My name is Chip Hope, and I’ve been a gardener as long as I can remember. The last 30 years have been spent learning organic and sustainable methods.

I earned my M. S. degree in Plant and Environmental Science from Clemson University. It was during those years at Clemson that I became absorbed in heirloom tomatoes and seed saving!

After trying many, many varieties, I decided to do some “scientific” research in the Food Science Dept. Sensory Evaluation Lab… “official” taste tests, as it were. This just led me deeper into the world of heirlooms. One of the things I’ve tried to find, is the best, most true sources for these old varieties. What an interesting world that is in itself! If it were'nt for those folks who believe in saving seeds we'd have lost even more than we have.

My friend and business partner, Billy Haynes and I  began experimenting with varieties, and production methods and seed saving techniques, on his farm in Flat Rock, NC in 1998. Since 2004, my wife Julie and I have been growing and saving seeds on our farm in Burnsville, NC

Our water comes from pure mountain wells. We use mostly on-farm resources, and compost lots of animal manure for sustainable fertilizers. Our goal is to build healthy soil for healthy tomatoes! We use appropriate isolation distances for seed saving.

Besides seed, we also sell plants regionally in Western NC. They are available from the middle of April till early June at the following locations: Hendersonville Community Coop, Hendersonville NC; Jesse Israel Garden Center and BB Barnes, Asheville, NC; Reems Creek Valley Garden Center Weaverville, NC; the Yancey Co. Farmer's Market, Burnsville NC; and of course, at the farm.

What a great life (…well, somebody has to do it!). If you are ever in the neighborhood, come see us. Billy hosts the Flat Rock Music Festival* every  fall, and it is Some Fun! Or come taste some tomatoes with us this summer and we'll show you how to save seeds as well. We’re always glad to talk and taste tomatoes…Any excuse for a ‘mater sandwich!