Meet Our Farmers: Kittitas Valley Greenhouse

Farmer Richard weaves through his tomatoes at Kittitas Valley Greenhouse.

Richard Ness and Mary Young-Ness of Kittitas Valley Greenhouse have magical powers- They can make summer come early. Or at least that's how it feels when they arrive to market with big, beautiful tomatoes way at the beginning of May. The secret is less of an alchemy and more of a science, (stop reading here if you want to preserve the image of farmer Rich waving a wand).  

Richard and Mary's organic tomatoes are grown hydroponically in hot-houses on the southwest hillside of Kittitas Valley. Tomatoes love high heat and dry air, so farmer Richard puts his chemistry background to use, creating the perfect conditions for his plants to thrive and produce fruit as early as possible. A former CPA, Mary’s business background helps keep Kittitas Valley Greenhouse on track, and you can find the pair working side-by-side at markets. Of all people, Rich and Mary know the pain of waiting all winter and spring for the first ripe tomatoes of the season, and their care and attention to detail is apparent with every juicy bite of their early tomatoes.

Richard and Mary started Kittitas Valley Greenhouse in 1988, on land passed down to Mary from her grandfather, who purchased it during the Great Depression. Originally a 1,000 square foot operation, Kittitas Valley Greenhouse now sprawls on 15,000 square feet. Thats a whole lot of delicious heirloom tomatoes! Because the property includes a natural spring, there is always plenty of water, even during dry spells. Better yet, the water comes right from the earth, making it some of the most pure water around. Rich and Mary are proud that there is no trace of pesticides on any part of their property, and a large part of their business model is to be pesticide and herbicide free.

You can find Kittitas Valley Greenhouse tomatoes at all four of our operating markets, University District on Saturdays, West Seattle on Sundays, Capitol Hill on Sundays, and Columbia City on Wednesdays. You can also pre-order Rich and Mary’s tomatoes for market pick-up via WhatsGood.