"Growers need to know that there is a third international player in the market. We've got great quality, international experience, and one of the most modern facilities in Europe," says Kyrylo, Sales Manager for Begrow.
In the global greenhouse industry, where choices for high-quality stone wool substrates have long been limited, Begrow is stepping forward with over 20 years of expertise and cutting-edge facilities. This family-run company is establishing itself as the third player in a market historically dominated by two other major companies.
From Ukraine to the world: A growing global footprint
Founded in Ukraine, Begrow began its journey with a strong focus on professional horticulture substrates. The company now exports to more than 30 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
"Due to the war, we opened another facility in Turkey in 2022, which is now our main facility. That stabilized our operations and allowed us to scale."
Now, Begrow is planning its third production facility to be closer to its major clients. While details remain under wraps, Dmytro Yakymakha, CEO of Begrow, confirms it will be within the next 12 to 18 months.
Tailored products for every crop type
Begrow specializes in stone wool cubes, slabs, and plugs designed for hydroponic systems. Their product line supports a wide range of crops, including vegetables, flowers and cannabis.
Their cubes and slabs are engineered to support strong vegetative and generative growth in crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
"Vegetables were our starting point," he shares. "We offer different configurations for both traditional greenhouse systems and vertical farms, especially for leafy greens and salads."
Begrow also develops substrates for long-cycle flowering crops such as roses and gerberas. "For roses, we design slabs that hold for up to five years," he explains. "For herbarias, it's typically three years, and we offer pure stone wool cubes without foil, designed to be placed in pots."
Cannabis growers, especially those working indoors, will find Begrow's innovation particularly relevant. The company recently launched its S-structure cube, a specialized design for better nutrient distribution.
"Indoor cannabis growers told us they were struggling with dry tops in the cube. So, we engineered the S-structure. It distributes fibers from wall to wall, holding fertilizers right where the crop needs them, especially on the top."
The 150×150×142 mm cube is already the most popular size among U.S. and Canadian growers. "It's a perfect balance between gravity and nutrient access. You won't see water dripping unless you tilt the cube - that's how well it holds moisture."
Company flexibility: more than just the products
As a family-run company, Begrow maintains agility that larger corporations often lack. "We produce special sizes that no one else does," Dmytro adds. "We've got slabs like 200×250×100 mm, it's somewhere between a cube and a slab. It's rare, but when a grower needs it, we deliver."
This flexibility extends to production volumes, shipping logistics, and product development timelines.
Stability, quality, and trust
An important reason growers choose stone wool is consistency. According to Kyrylo, this is where Begrow excels.
"Stone wool is the most stable hydroponic substrate in the world," he states. "No jumping EC or pH. If you buy it today and again in a year, it's the same quality, with no new developments."
Begrow also supports combinations with other substrates.
"Some growers place our cubes on coco slabs or integrate them into mixed systems. It works, as long as the crop is strong and suitable."
Challenges: recycling and logistics
While product quality remains stable, recycling stone wool is an ongoing challenge across the industry.
"Stone wool is made from basalt stone, so it's inert and non-toxic," he explains. "The real issue is what growers put into it: fertilizers, additives. That's what makes recycling complex."
Logistics is another factor, especially for international shipments. "Transport can be challenging in some regions, but we're actively working to improve our distribution network with our upcoming third facility."
"We're not a huge corporation," Dmytro concludes. "You work directly with us. When growers call, they're talking to the people who make the product, not a sales department five layers up."
For more information:
Begrow
[email protected]
begrowsubstrate.eu