Profile: Andy Keil Greenhouse
May 6th, the Maumee Valley …
It’s not easy to be a small, independent family farmer in Northwest Ohio. As
in many places throughout the world, customers’ needs and wants are changing,
the regulatory climate is tightening, and large chains are dominating the
market. But throughout the world there are still many who choose to remain in
agriculture as independent, small scale businessmen and businesswomen. In
Northwest Ohio, many of these family businesses center on greenhouses which
produce bedding plants, hanging baskets, and a full range of gorgeous
floricultural products. Several also grow produce for both wholesale and retail
markets. One such business belongs to Andy Keil and his wife, Kathy.
Maumee Valley gardeners who shop at farmers markets know Andy Keil: For many
years, Andy has been the helpful, friendly guy in the red shirt selling bedding
plants and hanging baskets in the spring, cut flowers and fresh vegetables all
summer, and late season vegetables until past Thanksgiving. On Saturdays, he’s
often joined by grand-daughter Lexi.
In recent years, Andy has expanded his offerings in response to customer
interest: heirloom tomato plants are available now and will be followed later
this season by heirloom tomatoes. His plant list includes 24 heirloom
varieties, from moneymaker and tommy toe to zapotec pleated and mortgate
lifter. Andy has also expanded his presence to include the new farmers markets
springing up in the community: You’ll find Andy Keil Greenhouse on Tuesdays in
Waterville, on Wednesdays at Westgate, and on Thursdays in Perrysburg. Cut flowers,
which are the special province of Andy’s wife, Kathy, will be available at all
these venues and at the farm as well.
This year Andy has planned for an extended season, beginning with
greenhouse-grown lettuces, herbs, chard and spinach for opening day, soon to be
followed by the season’s earliest tomatoes. Plants for later harvests, as well
as cut flowers, are in the fields.
For those who can’t wait for market day, Andy Keil Greenhouse is located at
2215 Wilkins Rd in Swanton; reach Andy at 419-350-6965 to arrange a visit.
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Contact the Maumee Valley Growers for more information (fill in the message and send it)
