The Salad Farm Since 2013, Ronald and Sonya have been working hard at growing a little bit of everything. Growing organically all year round, this family operation prides themselves on not using toxic chemicals. They pick and deliver the same day, which means you are receiving the freshest product possible. The Salad Farm is located in Bolivar, Missouri and MaMa Jean’s couldn’t be more proud to support these local farmers. Try some of their fresh, delicious lettuces, spinach and cilantro as we have it available seasonally!
Here’s a little more from Ronald and Sonya!
What brought you into farming?
When we started planting we didn’t think that it would turn into our business. We just started planting lettuce and other veggies for our personal use. However, it turned out we had planted too much for just us and the family. We thought, “We could probably sell all these veggies at a Farmers Market” and that’s how we started farming. Now farming is our only source of income. A while after we were selling at the farmers market, a friend told us about MaMa Jeans so we started selling our veggies there too.
What do you grow?
Our main crops are mostly leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, kale and swiss chard. We also grow carrots, beets, turnips, green onions, cilantro, sweet peas, rutabagas, radishes, parsnips and celery. In the summer we grow tomatoes, sweet peppers, okra, cucumbers, onions, blackberries, cabbage, brussel sprouts, watermelons and cantaloupes too. We grow everything in two acres, in which, we have seven high tunnels.
How do you deal with weeds and pests?
Since we use organic practices, dealing with weeds is not easy. We mostly pull weeds by hand or with a hoe. Sometimes we put plastic mulch to help control the weeds. It is easier that way.
How do you see your role in the community?
For us growing for the community is important so people can have fresh, healthy and local produce pesticide and insecticide free. What time does your day start and end? From dawn to dusk we work every day planting, weeding, harvesting, tilling and planting again, to ensure we always have something available for everyone. Farming is a family affair. Even the kids help with the farm and sometimes a friend or family member volunteers to help too.
Any gardening tips for someone who’s just starting out? We've learned from experience that the quality of the seeds is really important. Quality seeds are usually more expensive but the end results are much better! Another bit of advice for fellow farmers would be to keep trying and working hard - even if the results aren’t immediate. With a little practice, patience and sweat you’ll gain some experience and the results are gratifying.
