The Endeavors Greenhouse in Milltown, Wisconsin is a part of the Endeavors Adult Development Center. Their mission is for adults living with disabilities to participate and thrive in their communities by reaching their highest level of independence by promoting personal growth and provide meaningful employment opportunities.
The Endeavors Greenhouse was established in Milltown, Wisconsin, in 2010, and opened in 2011 to help bring more job opportunities for the Endeavors employees and the community. Two high tunnel hoop houses were used when they started. In 2013, hydroponics was introduced into the Endeavors Greenhouse. Now tomatoes are grown hydroponically year-round, providing slicing and cherry tomatoes to area schools, restaurants and grocery outlets. Employees have had the opportunity to assist with all aspects of the greenhouse operation from cleaning, to sorting, planting, picking, pollinating, and taking pride in their work. Their retail store provides fresh cut flowers, succulents, a wide variety of consignment items from local crafters, birdseed packaged by Endeavors employees, and high-quality garden supplies.
In the beginning they only raised annual bedding plants and vegetables in the two high tunnel hoop houses. This brought in seasonal income. The introduction of the hydroponics brought new possibilities for year-round income and employment. Through a USDA Rural Development grant and loan, two bay greenhouses were constructed, and the hydroponics plan started. Tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and lettuce were produced. The focus has been on tomatoes for the last several years, producing cherry and slicing tomatoes. New tomato lines have been completed this spring with a new tomato crop beginning to produce now. They can be found at the Balsam Lake, Osceola and St. Croix Falls farmer’s Markets during the summer and early fall.