About Our Farm
Tree Frog Farm is located just outside Avilla, IN (20 minutes north of Fort Wayne), it is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Mary and Tina Miars. Mary started the farm back in 1989 shortly after purchasing the property, and in the following years has sold produce at the Historic Southside Farmers' Market, Goshen Farmers' Market, Solomon Farm Farmers' Market, and currently the YLNI Barr St Farmers' Market. At Tree Frog Farm we strive to attain, if not surpass, standard organic practices by only purchasing certified organic seeds, soil amendments, and limiting the use of organic pesticides to when only necessary.
Produce for the Community
A Better Way to Farm
In the past few years there has been an increased interest in buying not only one's food locally, but also continuing to support the local economy by supporting local businesses and farms. We are eternally grateful to have benefitted from this, but we also search for ways to give back and connect with the community that supports us. In the past, we have offered farm volunteer days where people can come visit the farm, see how we care for the plants and biome we have nurtured, and volunteer their time in helping us in the fields. Furthermore, we give back to the community by donating produce left over from the market to local food banks, providing fresh, high-quality produce to those who may otherwise have limited access.
The Beginning
Chemical-free Farming Since 1989
The land that Tree Frog Farm now occupies was bought in 1987 as part of a tract auction of a once larger farmstead. Mary and her husband at the time set to work building their house with the help of her family. In 1989, the house was finished and they began living full time on the property. Having grown up in the produce rich region of West Michigan, Mary was curious to see what she could grow on this new property and try to provide fresh, nutrient-filled food for her family. When planning her first garden Mary wanted to pursue organic methods due to seeing how chemicals were beginning to affect our environment, food, and well-being. Some of the first plants brought to the farm were a set of 4 Rhubarb plants that she brought from their previous home in Coldwater, Michigan. These plants have continued to be one of our most popular products.
