For a store focused on indoor and small-space gardening, Grow Wiser Garden Supply’s location at 2019 Decatur Street at the tip of the Marigny is ideal. Nearby Marigny and French Quarter residents — whose apartments often come include courtyards — provide a regular stream of local business.
As the only store in the state specializing in hydroponic growing (growing plants in water rather than soil), Grow Wiser also attracts customers from throughout the surrounding region, even as far as Mississippi, and has commercial and retail accounts all over the country via its website.
Owner Scott Edwards abandoned his previous work as a photographer to buy out a store called Urban Organics in 2016, opening up the present operation about six months later.
“Hydroponic gardening is becoming more popular every year,” Edwards reported. “There was a huge uptick during the pandemic; prices went sky high. Now the prices have settled down, but the popularity is still there.”
Edwards sees a similar trend in regular houseplants and Grow Wiser has plenty of supplies for both approaches. This includes hydroponic plant nutrition and organic nutrition; all kinds of lighting and equipment for indoor growing; and the pumps, containers and other equipment particular to hydroponics. The store also offers pest and mold control supplies, soils, and even garden pond supplies.
One thing Grow Wiser doesn’t offer, however, is plants. They require a separate license.
While the products alone set Grow Wiser apart from regular garden supply stores, Edwards’ enthusiasm for, and expertise in these specialized growing methods is what really makes a difference.
“You can come in here pretty cold [about hydroponics], and I will talk your ear off about it,” he said. “It’s free with purchase! But I really want people to be successful with growing indoors.”
Edwards emphasized that growing hydroponically is not particularly difficult.
“There are not tons of things you have to worry about,” he noted, “but the things that do need to be done need to be done properly.”
Why grow plants in water?
“The most fun part about hydroponics is the results! You can get higher yields and faster growth rates than with traditional methods.”
Among the types of plants often grown hydroponically are various ornamentals, including orchids; herbs and vegetables, especially leafy ones; and, where legal, cannabis. The last item creates a delicate situation for Edwards, who has many customers in states where growing marijuana has been legalized. He is, however, prohibited from discussing the topic with locals.
Walking this fine line is one challenge Edwards faces; another is managing the marketing, since his is a one-man operation. Having had little success with traditional advertising approaches, he mostly relies on Google Shopping ads, along with Facebook and Instagram ads and posts.
“Maintaining that online presence is a big challenge,” he said. “The online marketplace has a lot of competition, and I must keep the products and pricing updated constantly on the website. Running the store day-to-day, dealing with the customers are what I like best.”
Grow Wiser Garden Supply 2019 Decatur Street
New Orleans // 504-644-4713 // growwisergardensupply.com
Facenook: @GrowWiserGardenSupply // Instagram: @growwiser
