Overview
Edible gardens combine the functionality of food production with the beauty of ornamental landscaping. These gardens offer numerous benefits, including cost savings on groceries, access to fresh produce, education for children about healthy eating, and enhanced yard aesthetics.
Key Requirements
- Sunlight and Climate: Most edible plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose plants suitable for your climate and be aware of frost dates.
- Soil and Mulch: Rich, well-draining soil is essential. Use mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate root temperature.
- Water and Air Flow: Ensure easy access to water and adequate air circulation without excessive wind exposure.
- Location: Carefully assess your space, considering factors like sunlight, soil quality, and potential obstacles.
Types of Edible Gardens
- Home Gardens: Integrate edible plants into existing landscapes or create dedicated edible gardens.
- Container and Vertical Gardens: Ideal for limited spaces, suitable for porches, balconies, or small yards.
- Community and Commercial Gardens: Large-scale operations like Edible Garden AG Incorporated use controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and sustainable indoor farming techniques.
Sustainable Practices
- Zero-Waste Initiatives: Companies like Edible Garden AG follow a Zero-Waste Inspired® approach.
- Sustainable Packaging: Use of environmentally friendly packaging materials.
- Community Support: Providing fresh produce to food pantries and promoting healthy eating options.
Design and Plant Selection
- Aesthetic Considerations: Balance height, shape, color, and texture of plants for visual appeal.
- Plant Choices: Select plants that suit your climate and goals, such as herbs (basil, rosemary), vegetables (tomatoes, lettuce), and edible flowers (nasturtiums, sunflowers). By incorporating these elements, you can create a productive and beautiful edible garden that contributes to a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable environment.
Leadership Team
Edible Garden AG Incorporated boasts a diverse leadership team with extensive experience in various sectors. Key figures include:
Executive Leadership
- Jim Kras: Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board (since March 2020)
- Kostas Dafoulas: Interim Chief Financial Officer
- David Ross: Vice President of Sales & Marketing
- Amanda Caton: Head of Grower
- Chanida Curnutt: Senior Vice President of Business Development and Compliance
Board of Directors
In addition to Jim Kras, the board includes several independent directors:
- Mathew McConnell: Extensive experience in capital markets
- Tracy Nazzaro: Background in agricultural and CEA experience, as well as corporate finance
- Ryan Rogers: Nearly two decades of experience in the food retail industry
Upcoming Changes Due to Acquisition
As part of the proposed acquisition of Narayan Group:
- Mario Brumat, CEO of Narayan Group, will lead European operations and join Edible Garden's board
- A majority of Edible Garden's board of directors will be designated by Narayan shareholders
- Jim Kras will remain Chairman and CEO of Edible Garden This leadership structure combines industry expertise, financial acumen, and strategic vision to drive Edible Garden's growth and innovation in the sustainable agriculture sector.
History
The concept of edible gardening and landscaping, also known as "foodscaping" or "edible landscaping," has a rich history spanning various cultures and time periods.
Ancient Civilizations
- Mesopotamia (c. 1000 BCE): Created Paradise-like gardens with fragrant trees and edible fruits
- Ancient Rome: Villa gardens combined productive and ornamental elements
- Mesoamerica: Aztecs maintained elaborate gardens symbolizing wealth and status
Renaissance and Later Periods
- European Renaissance: Villa and chateau gardens included fruit and vegetables
- Elizabethan England: Village workers created cottage gardens for vegetables and herbs
American History
- 1700s-1800s: American colonists relied on "kitchen gardens" for survival
- Mid-1800s: Ornamental gardens gained popularity as produce markets opened
- World War II: "Victory gardens" supplied over 40% of American produce in 1943
Modern Era
- 1970s: Renewed interest in edible gardening with the creation of Earth Day
- Early 2000s: Edible gardens regained popularity due to health consciousness
- 2009: White House planted its first vegetable garden since WWII
Contemporary Practices
- Integration of edible plants into aesthetically pleasing landscapes
- Organizations like Backyard Abundance and Edible Landscapes London promote community involvement
- Benefits include increased food security, cost savings, and environmental protection
- Adaptable designs for various spaces, including small urban areas This historical overview demonstrates the enduring appeal and practicality of edible gardening across cultures and time periods, leading to its current resurgence in popularity and relevance in sustainable living practices.
