Micromanaging Nutrition
On an acreage tucked just on the edge of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Calvin and Krissy Thiessen are living their dream of growing tiny plants for the masses.
The two grow and sell microgreens, small vegetables that pack a huge punch in terms of nutrition. They have emerged as a favorite of those looking to add a healthy twist to their diets.
Neither of the Thiessens grew up with a background in agriculture — Calvin grew up on an acreage near Everly, Iowa, and Krissy, originally from Spirit Lake, received her college degree in biology.
They began their family farm together as a hobby. They had hens for eggs, meat chickens, a few heritage-breed hogs and a garden.
In 2015, Calvin Thiessen decided he wanted more from their land. He came across the concept of growing microgreens through urban farming — in other words, producing a large amount of food in a small space.
In the winter of 2016, the couple began to grow microgreens in their basement, and made their first delivery that March.
And just like that, Cherry Lane Farm was born.
“Microgreens are basically just one- to two-week-old plants,” Krissy Thiessen said. “They differ from sprouts because they are grown in soil and sunlight for a longer time period. It’s just like what you would harvest in your garden if you would only grow your plants for a short time.”
To read our feature story please click on the following link:
http://farmmarketnews.com/feature-story
The two grow and sell microgreens, small vegetables that pack a huge punch in terms of nutrition. They have emerged as a favorite of those looking to add a healthy twist to their diets.
Neither of the Thiessens grew up with a background in agriculture — Calvin grew up on an acreage near Everly, Iowa, and Krissy, originally from Spirit Lake, received her college degree in biology.
They began their family farm together as a hobby. They had hens for eggs, meat chickens, a few heritage-breed hogs and a garden.
In 2015, Calvin Thiessen decided he wanted more from their land. He came across the concept of growing microgreens through urban farming — in other words, producing a large amount of food in a small space.
In the winter of 2016, the couple began to grow microgreens in their basement, and made their first delivery that March.
And just like that, Cherry Lane Farm was born.
“Microgreens are basically just one- to two-week-old plants,” Krissy Thiessen said. “They differ from sprouts because they are grown in soil and sunlight for a longer time period. It’s just like what you would harvest in your garden if you would only grow your plants for a short time.”
To read our feature story please click on the following link:
http://farmmarketnews.com/feature-story
