Our Practices

Fresh, Naturally Grown Produce from Guelph's Backyards

We implement sustainable and chemical free growing techniques, using seeds and starting soils that are organic and follow several biodynamic farming practices.  We build nutrient rich soils using a variety of organic composts.

While we cannot receive a “certified organic” rating because we farm in peoples’ backyards you can feel confident that you are receiving high quality, healthy vegetables.

Our crops include a range of rare and heirloom varieties.

Heirloom varieties of crops are those which were grown generations ago but are no longer used in conventional agriculture which relies on homogenizing the vegetables grown in the system.  Conventional varieties are often selected for their productivity, their ability to withstand mechanical picking and cross-country shipping, and their tolerance to drought, frost, or pesticides. 

Heirloom varieties in contrast include hundreds of each kind of crop and were bred over thousands of years for taste, nutrition, the ability to grow well within natural conditions, and other traits.  Growing heirloom crops helps to maintain genetic diversity and ensure that our food system is sustainable and resilient.  These varieties originate since at least 1945 and have no genetic engineering. 

Organic Certification?

Unfortunately, we are unable to certify our operation because of the scale of our farming.  We are gardening in about 40 yards throughout Guelph (a couple in Arkell) and the costs would be prohibitive for certifying each plot.  For example, soil testing for organic certification can cost at least $50 per sample. 

In addition, the lawns that we use will change from time to time,

(page in construction :)    )

Greenhouse Gas emissions?

This year we have managed to consolidate our properties to an extent and are able to be more strategic about how we work between them.  As a result, we have had substantially less gas bills this year.  Even if there are emissions from the transportation between our gardens, this is still a much more sustainable option than even organic produce from California (See Why eat local food?). 

Also, whereas lawns are mowed about once a week, we only use a truck and roto-tiller.  The roto-tiller is used only twice a year on each plot. 

Water Consumption

Maintaining a garden uses substantially less water than it does to keep a lawn green.  In addition, we are trying to get connected with rain barrel companies to save rain water for your gardens.  We want our water usage to be as minimal as possible. 

Page edited June 23, 2010.