Stam Farms

The Market stand  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

In 2014, while perusing a Facebook page, I saw a post about eggs for sale at Stam Farms.  At this time I was really starting to take an interest in getting to know farmers in the area and what they might have to sell my family and I so I sent a message inquiring about what else they might have.  It was between seasons for the farm but I was told by Natalie (the lovely face behind the Facebook page) they would have chicken in early summer as well as a CSA program for produce.  I filed this in the back of my mind and eventually, if I am being honest, forgot! 

Fruit was brought in from another farm as an offering

When I received a message from Natalie about the start of their new season I was thrilled!  The simple fact that she had taken the time to write down what I was interested in and follow up months later was exceptional.  As a former retail worker I know how close to impossible that is with lots on the go. 

I made my first drive to Stam Farms in Hagersville to purchase 4 whole chickens and was greeted by a wonderful family with smiles and cheerful conversation.  Natalie made sure any questions I had were answered and I felt really great knowing our hard earned money was going to a family vs a big corporation.  Although the CSA program in 2015 didn’t work for us Natalie would often prepare me a large basket pack full of delicious organically grown produce as needed which was greatly appreciated.

I had a mini seedling crisis this past spring and Natalie came to my rescue with oodles of healthy seedlings for a fantastic price and even graciously donated some.  She also offered me continuous guidance and growing support through the growing season – if it wasn’t for her I would have ripped out my peppers that ended up thriving after a rough start!    

Beans in the field  Photo Credit: Natalie Stam

This year I was able to take part in Stam Farms market share program they ran as a customer friendly CSA.  This program was unique in that you would commit to spending $50 or $100 a month (more if desired) depending on your produce needs.  Each week 2 market dates were offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays and you could go and pick what you would like and have the total cost deducted from your tab.  Not only were vegetables a part of this but eggs, honey, meats when available and preserves were all part of this program. 

This model of CSA I really enjoyed since I didn’t have to commit to the drive every single week to pick up a share.  I was also able to stock up with bulk items for my freezer with the freedom to add more credit as I went along. 

There was a lot to choose from weekly depending on what was ripe at the time - cucumbers both pickling and slicing, peppers galore, herbs such as basil and dill, zucchini, garlic, potatoes, beans, many tomato varieties, kale, salad greens, the best cantaloupe I have ever eaten and so much more.   I often left with a huge heaped basket.

Market day!  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

The drought this season was extremely hard on all farmers, growers, livestock - pretty much all living things - but even through the loss of a huge corn crop Stam Farms carried on with a positive and thankful spirit.  It was so encouraging during a time that was otherwise very discouraging.

If you have ever gasped at the organic grocery store pricing consider a drive next season to Stam Farms!  The pricing is a fraction of the chain stores and everything is grown with love and care.  You do not have to be a member of the CSA share program to shop their stand and you have the comfort of transparency when you buy from a family run farm – knowing exactly how your food was grown.

My family and I have enjoyed the past few seasons shopping from Stam Farms market and are thankful for the many laughs, great advice and fantastic food!  We look forward to watching the farm grow and change in years to come!

Thanks for reading!

You can find Stam Farms on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/stamfarms/?fref=ts

and on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stamfarms/?hl=en

Some Stam Farms bounty

Matchbox Garden

The new sign at the farm

This Thursday will mark week 15 of Matchbox Garden’s CSA program!  We pick up our regular sized share Thursday’s at the farm in Caledonia and although there is a list sent out to select choices weekly, it still feels like a pleasant surprise unpacking the bag!  Occasionally items are substituted because nature hasn’t co-operated and certain items are no longer thriving come harvest but generally what you choose from the list is what you get. 

