It is said that if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. Though the work she puts in is hard, it is work that is loved by Alexis Lane, owner/operator of Northeast Organics, LLC. Located on Whippoorwill Road in Newton Falls Township, near the Love’s Station on 225, this is her second year in business. As she talks about her plants, her face lights up. She firmly believes that every person should have access to healthy food, and she loves doing her part in facilitating it!
She and her husband have been in the growing business for five years, having previously grown CBD for the state of Ohio. Last year she converted to growing vegetables. During her first year she tried a few different marketing paths. She did some farmers’ markets. Often the competition was such that her prices had to be lowered to the point of not breaking even. She has also tried marketing directly to area grocery stores, but they often have binding contracts with larger companies. One day she decided to box up some of her produce, made a Facebook post asking interest in delivery. Responses were great. Bingo! She found her market niche.
The boxes come in small and large sizes and vary according to what is available. Early on there will likely be more leafy greens, etc. since that is what is ready first. As the season progresses, more will be added like tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, etc. The small one is $25.00 and the large one (twice the amount) is only $35.00. She also includes optional add-ons. Trust me, get the herbs!
This reporter was one of those responses. Last summer I had vegetables that tasted like I remembered from my farm-girl childhood. Ripe, full of flavor, so delicious that I started canning again. The deliveries were always timely and made with a cheerful conversation. After agreeing on a time and day, a Facebook message or a text announces when she is close to your house so you can take care of the vegetables right away.
She invited me to her farm on Whippoorwill. On the way back from the road, I passed a gargoyle keeping watch, so I knew I was in the right place. Driving past the ponds, barns and equipment I came to the green houses. All 5 of them. She took me into the one that has plants nearing readiness. Peppers, tomatoes, various greens, and herbs- I was having visions of a giant, tasty salad.
She was so excited for her second year that she thinks she may have planted some too early, so has veggies in various stages of growth. Some tomato plants even have tomatoes on them already. By mid-May she expects to have zucchini, cucumbers and eggplant ready to transplant. There are many crops she will be starting by seeding directly in the soil.
She shared many planting strategies with me. Since she doesn’t use pesticides or ‘chemical’ fertilizers in her gardens; companion planting is necessary. Plant tomatoes with basil as they enrich each other. Plant marigolds judicially around your garden to limit the pests. Marigolds also attract pollinators, so, win-win!
Actually, Marigolds have a host of uses! Besides looking beautiful, they deter carrot flies around carrots, keep away vine borers and nematodes which will protect potatoes, squash, and eggplant. Planted with herbs, the scents of the herb and the Marigolds combine to combat pests even more!
Did you know that planting beans and cauliflower together helps to control the pests and enriches the soil. This reporter has gardened for much of her life, and it is news to me!
She has invited me back to see her greenhouses in full bloom. I look forward to seeing a wall of cucumbers! She does take advantage of the vining plants and trains them vertically. Makes more room for planting and easier harvest. Yet another win-win.
Her business is mainly a family business, with one part time employee. Her husband has been helpful with building the beds, soil amendment, tarping and planting. As we were discussing this, I observed her son load up the four-wheeler with buckets and tools and take off to do his chores. When asked what her favorite vegetable to grow is, she couldn’t answer directly, as she loves growing everything. However, she showed me a cabbage that she has never seen before and is excited to grow it. She also is excited to grow egplant this year. It has purple flowers that she feels are gorgeous. (Hopefully, it will taste as good as it looks!) Her favorite crop to eat? The Brandywine tomatoes she grew last year. They are so tasty you barely have to add anything to it to can, just a little citric acid or lemon juice needed to ensure food safety.
So, do you can? If so, where do you get your produce? If you are like me, you go to various farmers’ markets looking for the perfect produce and a perfect price for bulk buying. Lots of luck…however, Alexis will offer bulk prices for you. Great produce, naturally grown, one stop or delivered, and a fair price. It doesn’t get much better. Call me corny, but I think I her veggies taste better not only because of the way they are grown, but also because of the joy and care that Alexis showers upon them.
Interested? As she spends most of her time in the greenhouses, she does most of her business through Facebook. Look up Northeast Organics LLC on FB and give them a like. She posts pictures of her planting process, what’s ready, etc. Tap message and you will be directed to Business Chat. She answers as soon as possible, sometimes right away. Make your order and enjoy your delicious, nutrient-dense produce delivered to you door! Your family and your health will thank you for it!
