1970s

The story of the garden began in the early 1970s, when Iiris and Kauko Oksanen purchased Koivisto Farm in Paattinen, which focused on tomato farming. Already in 1973, the crop was changed to head lettuce, and its cultivation rapidly increased. At that time, lettuce was still a new and rarely used vegetable in Finland.

1980s

Head lettuce remained the garden’s main crop until 1989, when potted lettuce was introduced into production. It was followed by other lettuce varieties such as Oak leaf lettuce, Lollo Rosso, Ice lettuce, and Romaine lettuce.

1990s

In 1996, the company structure was changed into a limited company, and Juha Oksanen continued expanding and developing the business.

2000s

The 2000s brought major changes towards increasingly sustainable development and more environmentally friendly production. In 2007, the garden’s heat production changed completely: with the new solid fuel plant, heavy fuel oil was replaced with renewable biofuel. In the same year, Oksasen Puutarha became the first horticultural company in Finland to be audited under the Laatutarha quality system and received the right to use the Laatutarha label.

In 2009, the garden expanded through a business acquisition when another garden was purchased in Oripää. The production area increased by 50%, and at the same time a completely new member joined the product family: Sweet frisée lettuce.

2010s

Investments in production development have been reflected in product quality and reliability of production. Juha Oksanen’s sons Ville, Ilkka, and Olli are involved in the company’s daily operations.

In 2010, the company was awarded as the best greenhouse vegetable farm in Finland, and in 2011 it received the Vegetable producer of the year award (Vuoden Vihannestuottajan palkinto) from Kauppapuutarhaliitto ry.
In 2012, Oksasen Puutarha adopted the international GLOBALG.A.P. certification for good agricultural practices at its Turku location.

In 2017, growth continued when the greenhouses in Oripää were expanded.

2020s

In 2021, Oksasen Puutarha celebrated its 50th anniversary. The goal is to continue operations for the next half century as well.

In 2024, Oksasen Puutarha expanded once again through a business acquisition when another garden was purchased in Hamina. At the same time, the company’s entire brand appearance — from the logo to the packaging — was renewed, as was the company’s profile from a family business to a larger market player, while still maintaining its status as a traditional family-owned company.