The eight greenhouses of Applefield Farm are a familiar sight from Route 117 in Stow, Massachusetts. This seasonal retail operation rests on 25 acres of land. It is family owned and operated by Kirsten Mong, her husband Steve, and her brother-in-law Ray.

The Mongs learned the ropes from local farmer Pete Ferguson. They started out bailing hay and helping their neighbors to prune and care for apple trees. In exchange, they received a surplus of apples. At first, they attempted to sell the apples wholesale, but eventually they opted to build a roadside stand.

After moving to their current location, the farmers began adding greenhouses and growing their own produce. They now offer vegetables, herbs, and pick your own flowers. The Mongs make every effort to use sustainable and innovative techniques including biological controls, flash flood watering, and solar energy.

Photo: applefieldfarms.com
Sources: applefieldfarms.com, wickedlocal.com,