In spite of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the unusually hot, dry weather, and three pesky deer who love their beet and carrot tops, Belbeck Gardens has been faring well at this year’s Homegrown Farmer’s Market in Moose Jaw.
“This year has actually been really good for us,” said Dave Parry, who runs the business along with partner Todd Gray. “For the growing season we’ve had, we’ve had really good success.”
The duo have been out at the market each Saturday selling their produce including vegetables, potatoes, garlic, onions and zucchini, all of which they grow themselves on a two-acre garden plot located just north of Moose Jaw.
Moose Jaw residents have been excited to be allowed to get out and about and mingle again, and the turnout at the weekly market has reflected that.
“The first week that Saskatchewan opened up we had probably one of our best days ever,” Parry said. “People were out and about for the first time in 18 months, people were looking to spend money and we had a really good day.”
Aside from growing their own produce, the pair also does a lot of canning and pickling, often using old family recipes, as well as creating spice rubs and sauces.
Although business has been steady, the growing season has not been without its challenges, including a whole lot of extra water to haul.
“That adds a whole extra level of work, and it’s so hard to keep up,” Parry said.
Some of the produce also failed to thrive due to the hot, dry conditions, including squash and corn.
“The corn come up about a foot and that’s where it stayed.”
Parry and Gray do all of the work involved at Belbeck Gardens, including the canning, pickling and gardening, with one exception.
“Our wives clean up the mess we make,” Parry laughed.
The work never stops, requiring about three hours a day of work during the busy season. The day after the market ends Thanksgiving weekend, their work begins for next year, planning gardens and ordering seeds.
Parry has been delighted to see a number of young people coming out, not only to support local businesses, but to get advice about growing their own gardens.
“The younger people who had never grown a tomato come back every couple of weeks looking for guidance and advice and we’re more than happy to share our wisdom and the benefits of our mistakes with them,” he said.
Belbeck Gardens also deals their produce to Carzan Local Market, located in Southey.
The Moose Jaw Homegrown Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Langdon Crescent until Thanksgiving weekend.
