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Randy’s Raisings was established in 1984 as a produce farm by Randy Delposen.
From 1986 to 1990, Delposen operated the produce farm during summer breaks
while majoring in Horticulture Business at Ohio State University. During
this time Randy’s Raisings began specializing in tomatoes, peppers, and
pumpkins.
The greenhouse
operation, located at 15431 Cannon’s Mill Road between East Liverpool Road
(old 30) and State Rte. 267, began in 1993 when Delposen built his first
greenhouse to produce transplants for the vegetable operation. With the
inclusion of bedding plants, the business has been steadily growing
ever since. Since 1994, two additions and three new greenhouses have been
added.
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"We make all of our own
hanging baskets and grow our bedding plants from seed or plugs. I feel this
is the best way to maintain the highest quality," Delposen said. Currently
we offer 304 varieties of annuals, 130 varieties of hanging baskets, 130
varieties of perennials, including 35 different roses, 100 plus different
herbs, and 70 varieties of vegetable plants including 31 tomato cultivars.
Major changes were made
to the produce operation in 2000 which was moved to a 152 acre farm located
at 50462 Calcutta-Smith Ferry Road . The farm market opened in September
2000 and offered various fresh fruit and vegetables as well as pumpkins,
gourds, and fall mums grown on the farm. Delposen said, “The new farm seems
to be very fertile and will grow just about anything.” In 2002 yet another
expansion was made at the Farm Market by constructing a state of the art
greenhouse addition for flowers sales. |
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The new
farm market not only offers fresh produce and mums but hay rides and corn
mazes as well. The major attraction at the farm market is the corn mazes.
“The compass-rose, our first corn maze, was a huge hit in 2000. We had a
great time and tried to get the whole community involved by having different
non-profit organizations sell concessions on the weekends. This worked out
extremely well and we plan to do the same each year."
Another big community
effort is found in the flashlight nights at the corn maze. The mazes change every year
and are extremely challenging to navigate after dark. The local
volunteer fire departments provide volunteers to help with a bonfire/hotdog
roast and lighting for the parking. This is a fun fund raising event for
all. Again community groups use
this time as a fund raiser for their organizations.
Delposen states,
“We are especially thankful for the many new friends we have made. We have
plans in store for the future and the possibilities at this new farm seem
limitless." |
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