Business Details
Your Trusted Garden Center in Toledo, OH
Tom Strain & Sons has been a cornerstone of Toledo's agricultural community for over 200 years. Founded in 1815 by Hugh Strain, we are a six-generation family operation dedicated to providing top-quality plants, fresh produce, and exceptional customer service. Our 6-acre greenhouse complex produces over 20 colors of Impatiens, 54 bedding plant varieties, 15 hanging basket options, and 20 perennial selections annually. During summer months, we cultivate 150 acres of vegetables including our renowned sweet corn, available from July through October.Our seasonal offerings extend to fall mums, winter holiday decor, and specialty products like homemade jams and salad dressings. With a workforce combining family tradition and dedicated employees, we maintain rigorous standards while embracing modern horticultural practices. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering through every season, making us a trusted local resource for gardening needs and fresh produce.
Services
Garden Center
Farm Market
Seasonal Plants
Fresh Produce
Christmas Trees
Hanging Baskets
Potted Plants
Perennials
Holiday Decor
Fundraising Programs
Highlights and features
- We offer over 200 years of combined agricultural experience across six generations
- Our greenhouses produce 75+ plant varieties for customized gardening solutions
- We grow 150 acres of fresh produce using time-tested farming methods
- We maintain seasonal inventory aligned with local gardening and harvest cycles
- Our family-operated business combines tradition with modern horticultural practices
Services
Garden Center
Our Garden Center offers a comprehensive selection of bedding plants, hanging baskets, and potted plants grown in six acres of greenhouses. We specialize in 75+ varieties including 20 colors of Impatiens, seasonal perennials, and specialty gardening supplies. The center operates year-round with holiday-specific inventory like poinsettias and Christmas trees.
Farm Market
The Farm Market features 150 acres of locally grown produce including strawberries, sweet corn, apples, and specialty vegetables. Our seasonal inventory follows traditional growing cycles with fresh-picked availability from June through October. We also offer value-added products like jams, jellies, and bread mixes.
Seasonal Plants
We provide extensive seasonal plant offerings including spring Easter plants, summer annuals, fall mums, and winter holiday plants. Our inventory includes Proven Winner bedding plants and specialty combinations for both residential and commercial landscaping needs throughout the year.
Fresh Produce
Our fresh produce operation delivers locally grown fruits and vegetables harvested at peak ripeness. The inventory includes over 20 varieties of seasonal crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons. We maintain strict quality standards while supporting local agricultural traditions through our farm-to-table approach.
Fundraising Programs
We offer multiple fundraising opportunities for local organizations through seasonal plant sales and voucher programs. Our initiatives include spring hanging basket fundraisers and holiday poinsettia/wreath programs. We also accept government nutrition vouchers to support community food access.
People
Tom Strain
Owner
Sixth-generation farmer leading the family operation with over 40 years of agricultural experience. Maintains traditional growing methods while implementing modern business practices to ensure quality and sustainability.
Becky Strain
Fundraising Coordinator
Manages community outreach programs and seasonal fundraising initiatives. Coordinates spring and holiday plant sales for local organizations while maintaining family farming values and customer relationships.
Questions
What are your seasonal operating hours?
We operate April-March with varying hours. April: 10-5 daily. May-October: 9-7 Mon-Sat, 10-3 Sun. Holiday hours require advance confirmation.
Do you accept government nutrition vouchers?
Yes, we accept Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program coupons and WIC vouchers for all locally grown produce.
What makes your sweet corn special?
Our sweet corn is harvested at peak ripeness and known for exceptional flavor and nutritional value from locally grown Ohio crops.
Can organizations conduct fundraisers at your farm?
Yes, we offer multiple fundraising programs including seasonal plant sales and pre-purchased voucher options for local groups.
Do you grow all your plants on-site?
Yes, we grow 90% of our inventory in our six-acre greenhouse complex using family-developed cultivation techniques.
Are you open on holidays?
We're closed Easter Sunday and July 4th. Holiday hours November-December require advance phone confirmation due to seasonal staffing.
