We began visiting the Amish greenhouses near St. Charles, MN, in 2019. As I sometimes do when it comes to what I regard as unique and interesting experiences, I created a blog post about that day. What to me was a surprising experience, this post is probably the most viewed individual post I have ever written, and even though it is now a significant number of years later, this continues to be the case. In addition, the popularity of this post from 2019 continues to grow.
My guess is that these data demonstrate the importance of finding the right niche. When I first generated the post, I don’t think the collection of Amish farms had an online presence despite the interest of folks visiting for this unusual gardening experience. My post was available via search and accumulated enough attention that it appeared at the top of the hit list. Despite new competition, the advantage of being already there has meant that total views continue to make my original post competitive.
Just for old times’ sake, here are some new images and a description of our most recent visit.
A number of Amish farmers have clustered near the community of St. Charles, MN. As these comparatively small farmers have attempted to find ways to generate revenue, they have hit on several effective options. Some are questionable from the perspective of other cultures (puppy farms), but others attract favorable attention (furniture, dairy). Some of these ventures gain an advantage from the collective commitment of several farms to the same venture. The greenhouses are an example. You can pick up a crude map at several local outlets and then visit at least a dozen greenhouses that are close to one another. The greenhouses vary in size and offerings, so although we drive about a hundred miles to reach these farmms, the prices and the options make it worth the trip.
Here are a few photos to offer a feel for what a visit is like. The greenhouses are heated by wood fires/boilers, but otherwise would be similar to what you might find in your own community. It is very unlikely you would find baked and canned goods.
Other sights are common, but different. These small, labor-intensive farms are nested among large farms with massive equipment, and the Amish have created a lifestyle and mutual support network that keeps them competitive.
One more thing. If you are aware of the Amish culture (now sometimes the focus of reality TV programs), you probably know that the Amish do not like to be photographed. It is always important to ask when taking pictures of individuals. I did not make the effort on this trip. I have in other years and sometimes it is OK. I grew up on a small farm some 65 or so years ago, and know enough to carry on a conversation about small farm agriculture (e.g., milking cows, cleaning out the manure). Although never my dream, talking to some of the younger men hoping to purchase a small acreage and have their own farm took me back.