Grandpa Red’s

As many of you know, W. & E. Radtke was started by two brothers, William and Elmer, our grandfather and great uncle. Grandpa William was also known as “Red” because of his red hair. Originally a truck farm, they also sold transplants to other vegetable growers. When the trend toward vegetables started, the opportunity to return to our “roots” was irresistible.

That was back in 2009. Since then folks have learned to grow, and sow and weed. The reason we started the Grandpa Red’s brand, which was to encourage and make it easier for the next generation of gardeners, seems to no longer be there. The reasons to discontinue growing veggies are the same now as they were way back in 70’s when we stopped growing them the first time.

However, we look at this as an opportunity to expand on the many varieties of small fruits, which are a better fit for our current production methods. And keep that connection to our “roots” growing.

Are Grandpa Red’s Garden Goodies grown organically?

The simple answer is no. However, our vegetables and small fruits are grown bio-rationally and sustainably. We use biological agents wherever possible. We use the softest chemical control available when necessary. The result is the least effect on the environment. None of the vegetables or small fruits we grow are GMO. We live here, we work here, and we want to be able to use the plants we grow in our own dinners.