Alaska's Oathouts Cultivate Hardy, Tasty Tomatoes for Food Security
The Oathouts, owners of MidValley Garden and Greenhouse near Wasilla, have been cultivating a remarkable tomato variety tailored to Alaska's climate. After forty years of breeding, Mark Oathout's Mat-Su Express tomato is showing great promise, with good taste, early ripening, and high yield, all achieved without a greenhouse. The family-run business, established in 2013, is committed to enhancing food security in Alaska through education and local produce.
Spanning 18 acres, MidValley Garden and Greenhouse is situated near the intersection of Parks Highway and Hyer Road. The Oathouts, with Mark at the helm, have dedicated decades to developing hardy, tasty, and reliable tomato varieties that thrive in Alaska's short growing season. Their latest achievement, the Mat-Su Express, has shown impressive results, ripening early and yielding abundantly, all while growing outdoors without additional protection.
Melissa Lytwyn, the production manager, is a testament to the family's commitment to self-sufficiency. She grows approximately 60 percent of her family's food at their 0.63-acre Mat-Su Borough home. The Oathouts' dedication to local food production extends beyond their own land. They plan to open a Family Dollar-style farmers market in 2026, offering a variety of produce including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, honey, and apples.
To share their knowledge and expertise, the Oathouts provide educational resources. They offer a YouTube channel and classes, teaching growers about tomato cultivation and pest maintenance. Furthermore, they are in talks with a major seed-producing company to test their Mat-Su Express tomato seeds for potential global marketing.
MidValley Garden and Greenhouse, under the Oathouts' stewardship, is not only producing exceptional Alaska-hardy tomatoes but also fostering a community of informed growers. Their dedication to improving food security through education and local produce is set to bear fruit, both literally and figuratively, in the years to come.
