About the Farmer

The Bobrosky home near Big Stone Gap looks simple enough from the road.  It’s a modest brick house with a few gardens around the yard and a couple of small outbuildings.  The two high tunnels down below the house, one complete and the other still under construction, show the agricultural leanings of the family, but the full extent of the Bobroskys’ remarkable innovation isn’t evident until they start talking. 

“My dad read about using a real thick layer of straw for mulching,” said Jeff Bobrosky, who, along with his wife Dora and father Steve, operates Bobrosky Farms.  “So we’re giving that a try in the smaller tunnel down there.” 

Jeff and Dora went on to detail other efforts to expand and improve production, some experimental, some tried-and-true: a drip irrigation system, insect control through crop diversity, a home-built walk-in cooler adapted from a prefabricated shed, and a solution Dora formulated herself to extend the life of fresh-cut flowers. 

These techniques are part of the family’s ongoing efforts to significantly increase their ability to grow most of their own food, with plenty left over to share.  The Bobroskys hope their harvests yield enough to make a little extra income at the Norton Farmers Market this year, and also allow them to contribute on a regular basis to the food pantry operated by their church. 

“From what we can tell, food prices are just going to skyrocket,” said Jeff.  “So for everybody’s sake, we just feel like there should be more local food available.”

“There is a great need for good food,” said Dora. “And that need is only going to increase.”

The Bobrosky family is committed to growing all of their food organically.  They have not pursued organic certification, but Jeff was proud to note that their crops thrive “with absolutely no pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, nothing.”  They are also working on a full-fledged greenhouse, and have plans to install solar panels and a windmill.

Most of the strategies Jeff and Dora employ are self-taught.  “My mom and dad always had little gardens, and I played ‘go-fer’ for them as a kid,” Jeff said, recalling his childhood home just a few miles away, where his parents still live.  “But we’re really figuring most of it out as we go.”  The two have also attended regional agricultural conferences and workshops to increase their knowledge. 

As a nurse, Dora sees particular importance in cultivating a consistent source of fresh, healthy food.  “The nutritional value of fresh food is just so much higher than what you’d buy at the store,” she said.  “I’m excited that there are more farmers markets around.”

“We also both hunt and fish,” Jeff added, “so we really have to buy very little.”

As self-sufficient eating goes, the Bobroskys enjoy quite the varied menu.  In addition to vegetable-garden staples like corn, potatoes, beans, berries, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, squash, and herbs, Jeff and Dora are always trying something new.  Right now, they are waiting to see how their kiwi plant produces, and they also hope to get some figs this year.   They even keep a coffee plant indoors; it remains to be seen whether they will end up with many beans, but they enjoy the challenge and the chance to learn.

“I think we’re all putting in at least full-time with all these projects,” said Jeff.

“But we enjoy it so much,” said Dora.  “I could spend seven days a week, twelve hours a day in the garden.”

The Norton Farmers Market kicks off their season this week, and will be held each Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the downtown municipal parking lot.  Look for a wide variety of seasonal produce, baked goods, bedding plants, meats, cheeses and crafts.  This week, Bobrosky Farms will be bringing potted tomato and pepper seedlings, dark opal basil, oregano, mulberries, cut flowers and hanging flower baskets, with much more in the weeks to follow.  For more information about the farm, visit www.dorasgardens.com.

Article and photo by Paige Campbell