Grow Like a Rock Star: Tiffany Sustar of Buchwalter Greenhouse
In the world of horticulture, some greenhouses don’t just grow plants; they grow legacies. At Buchwalter Greenhouse in Wooster, Ohio, five generations have taken the stage over the last 99 years, cultivating not only vibrant plant life but also deep connections within their community. What started as a local grower’s dream has grown into a multi-seasonal, year-round operation with a reputation for healthy plants and a commitment to values that transcend generations.
Today, that legacy is carried forward by Tiffany Sustar, a member of the Buchwalter family whose voice harmonizes tradition with innovation. With hands-on growing practices and a team-focused mindset, Tiffany isn’t just continuing the family song; she’s adding new verses.
A Family Tradition, Still in Tune
“I am truly honored to be a part of such a unique family legacy,” says Tiffany. “For any business to last, it definitely requires a lot of determination as well as being willing to change with time.”
Buchwalter Greenhouse began nearly a century ago with a simple mission: to grow top-quality plants for their community. That mission hasn’t changed, but the tools and methods have evolved. Tiffany notes how much has changed from the early days, when her family mixed their own soil by hand and watered every plant manually.
Over time, the greenhouse has gradually adopted new technologies like automatic ventilation systems and drip irrigation. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our crops with less time and labor,” Tiffany explains, a reflection of the family’s belief in hard work, stewardship, and steady growth.
Setting the Stage: Year-Round Rhythm
The greenhouse grows more than 90% of what it sells on-site, and its seasonal lineup covers everything from hanging baskets and mums to poinsettias, houseplants, vegetables, perennials, and shrubs. The production rhythm is constant; there’s always something growing, something transitioning, something being prepared for the spotlight.
“We are planting different crops throughout the year,” says Tiffany. “Hanging baskets are one of our largest crops, which we will begin in January and stagger new batches through June, so we always have fresh color available to our customers.” In June, the team begins planting mums for fall, while peonies and other perennials are planted in autumn to be ready the following spring. As crops mature, they’re moved from the production greenhouse to the retail space, keeping the cycle moving.
Behind the scenes, planning is everything. “Team meetings are crucial to mapping out each season,” Tiffany explains. “We use data from previous years to plan out soil, fertilizer, and container needs, typically a year in advance.” Good record-keeping and detailed analysis allow them to keep improving year after year. “Each year varies a little with how certain holidays fall, but by analyzing our crop performance of previous years, we are able to make adjustments and keep aiming to improve.”
That precision and adaptability are what keep the operation in harmony.
A Signature Sound: Quality Over Everything
When asked what makes Buchwalter Greenhouse stand out, Tiffany doesn’t hesitate: “Quality is very important to us, because we want our customers to succeed with their plants and return.”
The team puts great care into selecting plant varieties that perform well for home gardeners, then invests in the resources those plants need to thrive. “That means we invest in quality soil, fertilizer, heat, and care,” Tiffany says. “Too often we have seen other growers try to cut back in one of these areas, and the result is a poor plant that has a short life for the customer.”
That commitment to excellence is what earned Buchwalter its reputation as “the greenhouse with the healthy plants”, a local favorite with deep roots and consistent performance.
Powered by PRO-MIX®
Part of that consistency comes from their growing media. Tiffany and her team rely on PRO-MIX® BK and PRO-MIX® BX, both enhanced with the beneficial biologicals Bacillus and mycorrhizae.
“The mycorrhizae made a huge difference with our poinsettia crop,” Tiffany notes. The added drainage offered by PRO-MIX® BK has also been beneficial for perennial crops and garden mums. “Better root development” is the clear result, and in a growing environment where time, space, and uniformity matter, that root performance makes a meaningful difference.
Tiffany also values how these biologicals align with the team’s sustainable philosophy. “It’s a natural way to get a better crop and use less chemicals,” she explains.
When issues arise, the PRO-MIX® team is quick to jump in. “They have tested the growing media for us when issues have arisen. They have gone out of their way to answer questions and are easily reachable.” For a greenhouse that depends on reliability at every step of the season, that kind of service is a vital part of the partnership. “They are consistent, and the product is reliable. We can rely on our orders being fulfilled and receive the support needed from our rep.”
Behind the Music
For all the planning and innovation, Buchwalter Greenhouse is still a place where the human touch is irreplaceable. The day-to-day work of the team is what makes the place run. “Our crew takes care of so many details as a team,” she adds. “From sweeping floors to planting each little plant, they all pitch in to make this business thrive.”
If Buchwalter Greenhouse had a theme song? Tiffany’s pick says it all: “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Weathering the Storms
Like every great tour, a growing season comes with unexpected challenges. For Tiffany, the most recent one has been the weather. “We have made a lot of adjustments, cut crops back, and repurposed plantings to keep crops looking their best,” she says.
Through it all, Buchwalter keeps pushing forward, adapting, replanting, and continuing to deliver the quality their customers count on.
Their biggest hit? The signature hanging baskets that sell out every Mother’s Day weekend. “We are known for our hanging baskets, and they are always a huge hit,” Tiffany says. But they’re more than just a retail success; these extra-large baskets also beautify the streets of their local community. “It’s always great to hear everyone’s excitement when they are hung along the streets for the season.”
Encore: The Power of a Moment
Tiffany’s proudest moment as a grower came when Buchwalter’s mums were selected for a major local event. “We are proud to grow mums for Barberton Mumfest, and last year we had a stunning crop of mums that filled our hillside with color. It was amazing to see all that hard work later displayed at the festival.”
Moments like that are the standing ovation every grower hopes for, the payoff for months of careful work, planning, and care.
To young growers just stepping onto the stage, Tiffany offers this advice: “Take classes, attend Cultivate, ask questions, and visit other greenhouses to learn as much as possible. Never stop learning.”
Visit Buchwalter Greenhouse
Buchwalter Greenhouse is located at 6554 Back Orrville Road in Wooster, Ohio, and is open year-round. You can explore their diverse seasonal selection of plants, gardening supplies, and more by visiting www.buchwaltergreenhouse.com.
To follow their story, connect with them on Instagram, Facebook, or check out their podcast, “The Greenhouse Gals”.
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