Quality through Personal Commitment
and State of the Art Facilities
First Step’s investment in people and facilities enables us to
deliver consistent quality throughout the year. Our environmental computer
maintains 9 different growing zones, while dutch benches enable us to
quickly move plants to any of these zones. This creates the ability to fine tune growth and
cater to the plants’ needs. While having a nice
greenhouse is part of the equation, committed people is of equal or greater importance.
We continually strive to improve crops and processes to provide our customers with a better
buying experience and higher quality plants; whether it’s acknowledgments by email,
easier to read invoices or a contents label on each box.
Location, Location, Location
True for real estate and even truer for growing quality plugs
and liners. Temecula, located in southern California, is positioned
between the cool coastal climates to the west and desert regions
eastward. Cool night temperatures and warm sunny days provide
optimum temperatures and light levels for your transplants. With
more light accumulated in a plant you will see higher energy
reserves and faster flowering. In addition we supply long day lighting
throughout the short days to significantly decrease flowering times.
Unsurpassed Service
First Step sells most of our product direct, because we
want to interact with our customers. We have listened and
responded to your needs; from live inventory on our website, a
new lower custom sow minimum of 3 trays and flexible late order
additions. With the economy improving, this year also brings a
new commitment to our speculation program, we will have more
availability when you need it. We care about you and want your
business to succeed.
Value Priced Offerings
Plant input cost as well as other inputs are under the
microscope at all operations. First Step’s response is to offer more
affordable trays sizes while not compromising quality. Gerbera
and Non stop Begonia are now available in a 144 tray as well as
our 25 strip. Fuchsia and Cyclamen are available in a budget 128
ellepot tray, and Pentas and the Wave family of petunias are now
offered in 512 trays
New and Unique Plants
Consumer trends are changing and you need the plants they
demand. First step’s variety selection is constantly evolving to anticipate your
needs. We attend Pack Trials every year to evaluate new varieties. Succulents
are big at the moment and we have doubled our offering with a broader
range. Our liners are perfect for making instant succulent combinations.
Environmental awareness is answered with our Celebrated plant line of
drought tolerant Australian natives that need little maintenance as well. Red
Fury Mandevilla provides lower input costs than Sun Parasol Crimson with
similar performance. Anigozanthos (Kangaroo Paw) is another growing
market. We offer many varieties ranging from dwarf Capes, garden
performing Velvets, to 6 foot monsters.