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retired, Mike went to IU for a degree, and then became a registered Indiana soil scientist. Among other things, he studies soil samples to help the local health department determine absorption rates.
Good Nature Farm now has four heated greenhouses and officially opens in mid-April and is busy through June 30.
“ It is quiet work,” Mitzie said,“ sowing seeds and seeing them grow. And it’ s cool growing something which is going to go home with somebody.”“ We love being part of the community.” She takes pride in knowing that the plants will become food, or be a part of nature’ s beauty. Those loyal customers become friends, and the Salems look forward to seeing the same people each spring.
“ You create friendships and become more than just the guy you buy plants from,” Mike said. To be successful, he said, requires building relationships, hard work, and a love for people.
Good Nature Farm sells flowering annuals, a wide assortment of vegetables and herbs, hanging baskets, and an assortment of mixed patio planters. About 20 varieties of tomatoes are available.
“ We try to have good quality plants at very good prices,” Mitzie said,“ and keep a very clean and tidy operation.” The Salems grow as many of the plants as they can from seeds. Others are patented and can only be grown from small“ plugs.” Produce is grown using the smallest amounts of pesticides possible.
Customers can also get recommendations from the Salems, with years of experience in what grows well here. Zinnias are deer-proof. Lantana does well in hot and dry weather. Tomatoes usually aren’ t ready to be sold before May 15. Products are sold geared to the notion that they will be hardy in Brown County.
The Salems are concerned that bridge construction in the area may make it harder to get to the greenhouses this spring. But there are many alternate routes to the Good Nature Farm, located a quarter-mile north of 135 at Spurgeon’ s Corner. Enter“ Columbus” as the city when using a GPS.
“ We are hard to find, but it’ s well worth the effort,” Mitzie said.
Good Nature Farm is located at 8419 Bob Allen Road, Freetown, Indiana. For more information, call( 812) 988-7053, visit < goodnaturefarm. org >, or e-mail at < goodnaturefarm @ gmail. com >. •
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May / June 2017 • Our Brown County 25