The options look something like this for a regular sized share:

Cooking Greens – choose 1 – swiss chard -1 bunch, sweet potato leaf -1 bunch, turnip tops-1bunch

Salad Greens –choose 1 –Arugula 1/4lb, baby beet greens-1 bunch, baby pok choy-1 bunch

Herbs & Flowers-choose 1- Mixed herb bunch, peppermint-1 bunch, edible flowers-1/2 pint, spearmint-1 bunch

Roots-choose 3-Beets tri colour -1 bunch, new potatoes-purple Russian-1 pint, Potatoes-white-1 pint, beets red-1 bunch, new potatoes-fingerling-1 pint, French turnip-1 bunch Cucurbit Family-choose 1-zucchini-1pint, patty pan squash-1pint, lemon squash-1 pint, early crookneck squash-1 pint, pie pumpkin-1pc, delicata squash-1pc

Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant-choose 2-tomatoes- cherry mixed-1pint, tomatoes-roma-1 pint, tomatoes-salad mix-1 pint, peppers-hot mixed-1/2 pint, tomatoes-field heirloom-1-4pcs, Tomatoes-paste/ketchup-1 pint, sweet peppers-mixed-1 pint

Fruit-choose 2-Pears, honey Bartlett-1 pint, peaches 1 pint, watermelon-1, apples-1 pint

One of the first CSA shares

Everything grown is certified organic with the exception of some low spray fruit sourced from fellow farms.  Hanna is always upfront about these options and they can be omitted should you not want them in your weekly bag. 

Along with being a part of the CSA program I have also purchased Matchbox Garden seeds and seedlings!  I planted an abundance of seeds this past spring that started out well but the helping hands I had liked to water a little too much ;) …Thankfully I was able to replace drowned plants with seedlings full of life from Matchbox Garden! 

 One of my favourite things about being involved in a CSA is meeting those who grow the food we eat.  It is so rewarding to drive up the lane way and be greeted by someone who has taken the time to prepare a selection of foods to feed your family.  If you ask my children where we buy vegetables they will say the farm and that warms my heart!

Evening Colours Sunflower 

Matchbox Garden started in Toronto in 2006 on a small urban lot and branched out to accommodate the farms growing needs utilizing other spaces in the GTA.  Currently the farm operates on their ½ acre property in beautiful Caledonia.  Follow the link below to the Matchbox Garden website below to learn more about the farm's history!  It’s a beautiful site with a fantastic seed catalogue.

The seeds sold by Matchbox are all hand harvested by Hanna!  They are certified organic, open pollinated and fantastic quality.  Heirloom and rare varieties are the focus all of which are full of flavour and add lovely colour to any garden! 

Hanna truly cares about the environment, the plants and all the little beings that play a role in the delicate ecosystem and uses gentle farming methods promoting sustainability.  Her experience is something she shares happily and I appreciate how willing she is to help trouble shoot my personal gardening challenges.  

This years seed order

My family is thankful for a great CSA season with Matchbox Garden.  The drive to the farm is scenic and peaceful, I often make a stop at the river.  Each week we are greeted with a warm smile and a bag full of beautiful vegetables and fruit for us to enjoy throughout the week. 

I encourage everyone I meet to take the time and get to know the farmers who feed their families on some level.  You will be amazed at what the partnership will give you and yours – healthy wholesome food & knowledge to last a lifetime. 

Thanks for Reading! 

Matchbox Garden's website: 

http://www.matchboxgarden.ca/

Share from week 14 with extra watermelon and bulk tomatoes

Cake & Loaf Bakery

The patio of Cake & Loaf Dundurn on a sunny day

I discovered this AMAZING bakery winter of 2015 after a visit with my family to the Mustard Seed Co-op.  As we were about to check out I noticed this super cute chocolate bar stand and I’m a sucker

for chocolate so I had to try a chocolate Peanut Butter bar.  Waiting to eat it wasn’t an option; I opened it as soon as we got in to the car.   It was instant love – the BEST chocolate bar I had ever eaten.  I saved the tag so I could look up this wondrous place where these were created when we got home.

Jensen Cheddar, iced caramel latte and essential button ;)

After finding Cake & Loaf with the help of social media I knew I had to check out the shop on Dundurn in person – the upbeat vibe and beautiful pictures were more than enough to draw me in.  My first visit was wonderful!  The counter staff is phenomenal.  Helpful, patient and the barista skills outstanding!  My personal favourites are salted caramel lattes (iced or hot) and the Dundurn fog is perfection.

One of the things I love and appreciate most about this fantastic bakery is their commitment to the community through supporting local businesses as much as possible and fair trade when it’s not.  So many wonderful local treasures are used behind the scenes and are for sale on the shelves in store – places such as Teal’s meats, Parkermanns fine tea, Vintage and Detour coffees, From these Roots, and Jensen cheese.  There is nothing better than biting into a sweet treat or a satisfying savoury snack that you know was baked using the kindest ingredients, from scratch and with love!

