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true true true true true true true

Bloomington Hydroponics Shop Thriving Despite Seed Shortage

By Ethan Burks

Posted April 24, 2020

Goldleaf co-owner Monica Billman waters plants in their shop.

Co-owner Monica Billman waters a row of plants inside the Goldleaf Hydroponics store. (Seth Tackett, WFIU/WTIU News)

Kyle and Monica Billman own and operate Goldleaf Hydroponics on the south side of Bloomington.

The husband and wife have around a decade of combined experience in the gardening industry, but the surge they’re seeing during the coronavirus pandemic caught them by surprise.

“All in all I’d say business is actually a little better than I would’ve anticipated for right now," Kyle Billman says. 

Billman says online sales and curbside orders have skyrocketed since mid-March and haven’t slowed. He says many online outlets have delays on seed orders, with some items out of stock entirely.

“It’s getting harder and harder to find those seeds online and even our suppliers are starting to dry up," Billman says.

Luckily for Kyle and Monica, they have more than a half-dozen suppliers. This means if they run into an issue where orders can’t be filled, they can pivot and use a different supplier.

“That’s one of the benefits of being a small business is that we can make quick decisions and alter our operations and inventory to kind of suit the market and customers week-by-week," Billman says.

A photo of Goldleaf Hydroponics co-owner Kyle Billman talking on the phone with a customer.
Kyle Billman talks with a customer about which fertilizer can treat their home garden. (Seth Tackett, WFIU/WTIU News)

Although it’s an unusual time, the Billmans say it’s exciting to see so many people embracing the gardening lifestyle and becoming more sustainable.

"People are starting to analyze their food choices more carefully now," Billman says.

Their highest-selling seeds over the last month have been tomatoes, peppers, herbs and root plants.

“I would hope those are changes that these people maintain and even share and pass on to their kids and friends," Billman says.

With all that’s gone wrong during the coronavirus outbreak, the Billmans are glad their passion for plants and the environment has resonated with more people.

For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here. 

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