'One of our biggest challenges has been implementing this organic growing system'
POLK - Becky Zimmerman has had her hands in the dirt for most of her life.
From a small glass window greenhouse in 2004 to the one-year anniversary of The Home Place Nursery this past April, her focus on both family and plants is as strong as ever.
“In 2004, I was 14 years old,” said Zimmerman about her first 12-foot by 20-foot greenhouse. “In 2008 I helped my dad cut down some trees and we built wooden hoops for a 20-foot by 100-foot greenhouse. That was the beginning of Rebecca’s Garden.”
More: Ashland County Humane Society seeking donations after horses, dogs removed from owner
After nine years, it was time for Rebecca’s Garden to shut down and for a new challenge to begin.
“One of our goals in starting up again was to grow everything naturally with a focus on providing the right balance of clean nutrients and soil biology so plants are healthy and resilient,” said Zimmerman. “One of our biggest challenges has been implementing this organic growing system. We’ve learned much through trial and error already and we’re excited to continue learning and perfecting our growing system.”
Zimmerman said growing both plants and a family is certainly a challenge in itself. Zimmerman and her husband Michael have four children ages 2 to 7 named Stephen, 7; Alice, 5; Abigail, 4; and Olivia, 2.
“Another challenge is juggling family life and young children and thousands of little plants needing attention at the right time,” she added. “On the other hand it is a blessing to have our children working and playing with us and growing a love for plants and the people who buy them.”
The Zimmermans moved to the current location in 2021 and, with Michael putting the frame up that February, plants were growing in March and The Home Place Nursery opened for business on April 23, 2021.
“A huge blessing has been having my mom working in the greenhouse again,” added Zimmerman. “She lovingly transplants most of the vegetables and things we start from seed. My sister also works part time and is a huge help in involving the kids.”
The Home Place Nursery continues to add variety of plants
With flowers, baskets, planters and plenty of material for a customer to design their own creation, Zimmerman said she tries to have a little bit of everything.
“We also have a nice selection of perennial flowers and a few shrubs this year, something we are just getting into. We have succulents and succulent arrangements in beautiful rustic containers.
“Food gardening has been a passion of mine ever since I can remember and we are hoping to continue expanding this part of the business.”
The Home Place Nursery is located at 270 Township Road 1080 in Polk and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. There is a Facebook page that includes updates and possible sales.
“Our vision is to see people successfully reaping from the crops they plant without the use of harmful chemicals,” said Zimmerman. “We are working on sourcing safe and effective gardening products that help make this possible.”
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: The Home Place Nursery in Polk celebrates one year in business
