Grade A Gardens
34802 I Ave
Earlham, IA 50072
ABOUT
Grade A Gardens grows fruits and vegetables on a 30 acres in Earlham, Iowa. What began as a gourmet garlic farm, Grade A Gardens now markets through a CSA, the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market and Des Moines’ finest restaurants and specialty grocers.
At Grade A Gardens we believe that sustainable agriculture has a critical role to play in creating and maintaining a strong local economy, healthy ecosystem, and vibrant social fabric. We believe all humans should have access to fresh, clean, affordable and nutritious fruits and vegetables. We hope to provide fruits and vegetables grown in a sustainable manner while earning a fair wage. Currently all of our produce is sold within a 60 mile radius of the farm.
Through our careful seed selection, regenerative growing methods, and beautiful Iowa soil, we believe our produce is some of the finest and tastiest available.
Where to find us?
Grade A Gardens can be found every Saturday morning at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market on the Southwest corner of 2nd and Court. The farmers market starts in May and runs through October. We also drop our CSA off at The Cheese Shop of Des Moines every Tuesday during May thru October.
Our produce can be found at the following restaurants throughout the season:
HISTORY
Jordan Clasen started growing wheatgrass in his basement in 2009 and ‘Grade A Grass’ was born. He ran the produce department at Gateway Market and Cafe at the time. In the Fall 2010 he was given the opportunity to rent some ground from his best high school friend. That first year he planted 5,000 garlic cloves on 1/4 acre. ‘Grade A Garlic’ was born. For the next two season Jordan continued to work at Gateway full time and farm on the side. In 2012 Jordan decided to leave Gateway Market and farm “full time”. ‘Grade A Gardens’ was born! In 2016, Whitney joined the farm bringing with her knowledge from working on farms all over the world. Jordan and Whitney got married in 2018, had a baby in 2019 and another in 2021. With their growing family, Jordan and Whitney wanted to buy a farm of their own and with the help of SILT, the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust, they were able to buy their current farm in Earlham in 2021 and moved just in time for the 2022 growing year. Jordan and Whitney look forward to many season to come on their family farm!
Press
“These garlic farmers celebrate Rachel’s favorite ingredient every, single, day.” —Rachel Ray
“Jordan Clasen and his Grade A Gardens harvest yield of dreams” —The Des Moines Register
“International dinner series is coming to Iowa to feature a local farm… ” —The Des Moines Register
“PFI Field Day at garlicky Grade A Gardens” —Iowa State Extension
“Grade A Gardens at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market” —DSM Downtown
“Iowa Ingredient | Garlic” —Iowa Ingredient