Great Falls Farm Opens to Local Residents

The family-run operation provides fresh specialty produce and flowers directly to the neighborhood.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Gardening

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a wooden garden bed with vegetables and flowers, set against distant hills, evoking local agricultural resilience. — Local residents Alysha and Nick Morenz have expanded their Great Falls backyard garden into a commercial farm operation called Red's Root Cellar. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you choose to buy produce from a local small farm instead of a grocery store?

In 2026, Great Falls residents Alysha and Nick Morenz transformed their backyard garden into a commercial family farm, Red's Root Cellar. The operation now provides specialty vegetables, herbs, and flowers to the local community from their 3201 26th St. S. location.

Why it matters

The farm's transition reflects a commitment to local food security, focusing on seed varieties specifically adapted for Montana's short growing seasons and cool nights. This shift demonstrates how home gardeners can scale up to address regional agricultural challenges.

Located at 3201 26th St. S., the farm operates using seeds from the Montana-based Triple Divide Seeds cooperative. During the 2026 season, the farm managed challenges including fungal issues, flea beetles, and a wet spring.

The players

Alysha and Nick Morenz

The owners of Red's Root Cellar who transitioned their home garden into a professional farm operation.

Red's Root Cellar

A Great Falls-based family farm specializing in vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Triple Divide Seeds

A Montana-based seed cooperative that supplies regionally adapted varieties to local growers.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

A federal agency assisting the farm with technical support for installing low tunnels.

The details

The couple addresses soil challenges, specifically heavy clay, by focusing on drainage improvements and adding organic matter. Their approach includes operating a pick-your-own flower patch and utilizing an honor-system cooler for weekday sales. To manage Montana's climate, they are currently collaborating with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to install low tunnels for improved frost and pest protection.

Spring 2026: A wet spring caused delays in the initial planting timeline.
2026 season: The farm operated while managing various pest and weather-related issues.
Future seasons: The farm plans to expand infrastructure, greenhouse space, and crop rows.

The Home Front

The transition of this property reflects a broader trend of small-scale agricultural diversification within Great Falls residential zoning. The site's efforts to improve heavy clay drainage align with standard regional soil management practices for Montana home farms.

Residents can visit the 3201 26th St. S. location on weekdays to access produce via the honor-system cooler. Those looking to replicate these growing methods should consult with local soil experts regarding clay drainage before installing their own low-tunnel frost protection.

The takeaway

Local farmers are successfully adapting to Montana's short growing season by selecting seeds specifically suited for cool nights and using low tunnels. Consider researching regionally adapted seed varieties from cooperatives like Triple Divide Seeds for your own seasonal garden planning.