Products & Solutions
Edible Garden AG Incorporated, a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), offers a diverse range of sustainable products across several categories:
Fresh Produce and Herbs
- Organic 4'' Living Herbs
- Hydro Basil
- Premium Cut Organic Bags
- Locally Grown Greenhouse Lettuce
- Salad Kits These products are grown in environmentally controlled, closed-loop advanced greenhouses, adhering to stringent food safety protocols and the company's Zero-Waste Inspired® mandate.
Sports Nutrition
Edible Garden is launching a new product line called Kick. Sports Nutrition, available exclusively on Amazon in Q1 2025, including:
- Protein powders
- Plant-based proteins
- Pre-workout and post-workout formulas
- Hydration products These products cater to modern athletes seeking high-quality, personalized, and clean-label nutrition solutions.
Condiments and Functional Foods
- Pulp fermented gourmet and chili-based sauces
- Edible Garden's Pickle Party - fresh pickles and krauts
- Plant and whey protein powders under the Vitamin Way® and Vitamin Whey® brands
Sustainability Initiatives
- Use of sustainable packaging
- Proprietary GreenThumb 2.0 software for optimized growing
- Self-Watering in-store displays to increase plant shelf life
- Participation in Walmart's Project Gigaton sustainability initiative
Distribution
Edible Garden's products are available at over 5,000 stores in the US, Caribbean, and South America. The company operates state-of-the-art vertically integrated greenhouses and processing facilities in Belvidere, New Jersey, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, supported by a network of strategically located contract growers.
Core Technology
Edible Garden AG Incorporated leverages several innovative technologies and practices to drive its sustainable approach to farming:
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Advanced CEA techniques, including vertical and traditional greenhouses, optimize growing conditions and reduce environmental impact.
GreenThumb 2.0 Software
Proprietary, patented software (US Nos.: US 11,158,006 B1, US 11,410,249 B2, and US 11,830,088 B2) optimizes growing in both vertical and traditional greenhouses, reducing pollution-generating food miles.
Self-Watering In-Store Displays
A proprietary patented system (U.S. Patent No. D1,010,365) increases plant shelf life and enhances the in-store display experience.
Sustainable Practices
- Sustainable packaging
- Zero-Waste Inspired® mission
- Environmentally friendly farming methods
Advanced Facilities
State-of-the-art greenhouses and processing facilities in Belvidere, New Jersey, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, strategically located near major markets.
Contract Grower Network
A network of contract growers ensures fresh, locally grown produce is available across the U.S.
Safety-in-Farming Protocols
Strict adherence to safety protocols ensures produce quality and safety, enhancing Edible Garden's reputation as a reliable supplier. These technologies and practices collectively position Edible Garden as a leader in sustainable, locally grown, and organic produce.
Industry Peers
Edible Garden operates in the competitive controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and indoor-grown produce sector. Key competitors include:
CEA Specialists
- Bowery Farming: A top competitor based in New York, generating significantly more revenue than Edible Garden.
- AeroFarms: Despite recent financial struggles, remains a significant player in agricultural technology.
- BrightFarms: Known for its indoor farming operations.
- Plenty: A vertical farming company competing in the indoor agriculture sector.
- Gotham Greens: Another notable player in indoor farming.
Publicly Traded Agricultural Companies
- African Agriculture (AAGRW): Operates in the broader agriculture sector.
- CEA Industries (CEADW): Competes in the agriculture technology space.
- Kalera Public (KALWW): A vertical farming company in direct competition with Edible Garden.
- Corteva (CTVA): A larger agricultural company competing in the broader sector.
- BrightView (BV) and Mission Produce (AVO): Part of the wider agricultural industry. This diverse competitive landscape includes both specialized CEA firms and broader agricultural industry players, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sector in which Edible Garden operates.