Hi, I’m Jared Smith, and I believe that the best-tasting food shouldn't have to travel thousands of miles to get to your plate.

What started as a single raised bed and a passion for garlic, fresh greens, and heirloom tomatoes has grown into Papa Smith's Farm, a small-scale market garden operated right out of my own backyard here in Lancaster, Ohio.

Why I Grow

I started this business because I realized that "fresh" at the grocery store isn't always fresh. I wanted to bring back the vibrant colors, incredible textures, and nutrient-dense flavors that you can only get when produce is harvested at the peak of ripeness and delivered the same day.

How I Grow

I treat my soil like a living ecosystem. In my garden, you won't find synthetic pesticides or harsh chemicals. Instead, I focus on:

1) Local and heirloom varieties chosen for flavor and yield over shelf-life

2) Growing plants organically like they would in the wild

3) Making relationships and building community connections

When I’m not out pulling weeds or obsessing over my irrigation lines, you can usually find me planning a lesson for my students, crafting art pieces, or preparing and enjoying food with my beautiful wife.

I’m so proud to share my harvests with this community. Thank you for supporting local growers and choosing to eat a little closer to home.

— Jared Smith