Stefan Hess and Anna Showalter, owners of Friendly Neighbor Gardens in Linville, began growing vegetables in their backyard in 2019. With support from the USDA Farm Service Agency, they have expanded and purchased a four-acre farm where they can focus on environmentally friendly and efficient practices.
Friendly Neighbor Gardens stands out for its innovative use of greenhouses. With support from NRCS, Stefan has added one permanent greenhouse and five movable tunnel greenhouses (caterpillar tunnels) to extend the growing season. These portable structures protect crops from wind, cold, and excessive moisture, reduce disease, and limit chemical use, allowing for longer harvest seasons.
His biointensive approach maximizes productivity through dense planting, mulching to manage weeds, and avoiding tilling or heavy machinery to minimize soil disturbance. Although his current practices already support a wide variety of crops on just half an acre, plans are in place to expand into two more fields.
An added bonus of improved wildlife habitat is also a byproduct of his farming approach. Stefan enjoys watching birds on his farm—especially the purple martin, North America’s largest swallow—and hopes to attract more to his property.
Friendly Neighbor Gardens distributes produce throughout the year primarily through a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. With 90 members, the CSA delivers fresh, seasonal vegetables weekly, supporting local food, reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains, and bringing healthy food to the community.
Featured image: Stefan heads to harvest in one of the tunnels. The sides are open to allow better airflow during the summer which keeps plants dry from rains and disease on the leaves. Photo by Sarah Longenecker.
Interested in learning more about conservation practices for your property? Visit this page to learn about common practices and find your regional contact for technical assistance and funding!