Five Generations of Family Farming Excellence
Since 1956, the DeBoer family has been dedicated to growing the finest plants and produce in the region. What started as a 40-acre farm in South Holland, Illinois, has evolved into a premier destination for fresh produce, beautiful plants, and authentic farm experiences.
Today, as we raise the fifth generation of farmers, we continue our family's commitment to quality, freshness, and personal service that has made Big John's Farm Market a trusted name for nearly 70 years.
Our Family Farming Legacy
A Story Rooted in Hard Work and Dedication
1956 - The Beginning
Case & Grace DeBoer sold their farm in South Holland, Illinois and purchased a 40-acre farm on Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights. Case and his son John began raising onions, carrots, sugar beets, tomatoes and onion sets, establishing the foundation of what would become Big John's Farm Market.
1965 - Passing the Torch
When Case passed away in 1965, John and his wife Stella moved to the farm and continued the agricultural tradition, raising vegetables while building a family of three children who would carry on the farming legacy.
1979 - Big John's Farm Market is Born
John Sr., Stella, and John Jr. started Big John's Farm Market, creating the retail operation that brought their quality produce directly to customers. In 1980, John Jr.'s wife Sandy joined the operation, adding her dedication and expertise to the growing business.
1983 - Expanding Horizons
After deciding to stop raising onion sets, the family added farmers markets in the city of Chicago to their operations, bringing their fresh produce to urban customers who appreciated farm-fresh quality.
1987-1993 - The Greenhouse Era Begins
The first greenhouse was built in 1987, followed by a second in 1993. This marked the beginning of our transformation into a comprehensive plant growing operation, allowing us to control quality from seed to sale
2024 - A New Chapter in Lowell
In the summer of 2024, we opened our new location in Lowell, Indiana, featuring our expanded fall activities including the pumpkin patch, hayrides, and family-friendly farm experiences that have become a beloved tradition.
Our Impressive Growing Operation
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Superior Plants
Today, Big John's Farm Market operates one of the region's most impressive growing operations:
70 Acres of Farmland
Our beautiful Lowell location spans 70 acres, providing ample space for outdoor growing, fall activities, and the authentic farm experience our customers love.
8 Modern Greenhouses
Our current facility features 8 state-of-the-art greenhouses covering over 88,000 square feet of climate-controlled growing space - allowing us the best control over every aspect of plant production.
Year-Round Growing Cycle
Our sophisticated operation allows us to grow plants year-round:
- November-March: We plant unrooted cuttings and seeds in our climate-controlled greenhouses
- January Onward: Production of hanging baskets, combination planters, annuals, perennials, herbs, and vegetable plants for spring
- Mid-April: Greenhouse doors open to the public for the spring season
- April-July: Field planting of vegetables and crops for fresh produce season
- July-October: Fresh produce harvest and fall activity season
What Makes Us Special
From Seed to Success - Complete Control
Growing Expertise:
We don't just sell plants - we grow them from the very beginning. Many of our plants start as unrooted cuttings that we root here using specialized heat, mist, and grow light systems. This hands-on approach from day one ensures you receive the healthiest, most robust plants.
Quality Control:
Our greenhouse growing space allows us the best control over every aspect of plant production. From temperature and humidity to nutrition and timing, we oversee every detail to ensure superior quality.
Local Knowledge:
With nearly 70 years in the region, we understand local growing conditions, soil types, and climate challenges better than anyone. Our plants are specifically grown for success in our Midwest environment.
Fresh Produce Excellence:
We pride ourselves on growing the best sweet corn in the area! Our produce goes from field to market the same day, ensuring peak freshness, flavor, and nutritional value.
Our Commitment to Freshness
Field to Market - The Same Day
Daily Harvest:
Every morning during growing season, we harvest what's ready from our fields and bring it directly to our farm market. This means our produce is incredibly fresh - often harvested just hours before you purchase it.
Proper Storage:
Each evening, we carefully pack up our produce and store it in climate-controlled coolers. Each morning, we inspect everything and put out only the freshest, highest-quality items.
No Compromises:
Unlike grocery stores that receive produce shipped from hundreds of miles away, our homegrown vegetables never leave the farm until they go home with you. The difference in taste and quality is unmistakable.
Fall Family Tradition
Creating Memories Since 2024
Our Lowell location has quickly become a beloved fall destination for families throughout the region. We continue the tradition of authentic farm experiences with:
Authentic Farm Activities:
- Hayrides to real pumpkin patches
- Farm animals and petting areas
- Giant slide and family-friendly activities
- Corn maze adventures
Educational Experiences:
- School field trips for elementary students
- Learning about agriculture and farm life
- Understanding where food comes from
- Connecting children with farming traditions
Family Focus:
All our fall activities are designed specifically for families with young children, emphasizing fun, safe, and educational experiences rather than scary attractions.
Supporting Our Community
Local Relationships Matter
Local Sourcing:
What we don't grow ourselves, we source from trusted local farms within our community, supporting regional agriculture while ensuring the freshest possible produce for our customers.
Educational Outreach:
Last fall, we welcomed 55 schools to our Lowell location for educational field trips, teaching thousands of children about farming, agriculture, and where their food comes from.
Community Involvement:
- Member of the Lowell Chamber of Commerce
- Supporting local fundraising efforts through our mums program
- Partnering with organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Northwest Indiana
The Future Looks Bright
Fifth Generation Farmers
As we raise the fifth generation of farmers in our family, we remain committed to the values that have guided us for nearly 70 years:
Quality First
Whether growing plants or produce, we never compromise on quality. Every plant must meet our high standards before it leaves our greenhouse.
Innovation with Tradition:
We embrace modern growing techniques and technology while maintaining the personal service and attention to detail that built our reputation.
Family Values
Our business remains family-owned and operated, with multiple generations working together to serve our customers with the personal attention they deserve.
Community Commitment
We're not just a business - we're part of the community, and we take that responsibility seriously in everything we do.
Our Team
Experienced, Knowledgeable, and Passionate
Family Leadership
Our family members are actively involved in daily operations, from growing decisions to customer service, ensuring our high standards are maintained in every aspect of the business.
Expert Staff
Our team includes experienced growers, plant specialists, and customer service professionals who share our passion for quality and helping customers succeed.
Seasonal Team
During peak seasons, we expand our team with carefully trained seasonal employees who help maintain our high standards of service and expertise.
Continuous Learning
We stay current with the latest growing techniques, plant varieties, and agricultural innovations to provide our customers with the best possible products and advice.
Visit Us Today
Experience the Difference Nearly 70 Years Makes
When you visit Big John's Farm Market & Greenhouse, you're not just shopping - you're becoming part of a nearly 70-year tradition of quality, freshness, and personal service.
From our greenhouse full of healthy plants to our farm market bursting with fresh produce, every aspect of our operation reflects our commitment to excellence.
- Superior Plants: Grown from seed/cutting to sale in our greenhouses
- Fresh Produce: Harvested the same day from our fields and local partners
- Expert Advice: Knowledgeable staff who understand local growing conditions
- Family Atmosphere: Personal service and attention you won't find elsewhere
Authentic Experience: Real farming in a genuine agricultural setting
Hours vary by season - check our current schedule
Located on 70 beautiful acres in Lowell, Indiana - between Route 41 & I-65 for convenient access from throughout the region.
7705 W 159th Ave, Lowell, IN 46356
Ready to Experience the Difference?
