HOW WE FARM

At Sunshine Market Garden, we believe that the way food is grown matters — for our health, our environment, and our community. Our farming practices are rooted in sustainability, transparency, and care for the land we steward.

Sustainable & Organic Methods

While we are not certified organic, we grow using organic methods and follow practices that put the health of our soil, crops, and customers first. We avoid all synthetic chemicals and instead rely on natural solutions, like beneficial insects, to keep our plants healthy. If spraying is ever necessary to prevent a crop loss, we use only products approved for organic use.

Building Healthy Soil

Healthy soil grows healthy food. We use crop rotation to keep our soil balanced and to prevent disease build-up, apply compost to replenish nutrients, and plant cover crops to protect and enrich the soil between growing seasons.

Weed Management

Weed control is done the old-fashioned way — by hand. Our team uses specialized tools to work efficiently while avoiding harmful chemicals. This approach helps preserve the delicate balance of our soil life while keeping our fields productive.

Pest Management

We take a proactive approach to pest management. Along with beneficial insects in our greenhouses, we use crop covers extensively on our outdoor fields. These light, breathable fabrics act as a natural barrier, protecting crops from insect pests without the need for chemical sprays.

Our Team

Farming is a true family and community effort here at Sunshine Market Garden.

- We welcome summer students each year who bring energy and hard work to our fields.

- Our core team includes four full-time employees at our home farm and one full-time employee in our Barons greenhouse.

- Garrit (owner) works hands-on in the fields and manages the crew.

- His wife handles much of the administrative work, and their older children love pitching in whenever they can.

Why We Share This

We believe customers have the right to know where their food comes from and how it’s grown. Our “How We Farm” approach is about building trust, justifying the value of our produce, and connecting you to the land and people who make your food possible.

If you ever have questions about how we farm, we encourage you to ask — the more we know about our food, the better choices we can make for ourselves and our families.