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The Gillman family has operated Gillman Farms since the mid 1970’s. The farm is currently owned and managed by Lee and Dixie Gillman, with the assistance of sons Buddy and Jarrett.
Lee’s dad, Tommy, was the first of the family to farm Plant City strawberries. The early years were rife with freezes and other challenges. But the ‘call to farm’ took root in Lee at an early age, and he worked alongside his dad to keep the farm going. In 1986, Lee began farming his own land, which adjoined his dad’s place on Thonotosassa Road. Through hard work and extra hours at the Tampa Farmers’ Market, Lee caught a foothold in the competitive strawberry market. By focusing on quality and best practices, the farm expanded again in the mid 2000’s, when Lee’s mentor, Gene Roach, retired and sold the Gillmans his neighboring land on Stafford Road. Today, the farm consists of approximately 57 acres of strawberry cropland, plus pastureland, wetlands and family homes. In addition to strawberries, the farm produces sweet onions and spring crops of sweet corn and peas. The family also raises a small herd of beef cattle, producing many ‘show’ calves for local FFA and 4H members.
In 2023, the farm expanded in a different direction with the opening of The Farmhouse. The Farmhouse is a seasonal agritourism destination, open from November to May, including Upick fields, a sandwich and dessert café, a local produce market and a gift shop. Of course, Gillman Farms’ sweet strawberries – and many desserts made from them - are a big draw from December to March. The shop also hosts music nights, craft fairs and other seasonal events.
Growing Season Timeline
FAQs:
Why don’t you pick strawberries year round?
Florida weather and humidity are brutal on the plants, especially as the temperature rises. Usually by the end of March the plants are ‘played out’ and the fruit starts getting smaller and less uniform. Also, as rainy season picks up, mold and disease are harder to control.
Another reason we stop production is a drop in market price. The market price for our commercial operation is greatly affected by production in California and Mexico. There are some years the market becomes glutted and the price we receive from our broker drops as a result.
What challenges do you face?
Each year brings its own challenges. In 2011, we had fourteen days of consecutive freezing weather, which impacted water sources as we had to run overhead irrigation daily. In 2024, Hurricane Milton damaged plastic, land, and structures, with flooding that covered many acres. Every year, regulations change and escalate from both industry and government oversight.
Why do you grow strawberry onions on the outside rows?
To keep the elephants out. Clearly it’s working. 😉
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