About The Garden

A Creative and Viable Small Farm

The Garden is a three-acre farm located on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. The mediterranean-like climate allows us to grow an exotic variety of plants.

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One acre is dedicated primarily to food producing perennials and two acres is a natural forest.

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Experiments with sustainable growing techniques and emerging technologies are carried out at a scale that is transferable to other small farms, both urban and rural.

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Rainwater catchment provides 100% of the horticultural requirements.

Farm and kitchen waste fuels an automated 'family scale' anaerobic digester. It produces biogas for cooking and fertilizer for the farm.

A wood gasifier/hydronic system provides heat for cold winter days in the greenhouse

PV solar provides energy, also during power outages.

Maximum efficiency in the greenhouse is maintained with the use of thermal mass and energy curtains.

Butter lettuce and basil was produced for the wholesale market in the greenhouse from 1994 to 2018. The transition to Sub-tropical fruit production began in 2014 and was completed in 2019. Crops are grown using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic production practices.

The Garden has been a featured farm for the annual Rainwater Harvesting Tour, The Salt Spring Eco-Living and Home Tour, Salt Spring Farm Tour and the Transition Society's Community Energy Conference.

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Articles:

Harrowsmith

Vancouver Island Edibles

Videos:

Curtis Stone

BC Food

Podcasts:

Donna Balsor

Harrowsmith Radio

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Jane Squier operates the farm with part-time help.