Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm in Ohio Is Rooted in Family, Sustainability and Community
In partnership with: Ohio Department of Agriculture
Husband-and-wife team Mike and Patti Boyert, owners of Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm in Medina, are third-and fourth-generation greenhouse farmers. When they both left for college, their parents encouraged them to pursue any career other than agriculture. Shortly after graduating, however, they missed the greenhouse business and decided to dive back in.
“It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” Patti says. “We enjoy the business and wanted to raise our kids on the farm. The entire family is involved, creating a family-oriented atmosphere.”
In 1985, the couple began building the business from the ground up.
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“We started small, adding on as we could. We had one greenhouse and one employee. Then we hired two, and now we’re up to about 40,” Patti says.
Today, Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm offers an array of products including plants, soils, seeds, and gardening containers. Although seasonal, the business stays open year-round, providing steady employment.
“There’s always something to do,” says Mallory Boyert, Mike and Patti’s daughter-in-law and marketing manager at Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm.
Part of that day-to-day workload includes many sustainable practices the Boyerts incorporate to support the business.
“We compost. We collect and recycle the water we use. We also recycle planting containers and use natural sprays,” Mallory says. “We try to remain as natural and sustainable as possible.”
Supporting the community is also important to Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm. They support local fundraisers, community gardens, and agriculture-focused programs.
“We support the community because they’ve supported us,” Patti says.
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Educating and inspiring local youth is especially close to the Boyerts’ hearts. The greenhouse facilitates field trips and provides educational opportunities to encourage a love for agriculture. To continue these efforts, Mike and Patti started the Growing Tomorrow Grant, giving back to the next generation of young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
“We know what it’s like to struggle as a new business owner,” Patti says. “We had people support us financially and as mentors. This grant allows us to be that support for others.”
This year, the grant will disperse its first award of $50,000 among three deserving applicants who meet certain criteria. Applicants must own or actively pursue a sustainable agricultural business, support the community, have a defined need, and operate within Ohio.
“We’re losing our farmers,” Patti says. “We want to help where we can. Hopefully, the grant winners will someday be on the giving end, too. We want them to be successful so agriculture remains strong.”