By: Wendy Weitzel for the Davis Farmers Market

Dirt, water, seeds and sun. That’s the recipe for Toledo Farms’ produce. 

Juan Toledo, whose parents started the San Joaquin County farm about 15 years ago, said, “You start with the seeds and the water, and the sun does the rest.”

The certified organic producer is committed to growing naturally. “The main thing is not spraying them or using any harmful chemicals. You’re getting a nice, clean product as if you were growing in your back yard.”

They don’t use any sprays, even vitamins or supplements. “It’s harder but it’s worth it. You get a good, honest product that people enjoy,” Toledo said. “We run into – especially in the heat – beetles nipping at the kale. You knock off the bad ones; (The leaves) do regrow, and there you are. It takes time, a little more effort and maybe not as much yield at times, but it’s worth it, and people appreciate it.”

The farm has been selling at the Davis Farmers Market since 2010. However, the family worked for another vendor, Phillips Farms, for many years before that. When Phillips started focusing on winemaking, Toledo branched out on its own and opened a booth. Matriarch Micaela Toledo still works for the winery and is known for her pies (but they stick to produce sales at the market).

The family includes Federico and Micaela Toledo and their three children, Juan, 34, Lizeth, 30, and Jasmine, 24.

“Everyone does a little bit of everything at different parts of the year,” Juan said. His mom and sisters help with the farmers markets. In Davis, his mom typically works Saturdays and his dad works at the Wednesday market.

He says the Davis Farmers Market is a favorite. “It has everything going for it to be a nice, successful market. From the people who work it to the customers to the structure and community, it’s a great vibe.”

They farm 30 acres in Galt, with a rotation of seasonal crops. On it, they grow apples, apricots, artichokes, arugula, Asian vegetables, basil, beans, beets, cauliflower and Romanesco, carrots, celery, chard, cherries, cilantro, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, flowers, garlic, grapefruit, grapes, kale, lemons, lettuce, mandarins, melons, mint, nectarines, onions, oranges, parsley, peaches, pears, peppers, persimmons, rosemary, sage, summer squash and zucchini and tomatoes.

Juan says tomatoes are their specialty, especially the heirloom varieties. “Every summer, everyone is on us for our tomatoes. The yellow and green tomatoes do very well.” The lettuce and greens, Swiss chard and kale also do well. 

He enjoys working the farm, and plans to continue the family tradition. “My plan is to just keep going. I’ve been digging it,” he said.

Davis Farmers Market

Central Park, Fourth and C streets, Davis
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round
Wednesdays: 3 to 6 p.m. October through April; 4 to 8 p.m. May through September for Picnic in the Park

Toledo Farms

Owners: Federico and Micaela Toledo
Markets: Davis Farmers Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays
Farm address: 24739 N. Kennefick Road, Galt (outskirts of Lodi). The owners live in Lodi.