Wholly Water Farms
From Our Farm to Your Table
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ISSUE #12 • DECEMBER 2025
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A Note from Sara
Dear friends,
As we close out 2025, I find myself feeling deeply grateful. This has been a year of growth for Wholly Water Farms in every sense of the word. We grew more varieties, reached more customers, wrote more than we ever expected to, and learned lessons that no business plan could have predicted. Most importantly, this community of readers and growers and curious people has become something I genuinely treasure.
December is a time for giving, and I have been thinking about how the gift of growing something is one of the most meaningful presents you can offer. A microgreen growing kit, a potted herb garden, a bag of quality seeds with a handwritten note about what to plant when. These are gifts that keep producing long after the wrapping paper is in the recycling bin. This month I am sharing ideas for exactly that, along with some practical reading about growing mediums and the best microgreens to add to your morning routine.
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What We Have Been Writing About
Coconut coir has become one of the most popular growing mediums for microgreens, seed starting, and container gardening, and for good reason. It is sustainable, has excellent water retention, and provides a neutral growing environment. But it is not without nuances. This article covers the different forms of coir, how to properly hydrate and buffer it, and when it outperforms peat moss versus when peat might still be the better choice.
Read the full article
Looking for a gift that is thoughtful, practical, and a little different? A microgreen growing kit is one of the best presents for anyone who likes good food, gardening, or both. This article walks through how to assemble your own kit at home, including which seed varieties are best for beginners, what supplies to include, and how to package it all in a way that looks beautiful under the tree. We also share options for purchasing ready-made kits if you prefer.
Read the full guide
Adding microgreens to smoothies is one of the easiest ways to boost nutrition without changing the flavor of your favorite blends. But not all microgreens work equally well in a blender. This guide ranks the best varieties for smoothies based on taste compatibility, nutritional profile, and blendability. Sunflower, pea shoot, and broccoli microgreens top the list, and I explain why, along with three smoothie recipes that have become part of my daily routine.
Read the full guide
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Seasonal Growing Tip
A Holiday Herb Garden as a Gift Project
One of my favorite homemade gifts is a simple potted herb garden. Pick up a decorative planter or even a wooden crate, fill it with quality potting soil, and plant a combination of herbs that will thrive on a kitchen windowsill. Basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are a classic combination. Mint is wonderful but give it its own container because it will take over everything else.
Start the herbs from small nursery transplants rather than seed if you want the gift to look full and lush on day one. Include a small card with basic care instructions: bright light, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and pinch off flowers to keep the plants producing leaves. This is a gift that costs under twenty dollars, takes about thirty minutes to assemble, and provides fresh herbs for months. It is hard to beat that.
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Florida Agriculture Spotlight
Year-End Reflection on Florida Agriculture in 2025
Looking back on 2025, Florida agriculture has shown remarkable resilience. The citrus industry continues its slow recovery, with growers investing in new plantings and resistant rootstock varieties. The specialty crop sector, including microgreens, herbs, and mushrooms, has grown steadily as consumers seek out locally produced, nutrient-dense foods. Urban and indoor farming gained significant momentum this year, with new operations opening across the state in converted warehouses, shipping containers, and spare bedrooms alike. Water management remained a central challenge, but innovations in recirculating systems and precision irrigation are making real progress. As I look ahead to 2026, I am optimistic about the direction of Florida agriculture. The combination of year-round growing potential, an increasingly engaged consumer base, and a community of growers willing to innovate gives me confidence that the best years for Florida farming are still ahead of us.
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Quick FAQ
Q: What is the easiest microgreen to grow as a gift?
A: Radish microgreens are the hands-down winner for beginners and gift kits. They germinate quickly, usually within two days, and are ready to harvest in just seven to ten days. They are visually striking with bright green leaves and often a pink or purple stem, and they have a satisfying peppery crunch that impresses people. Radish seeds are inexpensive, widely available, and forgiving of beginner mistakes. Sunflower and pea shoot microgreens are also excellent beginner options, though they take a few days longer and benefit from a pre-soak. For a gift kit, I would include radish as the primary variety with sunflower as a second option. That combination gives the recipient an easy first win followed by a slightly more advanced grow.
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Thank you for an incredible year. Whether you have been reading since our first newsletter or just joined us, your support means the world to me and to everyone at Wholly Water Farms. Here is to a green and growing 2026.
With deep gratitude,
Sara Johnson
President, Wholly Water Farms, Inc.
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Wholly Water Farms, Inc. • Florida
whollywaterfarms.com
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