Ergonomic Garden by Elevated Garden

In this episode of the Maine Connects Podcast, we have a conversation with Chris and Kerry Stetson, the founders of Ergonomic Gardens. They share their journey of starting their business and the challenges they faced along the way. Ergonomic Gardens specializes in creating high-quality garden beds that are made in America. Chris and Kerry wanted to have control over the material inputs and quality of their products, which is why they decided to manufacture their beds themselves instead of outsourcing to China.

The Difference in Quality

Chris and Kerry take pride in the quality of their garden beds. They use galvanized corrugated sheets and their own machine to bend and cut them. Unlike their competitors, who make beds that come in a box and are shorter in size, Ergonomic Gardens' beds are taller and made with a tighter corrugation pattern, making them stronger. The competitors' beds are often flimsy and prone to bowing. Additionally, Ergonomic Gardens chooses not to paint their beds, opting for a simple formulation that is safe for consumption. This decision reflects their commitment to providing a truly made-in-Maine product that is handmade with love.

Personalized Service

One unique aspect of Ergonomic Gardens is their personalized service. When customers order from them, they not only receive a high-quality garden bed, but they also get to meet and interact with Chris and Kerry. They are available to answer gardening questions and provide assistance. They even have a YouTube channel where they share videos on how to assemble and fill the beds.

Meeting Fellow Gardeners

Chris and Kerry enjoy the opportunity to interact with other gardeners through their business. They have had the chance to visit different parts of Maine and see how people are gardening and their reasons for buying the beds. They have found that their customers are passionate gardeners, some of whom are master gardeners. This interaction allows them to learn from each other and create a sense of community among gardeners.

Turning a Passion into a Business

Starting Ergonomic Gardens was a leap of faith for Chris and Kerry. They initially wanted the garden beds for themselves but couldn't find a product that met their standards. They realized that there were likely other people facing the same challenges and decided to turn their passion into a business. They anticipated little competition, but as they waited for their machine to arrive, competitors started popping up. However, they were confident in the quality of their product and believed they could find a market for it.

Challenges and Learning Curves

Building a grassroots business comes with its fair share of challenges. Chris and Kerry had to navigate through unfamiliar territory as they did everything for the first time. They encountered setbacks, such as breaking their machine during the initial production of garden beds. However, they persevered and learned from their mistakes. They experimented with different marketing strategies, including radio and TV spots, but found that Google and Facebook ads were more effective in driving traffic to their website. They also received unexpected support from Google, who reached out to them and offered to help optimize their ad campaign for free. Despite the challenges, Chris and Kerry have remained determined and have found success in their business.

Expanding the Business

Currently, Ergonomic Gardens sells its products directly through its website. However, they have plans to partner with local gardening centers in the future. By establishing partnerships with these businesses, they hope to reach a wider audience and make their products more accessible. However, they acknowledge that they need to further streamline their operations and improve their profit margins before pursuing these partnerships.

Connect with Ergonomic Gardens

If you're interested in learning more about Ergonomic Gardens and their products, you can visit their website at www.ErgonomicGardens.com. On their website, you'll find detailed explanations of their products, along with photos and contact information. They also have a YouTube channel called Elevated Garden, where they share videos on gardening tips and assembly instructions. Additionally, you can connect with Ergonomic Gardens on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram through the links provided on their website.

Advice for Gardeners

When asked for advice for gardeners looking to improve their gardens, Chris and Kerry emphasized the importance of making gardening enjoyable and easy. They shared their own experience of spending hours on their hands and knees weeding, only to have the weeds return shortly after. They found that gardening in an upright position, using their ergonomic garden beds, made the process much more enjoyable and rewarding. They encourage gardeners to create a garden that is pleasant and easy to maintain, as it will encourage them to spend more time in the garden and take better care of it.

Chris and Kerry Stetson's journey with Ergonomic Gardens is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. They turned their love for gardening into a successful business, overcoming challenges along the way. Their commitment to quality, personalized service, and community-building sets them apart in the gardening industry. As they continue to grow their business, they are focused on expanding their reach and partnering with local gardening centers. Through their website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms, they aim to connect with fellow gardeners and provide valuable resources and support.