This story starts on the hobby farm where I live in Canada with my husband, two children and plenty of animals. Life is all around you on our property. Its chaotic and beautiful.
During the pandemic, and the many days of lockdown that followed, I recognized that I was blessed to be surrounded by nature. I took an even greater interest in gardening and healthy living than ever before. At the same, I became increasingly concerned for our environment and climate change.
I was inspired to start a small business. That business had to be carbon-neutral and eco-friendly. I strongly believe in the 3 P's of business: Planet, People and Profit. I considered all three factors at Jute Gardens. We take care of our planet by using biodegradable and compostable materials. And we are committed to carbon neutrality. We work to improve the lives of the people who make and consume our products. Our company is committed to sustainable opportunities for everyone.
Despite the room to garden on our farm, I often feel compelled to cover an unattractive chain link fence, unsightly brick wall, or add a statement piece to an entrance. I used to live in an apartment in the city. As someone who loves to garden, it was difficult to add plants to my décor when space was limited. Jute Gardens Vertical Gardens offer an attractive way to build a beautiful living wall – a perfect way to maximize growing room in a small space or to camouflage an unattractive area of your home or yard.
As a parent of busy teenagers, I am passionate about having convenient options available for healthy meals. Microgreens are packed with nutrients and are a great source of beneficial plant compounds like antioxidants. Jute Gardens Microgreen Kits are an eco-friendly alternative to the plastic kits on the market today. Not only will you harvest organic sprouts every 7-10 days for upwards of 18 months, but each kit includes healthy sprout recipes created by talented chefs.
Have you ever noticed that your local nursery or garden center grows every plant they sell in plastic pots? I believe that my garden is more than just a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, or flowers. My garden is a microcosm of the earth and I am the steward of its protection. Jute Gardens Grow Pots are made from natural porous fabric. They can be used throughout the life of your plants – from seed starting to transplanting or simply as an attractive stand-alone planter. At the season’s end, you can plant this pot directly into the soil. It is 100% compostable and biodegradable.
I have many people to thank for helping me start this small business. If you are also interested in starting a business my number one piece of advice is that you surround yourself with talented people who support you along the way. It takes a village and it is all about the relationships you grow and nurture (just like a garden).
Thank you to friends Mia and Mike of @miabachmaier and @photoswithsauce. Mia and Mike are talented chefs who created the recipes you will find on this website and in our microgreen kits. They are also the authors of Instant Favourites: Over 125 Easy Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker.
To my friends and family who have supported me along the way. There are simply way too many of you to name! Whether it was trying the products, lending opinions, sharing your thoughts on gardening, or just championing my journey. Thank you!
And finally, and most importantly, thank you to my husband Ian for being my partner in this crazy dream and thank you to my kids for inspiring me always.
I hope you enjoy Jute Gardens!
Katie