Great Falls Couple Transforms Garden Into Family Farm

Alysha and Nick Morenz launched Red's Root Cellar in 2026 to supply the city with specialty produce and flowers.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Gardening

Screen-print poster illustration of raised garden beds filled with specialty vegetables and flowers, evoking the resilience of Montana small-scale farming. — Alysha and Nick Morenz transitioned their Great Falls backyard into a commercial farm in 2026 to provide specialty produce and flowers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

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

Alysha and Nick Morenz transitioned their backyard garden into a commercial family farm in 2026. The new venture, Red's Root Cellar, now provides specialty vegetables, herbs, and flowers to the public in Great Falls.

Why it matters

The farm allows the owners to prioritize local agricultural production after returning to Montana to raise their son. By sourcing climate-adapted seeds, they aim to overcome the challenges of the region's short growing season and cool nights.

Located at 3201 26th St. S., the farm utilizes seeds from the Montana-based cooperative Triple Divide Seeds. Produce is sold via an honor-system cooler on weekdays.

The players

Alysha Morenz

The co-owner of Red's Root Cellar who transitioned from a career as a hairstylist to full-time farming.

Nick Morenz

The co-owner of the farm who operates the business alongside his wife.

Triple Divide Seeds

A Montana-based cooperative that specializes in providing seed varieties adapted to the state's climate.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

A federal agency that provides technical and financial assistance for conservation efforts on private land.

The details

The farm operates a flower patch for pick-your-own bouquets and is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to install low tunnels for protection against frost and pests. Despite dealing with heavy clay soil, fungal issues, and flea beetles during their inaugural season, the owners plan to expand greenhouse space and add cover crops.

Spring 2026 saw a wet season that delayed the farm's initial planting timeline.
During the 2026 season, the farm operated while facing specific pest and weather challenges.
The farm intends to expand infrastructure and offerings in future seasons.

Culture Shift

Red's Root Cellar represents a growing trend of small-scale growers adapting to the Montana-specific short growing season. By embracing hyper-local production, these farms shift away from legacy distribution models toward sustainable, community-integrated agriculture.

Great Falls residents can access fresh, specialty produce throughout the work week using the farm's honor-system cooler. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in seasonal bouquet picking, integrating the farm directly into local consumer routines.

The takeaway

Starting a commercial farm requires proactive infrastructure investments like low tunnels to mitigate the risks of harsh seasonal weather. Local growers can sustain production by improving soil drainage and selecting seeds specifically bred for their unique geographic climate.