Here We Grow supports year-round gardening
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Year-round fresh vegetables are no longer a fantasy, thanks to the opening of a new business in the Star City, Here We Grow, specializing in all the items necessary to keep your green thumb well-exercised, be it early spring or the dead of winter.
“We want to get the word out there that we have the resources and can help people get the most of every square foot of space they have, whether they’re an indoor grower or outdoor gardener,” said Michael Lodge, co-owner with his wife, Nicole.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE begins at the product purchasing stage at Here We Grow in Presque Isle, located at 36 North Street, and continues through harvest, with firsthand advice on the best nutrients and equipment to produce the best crop possible. Here, owner Michael Lodge goes over nutrient information with customer Jim Campbell, of Presque Isle. The store specializes in hydroponic and organic gardening, with a wide range of supplies to meet any gardening need.
Here We Grow offers indoor, greenhouse, hydroponic and organic gardening supplies suitable for anyone interested in growing their own produce or greenery, from the single individual looking to raise a few tomatoes to the organic farmer who plans to sell to a larger market. From fans, lights and hoods, to entire greenhouses and more, Lodge said if it’s not in stock in the store he can order it and have it in in a matter of days.
“We carry growing lights, fertilizers and the latest hydroponic technology and have the knowledge to help anyone get started in growing their own vegetables for year-round consumption,” said Lodge. “We hope to have starter plants and seeds in for next year.”
Lodge, a timber contractor by trade, said he’s no stranger to The County and its people, having owned property in the Bridgewater area in the 1990s. Most recently he and his wife lived in Colorado. Seeing a growing interest in hydroponic gardening across the country inspired them to get into the business. After considering several locations across the U.S., they selected Aroostook County for its long farming heritage.
“It was the realization of an opportunity to get into a business that is, in itself, growing daily,” he said. “Opening in Presque Isle allows us to live in a rural setting with all the amenities of Presque Isle just minutes away.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TOMATOES grown indoors using hydroponic and organic techniques thrive and produce longer than those grown outdoors. Pictured here is Michael Lodge, owner of Here We Grow, located at 36 North Street in Presque Isle, with some starter plants he is growing at the store using a lighted hood designed for raising plants inside.
For Lodge, knowledge is the key to success. It’s his goal to share his knowledge with others to help them become better gardeners.
“We offer the expertise to help you choose the products right for your goals,” Lodge said. “We also help you avoid shipping costs. Prior to our opening, customers have told us the nearest place to purchase many of the products we carry was Bangor or beyond. Now they can shop locally. In turn, we buy locally. Being successful means we can give back to the local economy.”
Lodge, who has a bachelor’s degree in building science and wood technology and has studied forest land management extensively, said he can use his education to his advantage when it comes to helping others set up greenhouses or looking for planting information. He’s also looking forward to sharing his knowledge with others.
“I’d be happy to come in if someone has a special class or group they’d like me to speak with. My goal is to offer hydroponic workshops,” he said.
He said he’s been very impressed by the people he’s met since moving to the area.
“People here have been very engaging. They show such mutual respect and a willingness to share information,” said Lodge.
Customer Jim Campbell said he’s looking forward to seeing how the products he purchased from the store work on his garden.
“I’ve got lettuce and tomatoes in my garden. When winter comes, I can try growing indoors,” said Campbell. “I’ve been gardening as long as I can remember — about 40 years. I’m looking forward to seeing how my garden turns out using these new products.”
Some of the products currently being sold include nutrients from: Roots Organics, General Organics and General Hydroponics and Botanicare.
“We can get other nutrients as well. We have the ability to order a wide variety of products,” said Lodge, noting his business serves not just Aroostook County customers but those worldwide, thanks to the company’s website, www.herewegrohydro.com. “We also are a Farm Tek dealer. That’s an Iowa company that sends us farm supply catalogs. They have quality greenhouses and arch structures used as carports, cold frames and barns, and much more.”
The benefit of ordering through Here We Grow is that support can be obtained locally.
“We provide all the products with the added benefit of local support,” Lodge said.
Lodge said he’s interested in helping customers “increase their production without having to increase footage.”
“A lot of our products are appropriate for someone growing on a smaller scale. You don’t need a lot of acreage to have a really nice garden or greenhouse,” said Lodge.
There are added benefits to growing your own produce, according to Lodge.
“You tend to waste less when you’ve grown something yourself. People appreciate food more when they’ve put their own hard work into raising something. You learn valuable life lessons in the process.”
Lodge said he’s also looking into the possibility of carrying products for home brewers of things like wine and beer.
“We’d appreciate public feedback — see if anyone’s interested in beer- or wine-making supplies,” said Lodge.
Lodge envisions a greener future as more and more people take an interest in growing their own vegetables — in part due to the rising number of E. coli cases in the news in recent years, as well as rising costs of production.
“Growing your own food reduces the risks. You know how it’s grown — where it came from and how it was handled. There’s also money to be saved by raising your own garden. Not to mention the feeling of accomplishment you get from watching a garden grow from seedlings to maturity,” said Lodge.
Here We Grow, located at 36 North Street, is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 12-6 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 207-SOYBEAN (207-769-2326), visit www.herewegrowhydro.com, or find the business on Facebook.
