LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2020

INSIDE SCOOP

ontario makers

Matchbox Garden & Seed Co. Like a candy store for grow-it-yourselfers, this organic farm offers more than 120 varieties of seeds for flowers, herbs and vegetables.

By Brenda Morrison

The farm-to-table movement goes a step further with Matchbox Garden & Seed Co. Thanks partly to Matchbox, the concept of farm-to- garden-to-table is growing in popularity with people interested in supporting a small Ontario business, eating organic and growing produce right at home.    Owner and farmer Hanna Jacobs says starting your own culinary garden can be life-altering. She first began growing edible plants in her backyard in Toronto, moving in 2006 to Caledonia where she now lives on a three-quarter-acre farm. She’s immersed in all aspects of gardening: growing more than 120 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs to harvest and selling the seeds, seedlings and produce from her roadside farm stand. The seeds, including exclusive ones, such as Mrs. Bots Italian Giant, an heirloom tomato, as well as Capriglio peppers (a must-try sweet

pepper) are available online at matchboxgarden.ca.    If you’re in the midst of planning and plotting your backyard gardening, consider swapping out your usual flowers in favour of growing your own herbs and vegetables. There’s still plenty of time to select seeds and get them in the ground. As Hanna advises, “Don’t just wait for the ground to thaw; wait until the soil warms up—which is generally around the May long weekend—before you plant seeds outside.” This gives ample time to grow leafy greens, beans, cucumbers, squash, melons, tomatoes, carrots, beets and, of course, herbs. If you prefer a jump- start on things, you can also shop at the farm for seedlings that Hanna has been tending in her greenhouse. Drop by the farm throughout the summer (open daily beginning May 1 through to October) for just- picked produce along with beautiful bouquets of fresh-cut flowers grown by a neighbour.

Can’t decide? Consider starting off with any of the Seed Collections, such as French Kitchen, Eat Your Greens and Container Garden. Also great for gifting.

New this year! Hanna is introducing seeds for Monte Gusto Pole Beans. Grown for their colour and flavour, these long, sweet yellow beans produce up to two harvests a week during peak season.

Matchbox offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program. To buy “shares” of the farm’s harvest in exchange for weekly delivery, see details on website.

PORTRAIT BY JASON INNISS; BEANS AND SEED PACKETS COURTESY OF MATCHBOX GARDEN & SEED CO.

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EARLY SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK