I am situated in the very fertile Big Bend area of Burnaby, also known locally as the flats.  This area has one of the most fertile agriculture soils in the country.  While a small farm (one acre in size plus), I  grow quality plants and produce.  Most of  the growing is done in eight metal/wood poly covered greenhouses, with a total area of almost 20,000 square feet sized between  1100  and  3400 square feet each.  One greenhouse is heated when needed for seed starting and cuttings.  Electrical heated cables are used for bottom heating of the rooting zone.  Bedding plant starters are grown in the greenhouses on top of portable tables 5 feet wide by 8 to 14 feet in length each.  These tables are then  removed for the growing of produce and sometimes turned vertically to support produce such as melons and cucumbers. Produce is grown both in the ground and in containers which would be similar to raised bed gardens.  Container or raised bed growing has many advantages including the normally higher soil temperature when  positioned above the soil surface rather than below grade.   A higher soil temperature in most cases, and depending on the type of plant, means faster growing, better looking, and better tasting produce.  Important as well, the container or raised beds may control a plant for dry soil conditions easier. This is important on my farm as this area is wet and bogy.  The soils and growing media are tested several times for nutrients during the growing season in order to optimize the effectiveness of the fertilizers.  Fertilizers are added  mostly in the form of compost and manure (turkey).  Some synthetic fertilizer, fish fertilizer and lime are also used to compliment the mix.  We do not use any chemical herbicide or pesticides, nor do we use bio-engineered seeds or fungicides.  In short, I grow as you would in your own garden, which results in a quality good tasting vegetable.

Speaking of pesticides, I was approached by a group of three federally licensed marijuana user/grower (for personally medicinal use)  who collectively have three licenses for 132 plants. They wanted to rent one of my greenhouses for temporary use to keep 34 plants.  I was to receive $1000 for two months with option to renew.    The plants grow very fast (as much as one inch per day) and are very much attracted to insects of all sorts.  Before moving in the plants they wanted to “sanitize” my greenhouse by using a special aerosol can, punching a hole in the can, sealing the greenhouse for 24 hours.  I asked if this was a pesticide and I was assured this was just a “gas”.   Turns out it was very much a pesticide and so I did not accept their offer.  I value too much my customers who want pesticide free produce.

Sales of all our products, plants and produce are sold off the farm, at farmer markets only.  I take pride in being the closest farm of all farmers at the Vancouver farmers market (well with in the '100 mile diet').  For you, the customer,  it means fresher produce as I pick everything I sell the day of or day before the market, and since I have not far to go to the market, our product are 'greener'.  Less truck pollutants emitted in the atmosphere.  

If you have a restaurant or retail store, I welcome you to purchase my product at the farmers market.  Unfortunately I would be unable to deliver to your store as this would be breaking  vegetable marketing board rules as I could be subject to huge fines.  This is one of  BC provincial legislation which protects the large corporate farms against the chaos no doubt that small farms can cause the corporate elite.   Certified organic is exempt from this legislation, as too more varieties which come from outside the lower mainland or provincial boundaries. 

I do grow 'pesticide and herbicide free products however I am considering getting organic certification in the coming years.  My property is only 125 feet wide and current rules of organic certification are that there must be a 30 foot buffer at the property line.  One way around this is when I complete my perimeter with greenhouses, this then would act as a barrier at my property line.   This as well as a few other changes I will have to make in the next few years.  Please enjoy my produce in the meantime and consider it as transitional.

New for the year 2009 is the addition of almost 3/4 more land for growing.  This land was sitting unused for several years and needed a tremendous amount of cleanup.  Hopefully I can utilize much of this year to bring you more produce and plants.  I am now doing, this year contract growing for another farm.  If you would like something specific (farm or business) let me know and we will plan something for next year.