Stockton's Fresh Produce In Season

Helming a new business takes persistence and dedication. Eric Firpo, co-owner of nursery, produce and gift store In Season, has proven he has both in abundance, waiting three years to get a lease on the “perfect place,” right here on Alpine in Stockton.

Together with partner Julie Morehouse, the two self-professed plant people, possess years of farming and landscaping experience, which they bring with their passion every day at In Season.

In the sort of tale that could have only sprouted during the Great Recession, Firpo and Morehouse both found the lack of jobs as opportunity; according to Fripo, “I got laid off and went into farming and realized it would be more profitable if I had a store front.” Julie’s story is similar, having previously worked at a local nursery. “So we decided to pursue our own business venture.”

Other than waiting for the perfect location to become available, setting everything up required a tremendous amount of work to get it in shape for their September 16th opening. Other challenges involved searching out suppliers for the nursery, gift shop and locally grown, organic produce.

In Season offers supplies and gifts in their shop, as well as an assortment of organic, non-GMO produce. “We want people to feel good about stuff they're buying and know that this is super healthy food and they are helping local growers and the local economy.” And of course, the produce grown by Firpo directly for the store, “is grown by myself, (so) absolutely no pesticides are used whatsoever.” In addition to educating customers on the benefits of buying organic and non-GMO produce, Firpo is also on the continual search for local suppliers that offer unusual annuals and perennials.

“The response from the public has been phenomenal, so it's really rewarding,” says Firpo. Future expansions for In Season include a small deli and eventually a beer garden.

Visit In Season today to learn how to cultivate and plan your own garden, or to get produce with the peace of mind of knowing exactly where it comes from.