JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Every thriving business begins with a good idea.

Mick and Kay Prochko, owners of Covered Bridge Gardens, 1681 Netcher Road, began as dairy farmers but, in 1999, switched to vegetables thanks to inspiration from their son, and partner, Steve.

“While Steve was studying dairy science in college, he kept telling us about successful ways to grow and sell vegetables through a CSA, or community-supported agriculture,” Kay Prochko said.

Community-supported agriculture allows customers to enjoy gourmet vegetables along with everyday garden varieties selected by their very own personal farmers. By subscribing for the growing season, customers receive a weekly share of the varieties of produce locally grown in Ashtabula County.

This year’s season begins June 25 and will end Oct. 11. Registration is going on now, and to be guaranteed a share, families need to sign up before May 15.

In 2000, the Prochkos joined forces with Mike and Diane Hiener of Peters Creek Farm, 3451 S. Denmark Road in Dorset Township. Together, the two farms have created the largest CSA in northeast Ohio.

“We are very well known in the Cleveland-area farmers markets, and now we want to offer the people in our county the same opportunity for fresh home-grown produce,” Mike Hiener said.

The Prochkos and Hieners began by taking their produce to the Middlefield Produce Auctions but then discovered the Cleveland farmers markets were much more lucrative, including the North Union Farmers Markets in Shaker Square. During those early days, both families spent time at various conferences, absorbing ideas about how to expand their business, and decided they really liked the idea of CSA programs.

“About five years ago, we started with 14 families. Last year, we had 206, and this year we are looking to double that amount,” Kay Prochko said. “We try to double every year.”

There are many reasons for subscribing to a CSA, including knowing where your food is grown.

“Every time the news reports that China has poisoned more of our food, our business increases,” Mike Hiener said. “Especially today, people are becoming more and more concerned about where their food comes from.”

Other reasons for CSA success are sustaining a healthier way of life, the chance to order additional amounts for family reunions or canning, having someone who can answer your questions about produce, having a personal farmer you know on a first-name basis, the convenience of prepaying and the opportunity to support local agriculture.

“The point is not necessarily monetary savings but quality and freshness,” Kay Prochko said. “The produce is picked at the peak of freshness and delivered in cloth bags to keep it cool.”

“Our customer base is people looking for quality produce for their family and a longer shelf life,” Mike Hiener said.

In-season variety is another advantage. The selection includes basil, beans, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, green onions, green tomatoes, garlic, kale, lettuce and greens, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, raspberries, sweet corn, sweet peppers, popcorn, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash, zucchini and summer squash.

“There are many varieties within the vegetable varieties, as well,” said Mick Prochko. “For example, we grow the sweetest and tastiest varieties of sweet corn there (are).”

Both farms begin their planting from flats, which they purchase from area growers. The Prochkos buy their flats from Kusar Farms in Jefferson and Middle Ridge Gardens in Madison, while the Hieners buy their flats from Betty’s Greenhouse in Dorset, and they are also blessed with a yearly supply from Mike’s parents, who live in southern Ohio.

“Between the two farms, we plant around 50,000 plants every year,” Mike said.

The most enjoyable part of the vegetable farm life for both families, is the interaction with the public.

“It is nice because we really get to know our customers and see how much they appreciate the fresh produce,” Kay said.

Between May and September, both farms offer farm tours to the public.

“Most consumers really don’t understand the work that goes into growing food. This way people can connect with their farmer,” Mike said.

Local delivery sites will be at the Jefferson Farmers Market and the Ashtabula Bridge Street Farmers Market.

For more information, call 440-858-2569 or 440-858-9741, or look online (www.coveredbridgegardens.com).