The uniqueness of Milgro’s property extends beyond a geothermal source with a hot-water aquifer on the east side of the property and a fresh, cold-water aquifer used for irrigation located on the far west side. Both aquifers supply exceptionally clean water, adding to the location’s value. | Milgro Nursery
It’s often said that location plays a critical role in business success. For floriculture businesses, the benefits of the right location can include anything from proximity to your customers to a favorable climate and abundant natural sunlight.
Milgro Nursery, which operates greenhouses on 2 million square feet in Oxnard, CA, and Newcastle, UT, has discovered one more way to take advantage of its Utah location’s unique geology: a geothermal aquifer that allows it to heat the green-house, and a freshwater aquifer providing clean and cold water to irrigate the greenhouse — all on the same property. The only requirement? Drilling wells and installing pumps to direct the water where it is needed.
An Opportunity Presents Itself
“My dad Gary grew up in Salt Lake City, moved to California, and co-founded Milgro Nursery. Later he took over the company and expanded operations across California,” says Brad Miller, National Sales Manager. “But his roots came calling back to him in the early 1990s when he was approached by a friend who recommended he check out a property in Newcastle, UT.”
The greenhouse on the property was too small and insufficient for Miller’s needs, but what made the location intriguing was a geothermal hot water source at the base of a mountain near the property. He eventually purchased a large piece of property down the road and began drilling for the hot water.
“That hot water flows down into the valley where our greenhouse is now located,” Miller says. “So we invested in drilling wells capable of pumping water at 195°F. We then built a system that utilizes that water to heat the greenhouse.”
The system is especially helpful, according to Miller, when the temperature drops to sub-zero temperatures.
“Because of the geothermal heating, we can keep the greenhouse warm at a much lower cost than our California facilities,” Miller says. “Additionally, Newcastle’s elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level provides abundant sunlight, which not only serves as a natural heat source but also enhances the vibrant colors of our flowers.”
The March 2025 (L) and August 1994 (R) covers of Greenhouse Grower featuring Milgro Nursery staff. | Milgro Nursery
The uniqueness of Milgro’s property extends beyond the geothermal source. The hot-water aquifer sits on the east side of the property, while a fresh, cold-water aquifer used for irrigation is located on the far west side. Both aquifers supply exceptionally clean water, adding to the location’s value. Unlike many geothermal sources, which tend to be corrosive, Milgro’s hot water is cleaner than the irrigation water used at its California facilities.
“The fresh water is purer than bottled water,” says Miller.
Maintenance Is Important
While geothermal heating provides cost savings and efficiency, Miller acknowledges that maintaining water temperature can be a challenge.
“We’ve never faced a water shortage, nor do we anticipate one,” he says. “However, if a well fails, maintaining heat during extreme winter conditions can be difficult. Fortunately, we’ve always found a way to make it work.”
Since Milgro first implemented its geothermal system in the early 1990s, the company has had to drill additional wells as needed — an expensive but necessary investment. However, the core pumping technology has remained unchanged, requiring only routine maintenance.
“Mainly, we ensure the bearings are in good condition and the pipes remain clean,” says Miller.
The Potential of Solar Power
Looking ahead, Milgro has been approached about the possibility of using its geothermal system to generate power for the facility.
However, this would require extensive testing, research, and a multimillion-dollar investment, making it an unlikely venture in the near future.
A more realistic option, however, is solar power.
“The sunlight here is excellent, making solar energy an attractive possibility,” Miller says. “If we can generate our own solar power, we could become fully self-sufficient in running our greenhouse.”
In other words, by combining geothermal heating and irrigation with solar energy, Milgro could move toward becoming a fully sustainable, off-grid operation.
“I’m not aware of any greenhouse in the U.S. that is completely self-sustaining when it comes to heat and power,” says Miller. “At a time when energy costs are a major concern, our position is both unique and advantageous.”
Milgro Nursery exemplifies how thoughtful innovation and strong community values can go hand in hand. By leveraging its unique geothermal and solar potential, the company is not only reducing costs but also working toward a more sustainable future. And through its commitment to giving back, Milgro proves that success is about more than just business — it’s about making a difference.
