How do you get a generation of distracted millennials interested in something as traditional as farming? By making it hip and convenient, of course!
Twenty-something Carlo Sumaong took on the challenge of launching MNLGrowkits, a modern-day service startup selling magical boxes that can get millennials into farming and agriculture.
The company started out as a creative outlet for Carlo, who has been working as the marketing manager of his family’s fertilizer business for five years now. He was looking for a passion project that could help unleash his creative side.
“I started looking for means and ways to mesh my current job which is agriculture, with my natural habitat, the city. That’s when I came up with the grow kits,” he said.
Carlo tried planting his first grow kit prototype in March 2015. He was ecstatic upon seeing his basil sprout on the fourth day. Amazed at seeing something grow before his very eyes, he made a commitment to replicate the magical feeling for his customers.
The biggest challenge for Carlo is catching the attention of the millennials, who are known for living fast-paced lives.
“Agriculture and farming demand people to be patient, traditional, and humble which is very far from the core values of a typical millennial who’s very time-based, technological and ambitious,” he said.
Fortunately, the popularity of the green movement has been helping his company get noticed. More and more people are now interested in the health benefits of going green and the societal impacts of consuming ethically sourced and produced products.
MNLGrowkits recently went through a makeover. At the start of the month, they announced more products, more partner establishments and a better look for their kraft boxes.
They were able to reduce the carbon footprint for their products by adjusting their packaging size, as well as consolidating their assembly and warehouse locations to help lessen energy consumption.
Almost the entire grow kit is recyclable, including the pots which are made from coconuts husks.
If cared for properly, the grow kits sprout in just seven days, and is ready for picking in about 60-90 days, which is perfect for Carlo’s target market, who wants to see instant results.
“On the average, a typical millennial will start to get frustrated if they don’t see anything within eight days and completely give up or abandon their sown seeds after 10 days of waiting.” Carlo said.
He added, “Millennials want to see results fast, but and once they do, it’s easy for them to get hooked and continue what they started.”
The most important thing needed by those who want to get into this hobby? Patience.
“Planting takes time and one must be willing to devote time if they plan to make farming or growing a plant their hobby,” Carlo said.
Here are his top three tips for beginners:
1. Water your plants properly. One misconception about watering is that the more you water, the faster your plants grow. Proper watering means knowing when to water your plants.
2. Give your plants the needed sunlight to grow; and,
3. Don’t forget to fertilize and nourish your plants.
To know more about MNL Growkits, visit their website or Facebook page.
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