Kris Scheufele, founder of Garden Harvest. (Credit: Asiya Ladha)
Her Edible Native Gardens Help Local Ecosystems Thrive
Kris Scheufele of Garden Harvest helps homeowners and schools install custom kitchen gardens with native herbs and vegetables.
Kris Scheufele believes that the positive impact a native plant garden can have on a local environment is exponential. In 2024, Scheufele, who has spent most of her professional life working in sales and business development, decided to take her passion for gardening and plants and turn it into a business, Garden Harvest. The Belleville, New Jersey-based entrepreneur now helps to design and install custom gardens with native plants, with a focus on homes and schools in the North Jersey suburbs. She aims to share her knowledge first-hand with homecooks looking to expand their herb gardens and students learning to cultivate greenthumbs.
Editor’s Note: Garden Harvest has been named to The Story Exchange’s 2025 list of 10 Brilliant Business Ideas.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
Unlike most landscapers, I focus on native plants and their benefits to the local ecosystem and biodiversity. My plants are dual purpose: they feed the wildlife and they are stewards of the land. They also feed the beneficial pests to sustain all-natural pest control.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Making the decision to start this business.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Time management. I’ve gotten much more strict with my time and have carved out specific time blocks for related business operations.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
Yes. I didn’t exactly have an easy childhood and I feel that the experience has affected all my decision making – but in the best way. I’m tenacious, persistent, creative and hard-working. Challenges I faced at a young age continue to benefit me as an adult.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Just go for it; follow your heart and dive in. I wish I had started sooner. Use your resources and always ask for help when you need it. Find a mentor through SCORE. Spend less on materials, and more on relationships.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
Call a friend, a mentor. Visualize the goal and feel what it will feel like when it is achieved. Meditate. Take deep breaths.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Free” by Florence and The Machine.
Who is your most important role model?
My adopted mom. ◾
Facebook: @gardenharvest
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