Seasonal Gardening Tips for the Pickling Enthusiast

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, it’s heartening to see that some businesses are thriving despite the challenges. Belbeck Gardens, a vendor at the Homegrown Farmer’s Market in Moose Jaw, is one such success story.

Fresh produce at the farmer’s market

Dave Parry and Todd Gray, the duo behind Belbeck Gardens, have been selling their produce at the market every Saturday. They grow their own vegetables, potatoes, garlic, onions, and zucchini on a two-acre garden plot just north of Moose Jaw. The pair also do a lot of canning and pickling, using old family recipes, as well as creating spice rubs and sauces.

Homemade canning and pickling at Belbeck Gardens

The first week that Saskatchewan opened up, Belbeck Gardens had one of their best days ever. People were eager to get out and about, and the market reflected that. 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.”

The bustling farmer’s market in Moose Jaw

However, the growing season has not been without its challenges. The hot, dry weather has made it difficult to keep up with the extra watering, and some of the produce, like squash and corn, didn’t thrive. Parry said, “The corn came up about a foot, and that’s where it stayed.”

Despite the challenges, Belbeck Gardens has been doing well, and the duo is happy to share their wisdom and the benefits of their mistakes with young people who come to the market seeking advice on growing their own gardens. They also supply their produce to Carzan Local Market in Southey.

Planning for next year’s garden

The work never stops for Parry and Gray, who put in about three hours of work every day during the busy season. After the market ends on Thanksgiving weekend, they’ll start planning for next year, ordering seeds, and preparing for another successful season.

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. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and support local businesses like Belbeck Gardens.

The Homegrown Farmer’s Market in Moose Jaw