Awesomely talented staff member Amanda

Another thing I think is wonderful is living wage for the employees!  That is so hard to find in the service industry and as a former customer service employee I know this all too well.  It’s uplifting to know that the employees are cared about and not just another number doing their time.

The new Cake and Loaf website is super user friendly and you can see what menu items are available each day making it easy to snag your favourite lunch or bread selection!  The new cake builder is also awesome and helpful for planning that special cake for celebrating anything and everything.  I have also had fantastic help via email with cupcakes and beverages for a party, ordering special cookies and placing same day holds over the phone.  

After being a regular of Cake and Loaf for over a year now I have tried many different things and not once have I been disappointed.  They are constantly creating new and exciting menu additions in both the sweet and savoury departments – Hello Mac and Cheese Pulled Pork pie which is nothing short of scrumptious and that Unicorn bar… SO good!  Our most purchased items are the take home soup jars in the fall and winter (nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of homemade soup), Jensen Cheddar bread (makes the best grilled cheese on the planet) and chocolate chip cookie packs!  My children LOVE the pizzas and cookies. 

Some of the market treats

I frequent the Dundurn shop but Cake and Loaf Market (located in the Hamilton Farmer's Market)– new this year!- is their sister shop and perfect companion with its own flavour!  Breakfast burritos are delicious and the waffles on a stick offered Friday’s and Saturday’s would steal anyone’s heart!

Every occasion in this house involves a little Cake and Loaf from birthdays, to holidays and teacher gifts they have something for everyone!  I am so happy to have discovered Cake and Loaf, I admire the drive of Josie and Nickey and enjoy interacting with the exceptional staff.  I look forward to watching the business grow in the years to come! 

Thanks for Reading!

PSA:  This Saturday September 17, 2016 Cake & Loaf is celebrating their 5th Anniversary!  Check out their facebook or Instagram for details :) 

Grab and go cakes & other sweets

Cake and Loaf Bakery's website: 

http://cakeandloaf.ca/

And facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/cakeandloaf/?fref=ts

Fall is near

Golden Rod in bloom

Cooler nights, autumn skies, apple picking and pumpkin pies!  Autumn is my absolute favourite time of year.  Though I do not have any fall beds planted or any of the delightful fall goodies such as butternut or acorn squash in my gardens I look forward to buying them from local farmers!  

My tomatoes suffered the most but they started out poorly as I planted them close to a black walnut seedling.  PSA – black walnut trees are toxic to tomato plants among others such as peppers and apple trees!  I planted 23 tomato plants in hopes I wouldn’t have to buy any tomatoes for canning but that just didn’t work out this year.  Out of the surviving plants I have received maybe ½ a bushel which is not a lot in terms of saucing.  Luckily there are many wonderful farms that did much better with their plants and I could buy from the best!

A small tomato harvest

Peppers have shone this year for a change.  Aphids were ramped initially and I almost lost all 30 pepper plants but in the end I took the advice from a lovely farmer friend and kept all but the obviously deceased in the ground.  Currently ring of fire peppers are ripening to a beautiful red, gypsy peppers are still pushing out new fruit and any day the scotch bonnets will start changing colour!

Summer's bounty

Beans lined my front beds for the better part of July.  Green were very productive while the yellow and purple had a harder time.

Cucumber wasn’t a win here this year.  We had maybe 6 out of 6 plants!  With each hot day they suffered greatly, it was evident with their midday wilted leaves.  No amount of water could help them this season but the few we received were wonderful!

Zucchini was accidentally planted and until recently wasn’t showing signs of fruit.  There are a few on the plants now though and we look forward to picking them when they are ready!

Potatoes were a surprise crop that I didn’t intend to plant but I was offered a gift of seed potatoes and couldn’t resist.  Earlier in the season I harvested them all as new potatoes as the plants seemed to be dying back faster than they should have.  Home grown potatoes – there is nothing like them.

Flowers and cukes

I also planted herbs and some kale – lots and lots of basil that is only now starting to turn, rosemary, sage and dill which did reasonably well for me considering the conditions.

