Making AI Work for Your Greenhouse Business For growers looking to reclaim more time, reduce risk, and make better business decisions, artificial intelligence (AI) represents a meaningful next step that builds on the automation investments already in place. If you’ve already automated climate controls and environmental monitoring systems, for example, AI can then analyze that data and tell you something you didn’t already know: that a temperature pattern from last week is likely to affect your crop yield next month, or that a pest issue is developing before visible damage appears. “We’re all in the early stages of what AI can do,” says Mary Beth Cowardin, Vice President of Marketing and Member Engagement at AmericanHort. “Like anything new, you just have to try it and learn where it can be most valuable to grow and protect your business.” Start Small, Then Scale When people think about AI, they often picture sophisticated robotics or autonomous greenhouses. Cowardin encourages growers to first start by thinking smaller while being ready to grow your AI usage into ways that can have a larger impact. “AI is meant to help people do their jobs more efficiently and effectively,” she says. “It’s not meant to replace humans. It may change how certain tasks are completed, but the goal is to help people work faster and smarter.” Some of the most practical starting points involve administrative work that takes employees away from higher-value customer service and production. AI also can: - Write product descriptions - Draft social media posts - Prepare customer estimates - Assist with scheduling crews more efficiently When AI does these tasks, it frees up employees to focus on serving customers, growing, and managing the business. At Cultivate26, Rob Sproule of Salisbury Greenhouse shared insight into his evolution working with AI. In 2025, he