The timing seemed right for these two younger baby boomers to make a big career change. 

Ruth and Linda met via a maintenance job, a friendship developed, then a business partnership formed with a move from Mississippi to Palisade, Colorado Country to start growing their dream: Sprigs and Sprouts!

“Things are either grown from a sprig or a sprout. It’s either grown from a seed or a cutting and that’s just about as simple as I know how to put it,” explained Ruth Elkins, co-owner of the business. 

So, what brought them from there to here?

“I had been wanting to move from Mississippi for years and Ruth talked me into moving here because she thought it was a great opportunity, a real change of life pace and it is," added Linda Bailey.  "It’s very nice here and I wouldn’t go back.”

Growing lavender and experimenting with key vegetables made for a successful first year.

“We wanted to be diversified and offer more than just lavender.  We wanted to integrate good culinary food.  We believe in quality products.  We don’t really want to sell anything that we wouldn’t eat ourselves," said Linda.

The results were amazing with some thanks to Epsom salts?

“So, we went to the local pharmacy and bought all their Epsom salts and went to town and we don’t have any shortage of jalapeño peppers out here!"

Growing things in Mississippi versus high desert agriculture… definitely a bit different.

"Anybody can do it in their back yard," Linda explained.  "It’s all about utilizing what space you have.  We don’t have a whole lot of acreage here but if you utilize your space correctly,  you can grow a lot of food. ”

A visit with them leaves you with a smile and a greater appreciation of where your food comes from. After tasting and seeing the results of their first year, who knows what will be sprouting here for us all to enjoy next summer.

Sprigs & Sprouts of Western Colorado LLC is located at 3669 G Road, Palisade CO – on facebook – e-mail – sprigsandsprouts@gmail.com.  Fall Hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday thru Monday… closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Or call 970-234-1261