There are a number of aspects to being a good customer to your growers. But we asked Tim Gravatt, division enhancements and regional irrigation advisor at ValleyCrest Cos., to simplify the process of ordering into three simple steps.

1. Start by opening the lines of communication. Organize a meeting with your grower, account managers, and designers to talk about the products you want to use. Discuss new varieties, new cultivars, and the best species for the look you are trying to achieve so everyone is on the same page with crop types. Once crop types are established the grower can give you the ‘germination to finish product’ or lead time needed for a contract grow.

2. Next, see where you can aggregate your orders for better leverage with your grower. Larger orders may be eligible for better pricing and be given a higher priority.
 

3. The final step is to follow up on the progress of your crops. Use you e-calendar to set reminders to call the grower and ask for photos of the progress.