The Starter Farm @ Forage Florals, Santa Ynez
April 11-12, 2026
We’re excited to announce a new event location in Santa Barbara County: LOS OLIVOS!
The Starter Farm will host its Santa Ynez Valley event at THE BAKERY FARMSTAND, an uber-local and delicious foodie destination. Find our tomato collection and delectable baked goods at the corner of Santa Barbara Ave and Olivet Ave. both Saturday and Sunday.
Mark Donofrio and his farm team are busy most of the growing season nurturing cut flowers that decorate the most exciting events in their area.
In the summer, however, you can also find them picking tomatoes in the field and recording their impressions of some very unique fruit.
Each season we challenge Mark to grow new varieties and particular ones we’re watching so we know how they fare in this region. After years of growing hundreds of varieties The Starter Farm is an amazing source of information and tomato knowledge.
What to expect:
This unique event focuses on STARS OF THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, a showcase of 40+ varieties that have delighted this farmer through the years. They’ve done their homework and will recommend the standouts; tried and true tomato seedling varieties that perform well in the Santa Ynez and Los Olivos areas.
(*And a note, tomato lovers: while we love popular and classic hybrids you won’t find those in the lineup here.)
One of Mark’s best bets from past seasons? Sart Roloise. For 2026 it’s our Tomato of the Year.
Ask him more about it at the event.
*Mark’s field is full and bursting with flowers in early April but he’ll host the event at a new offsite location TBA.
Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
And hey, you can leave this event with tomato seedlings AND a beautiful bouquet!
Don’t miss this one.
