Driving through the rolling hills and across several ravens of Pennsylvania, the GEC made a second tour to the Wegmans stores this week. Wegmans is known for quality produce, great customer service and has been rated one of the best companies to work for and we no doubt had another fantastic week with lots of customer interactions at all our store locations! I had lots of new gardeners visit the greenhouse and asked for growing tips as they gazed at our 20 foot long tomato plants and 6 foot pepper plants. The question I got a lot this trip was “how did you do that?” as they pointed to the plants. I was able to share with them this week how we grow and the “secret” to NatureFresh™ success. For great produce, you must have consistency in growing conditions,  monitoring of plant fertilizer needs, using systems seen in nature (like our bumble bees ecosystem), as well as having people dedicated to growing.

One of the things that we at NatureFresh™ are excited about, is the year round production of Ohio Reds™ at our Delta, Ohio facility. Ohio Reds are our premium vine ripened TOVs (Tomato on the Vine). Many are concerned that greenhouse or hothouse tomatoes are flavorless. At NatureFresh™ we vine ripen our tomatoes which means the plants are producing sugars which bring flavor to the fruits that time. Many people who visited the trailer and asked these kinds of questions were able to taste for themselves the flavor packed Ohio Reds inside at our sampling station.

I feel that I am doing my part in supporting a healthy and sustainable diet when I participate in the Greenhouse Education Center tours. Our team had lots of support and great feedback from school teachers, Wegman’s staff, and everyone else who visited us. It definitely gives us a boost on our long days and travel!