"Everyone can grow stuff. Being able to sell it and get a fair price for it is challenging," said Biscoe, who hopes to add one more greenhouse to keep the focus on microgreens.

But he's also a niche farmer.

His 10-acre section of the farm is host to more than 100 types of hot peppers, along with a handful of sweet Italian and bell peppers.

"He really is the pepper guy," Hyland said.

Walking through rows of potted peppers, she points out various names: yellow brain strain shaped like tiny brains; bhut jolokia and naga morich, both known as ghost peppers; datil peppers with a citrusy flavor. She notes that some other names could be mistaken for Italian wine.

Hyland pauses to check the black pearl peppers, which look like olives. Over time, the peppers mature from red to black.

"I love seeing how they've changed each week," Hyland said.

One day, Biscoe may get into the online seed business, selling the seeds from dried peppers.

"The pepper industry has blown up so much recently," Biscoe said.

When Biscoe started farming, he said he didn't have a plan. Now, he does.

And after a back injury forced him to a desk job a few years ago, Biscoe is glad to be back to working the earth.

"I don't see myself doing anything else at this point."

Read Peggy Hyland's blog: gofarmtotable .blogspot.com

Katie Thisdell: 540/735-1975
Email: kthisdell@freelancestar.com