Paul Sollie

Originally from Canby, OR, Paul Sollie started growing on his plot of land in Medford about ten years ago. Paul is an octogenarian and works the plot himself, saying that's how he keeps himself in shape.

Over his ten years of growing garlic, Paul has discovered how to maximize the efficiency of his operation. To irrigate, he has found a way to lay drip lines underground with the help of a rototiller. By attaching an electrical right angle to the drag bar of the rototiller, he's able to lay the drip line three to four inches underground. To fertilize, he uses livestock manure and 300 bags of leaves he receives from the city every fall.

Paul began farming early in life, and graduated from Oregon State University's Agriculture program in 1951. Along the way, Paul has had several careers, including teaching agriculture in high school, and owning a health food store. If you ever see him at the Co-op delivering his elephant garlic, ask him about the two years he spent living in the back country of British Columbia. Lucky for us, Paul has decided to make the Rogue Valley his home.