About Us / Hibner Family Farm LLC History:

2014 CSA Applications Now Available - Contact MeOur PurposeTo provide healthy local produce to our friends, neighbors and surrounding community.History of the FarmThe Hibner farm in Clay Township, Auglaize County, Ohio was settled in 1858 by my great grandfather. My grandfather and father were both born, lived and worked on the farm their entire lives. I was reared on the farm but couldn't wait to be gone! However, as time went by, it became clear to me that I left the best behind me. I made the decision that at some point I would return to the dairy farm but do a different kind of farming: fruits, vegetables and flowers.After much too long I was finally able to move back in March 2012. I was finally HOME in every sense of the word. I formed Hibner Family Farm LLC and began a new life.The GardensA small orchard was planted in the spring of 2012-- five kinds of apples including one I remember when growing up -- Yellow Transparent (my mother made the best applesauce from it) and the Spitzenberg which is an heirloom variety and is rumored to have been Thomas Jefferson's favorite. I also planted Lady Apples, Fuji. I was amazed when the Yellow Transparent and Lady Apples had a small selection of nice fruit the very first year I also planted apricots, peaches, sour cherries and nectarines. It will take a couple of years for them to produce. In the spring of 2014 I will plant more Yellow Transparent along with Lodi. I will also be planting grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, asparagus and other luscious fruits.As with anything in nature, the garden is a constantly revolving, renourishing organism.I use many raised beds, actually growing on straw bales. This permits those of us who have bad backs or knees to garden to the fullest extent. Straw makes great compost and as it breaks down other compost can be added to the top of the bales. For those plants which are grown directly in the soil, I use cardboard and straw around the plants to keep weeds down. 4-ft wide strips are separated by 4-ft wide plantings of clover and other cover crops to improve the soil. After a few years the strips used for growing produce will be planted with a cover crop. The strips currently in cover crops will be turned over for growing produce. This also saves on water as this type of planting holds the moisture. Over winter, in the main garden, I use green manures such as annual rye, mixes with radishes grown for animal feed, and field peas.In the garden, I choose a variety of vegetables -- mostly heirloom and long used hybrids. Additionally, I am planting flowers in the garden interspersed with the vegetables to draw the pollinators and assist with keeping insects in check. Of course, the glory of flowers makes everyone feel better. I should have plenty of long stemmed-gladiolus and beautiful lilies to name just a few. I will also have herbs to keep our taste buds happy as well as to keep some four-legged critters away from the garden.Additionally I accept Agency on the Agency Area 3 coupons for low income elderly and have applied to accept WIC coupons.