hook’s Greenhouse is proving that when passion and purpose meet, you get a chart-topping operation. 

From Backstage to Center Stage 

"I’ve always been involved in the green industry as early as high school," says Liz. Her first gig was with a landscaping company, but the real magic happened when she took a job at a local greenhouse and met her future husband and business partner, Charlie Hook. "We both discovered our shared love for horticulture. Charlie started the greenhouse with his family in 2001. In 2004, Charlie and I got married here in the greenhouse." 

Two years later, they took the lead. "In 2006, his parents retired, and we bought them out, starting our journey as sole full-time owners of what is known today as Hook’s Greenhouse." 

Their inspiration to take over the family band? "It came from our love of growing plants. We love to see our customers happy with a product we pour our hearts into. As Charlie states, “We like to beautify our community.” 

Building a Sound That Lasts 

Hook’s Greenhouse has evolved slowly and intentionally, adding new elements to their setlist over time. "When we first started, we were primarily a farm market with some plants. Over the next 20 years, we’ve been slowly expanding, one minor change at a time. Now, we are primarily plants with a side of produce in the fall." 

They’ve become known for their crowd favorites: "We are known for our hanging baskets. Each year, hundreds of customers come just for their baskets. We are also well-known for our veggies." 

The evolution of their vegetable production reflects a growing cultural shift. "In recent years, homesteading and a self-sustaining lifestyle have been on the rise. People are more aware of what kind of food they are putting into their bodies, and they are getting involved in eating clean." 

But for Liz and Charlie, it’s all about balance. "We only have field-grown vegetables in the fall. We open for the mum season in September, and that’s when we will stock tomatoes, peppers, kohlrabi, and some others. We have cut back on growing vegetables and focus more on growing plants." 

Hitting the Right Notes with Sustainability 

Sustainability isn’t just a side note at Hook’s Greenhouse; it’s part of the headlining act. "We try to be as sustainable as we can. We are constantly recycling/upcycling. We use what we have and try to find new ways to innovate what we do." 

They’ve adopted a mix of creative and practical innovations: "We have a bale shaver that allows us to buy in bulk. We also have some flood benches that help collect and return water. We are currently building a retention pond that we will soon implement with our daily waterings. We have some greenhouses with roof vents that help with airflow. We have also been adding heated concrete floors to some of our houses with great success."  

A Family Act 

The Hooks live on the property, and their children, Henry and Katie, are very much part of the show. "Managing a greenhouse while raising a family is quite challenging. We are torn in many directions," Liz admits. "It is also very rewarding. We live on the property, so we get to homeschool our children." 

Henry and Katie are already tuning up for the family business. "Not only do they help with operations, but they are also very creative. They are always coming up with ideas to improve and expand, even at their young ages." 

More than just technical skills, Liz hopes to pass on a deep set of values. "They are learning about healthy living, strong family bonds, and how to manage different personalities with a kind heart and a helpful spirit." 

The Road Crew 

Every headliner needs a great crew, and Hook’s is no exception. "Our crew is made up of a very eclectic group of people... They range in age from a high school student to a senior who has retired but loves gardening. We don’t always hire based on skills; we look more at personality type. Our staff must be very friendly and helpful. They love people and have a pleasant demeanor." 

Hands-on training, video learning, walkie-talkie support, and seasoned mentors help keep everyone in sync. "We do see the greenhouse as an opportunity for mentorship. We love to educate anyone willing to learn." 

A Sound All Their Own 

Liz describes their growing style as "happy and serene." Hook’s Greenhouse isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a place to feel something. "The world is crazy, and we like to offer a place to find peace among the chaos. If they’ve had a bad day, they will show up just to restore some of their inner peace." 

Their theme song? "Buy Dirt" by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan. 

"We are most proud of how much we’ve grown over the years. What started as a small business in a small building has grown to over 50k sq feet under plastic. We’ve had small, obtainable growth over the last 20+ years of business. We also become a name people trust. That is important to us." 

Amping it up with PRO-MIX® 

Liz and Charlie have used PRO-MIX® since the early days. "We have been growing in PRO-MIX® from the beginning with great success. We have tried other mixes over the years but have not been pleased with the results." 

That consistency is critical for customer satisfaction. "Occasionally, we have to outsource our plants. Most of the returns we see are because our supplier uses another growing medium to grow with. We know that by using PRO-MIX® we will have healthy plants and happy customers." 

When it comes to performance, Liz is clear: "We notice that we have healthier plants when using PRO-MIX®. We do not use anything else." 

And the support? "Wonderful experiences with knowledgeable staff." 

The Encore 

As they look to the future, Liz and Charlie have a simple but powerful vision. "We’d like to make it easier to grow and maintain our current operations without sacrificing any results. Whether growing or shopping, our goals are to refine our current methods for the next generation." 

For new growers, Liz offers sound advice honed over the years on the road: "Start small. Do not take on too much too soon. Make sure you know your area, and make sure you know your target audience. Invest in a solid foundation. It takes time, invest in the future by making time in the present." 

Hook’s Greenhouse is more than just a stop on the map; it’s a destination, a trusted name, and a place where families, plants, and community all grow in harmony. 

To follow along, visit hookgreenhouse.com or find Hook’s Greenhouse on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Their weekly email newsletter includes subscriber-only specials, making it the perfect backstage pass to everything they’re growing next. 

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