Sunflowers, bachelor buttons, zinnias, marigolds, calendula, cosmos and nasturtium were also planted for some floral colour all of which my children loved to pick and display in their hand painted jars. 

As my gardens come to an end and I start to put them to rest until spring I remain thankful.  Despite the harsh weather we have had this summer they still provided us with a decent amount of healthy hearty produce and lots of learning opportunity for my future gardens.

My efforts were so small compared to those of farmers,  This season has been hard on everyone.  So if you are a farmer or grower - THANK YOU! 

Harrington Lane Farms

Harrington Lane Farms previous shop - photo credit -Krista Harrington

I remember my first visit to Harrington Lane Farms (Spring 2015) like it was yesterday.  The drive up the long tree lined lane way, being greeted by chickens, ducks and geese — it was so inviting, so peaceful.  I stood there for a moment after stepping out of my truck taking in the sights.  The gorgeous laying boxes for the hens along the barn, they even had a ladder leaning against a window for the hens to climb in and out with ease.   A charming hand written sign on the side of the barn listed the hours (3 days a week) and specials offered at that moment.  It was all so warm and welcoming, I felt at home.

Photo credit - Krista Harrington

At this time the shop was in a little area off of the barn.  It was a small space, but every inch served a purpose.   There was a cooler where fresh meats could be purchased and a freezer with a chalk board displaying its contents, as this changed week to week.  Eggs, jams and other pantry items were displayed perfectly on the sweetest country shelving surrounded by handmade items like honey pots and knitted mice.

Krista and I discussed my order and she happily answered any and all of my questions, though they were minimal as it was obvious these animals were adored and lived the best life possible.  She told me to take my kids around to see the animals before I headed home.   This was well-received by my animal loving littles!

We walked down the big hill and to the pastures where the pigs — Berkshire, Tammworth, Mangalista and large black pigs — were all sun bathing, rolling in mud and happily munching away on some delicious veggies.  I was surprised as the closer we got, the closer the pigs came to us!  They were happy to see humans, not fearful.

Bathing Beauties

Off to the right we walked to see the sheep in pasture — Icelandic Dairy and Cheviot Meat — these creatures are magnificent.  The kids loved watching as they grazed and basked in the warmth of the spring sun.

Some of the flock

As we walked back to the truck we had some followers!  We were being trailed by some adorable heritage ducks, geese and chickens.   It was here I became aware of what free range truly is, though Krista prefers to describe her birds as pastured since they are free to travel the pastures as they wish.  What a wonderful way to end our first visit!

Harrington Lane Farms is environmentally cautious as well as sustainable.  This lovely farm is powered by wind and solar and heated with wood during the winter.  They have honey bees galore to pollinate the gorgeous pastures that provide for the animals, allowing the eco system to thrive as it was meant to.

A gaggle of geese

Around the time most of us were pre-occupied with Christmas holidays in December of 2015, Krista was hard at work making her vision of a more central and larger shop come to life.  Behind the scenes Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop in Waterdown was starting to unfold, and would soon be a place where meats, pantry items, produce and so much more would readily be available throughout the week.

Early 2016 Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop opened and has quickly become a reliable source for humanely raised, no hormone or antibiotics, NON GMO meats and other local items such as breads, coffee, preserves, cheese — the list is quite long!

Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop

Krista’s love for her animals, passion for the environment and sustainable farm methods is a true labour of love.  She is incredibly hard-working and inspiring with a lot to offer the community and the city.  Many of her products are used in local shops, and you might have enjoyed them in some form without knowing!

I am so thankful I found Harrington Lane Farms, feeding my family responsibly is much easier now and I know that our dollars spent there are truly appreciated by this outstanding family-owned business.

Thanks for reading!

Note:

Harrington Lane Farms Village shop took over for the shop on the farm and the original shop is now closed.  This new location is convenient for many communities with easy access from the highway, and Krista is still apart of three Farmers' Markets – Waterdown, Dundas and Hespeler Village Market — to better serve her customers.

Photo Credit - Krista Harrington

Fun fact!  Krista is also the owner and face behind From These Roots Jam and preserve company!

Jam and preserve display

Follow along on the Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop Facebook page to see upcoming specials!

https://www.facebook.com/harringtonlanefarmsvillageshop/?fref=ts

For more information on the farming practices and mission statement of Harrington Lane Farms here is the webite.

http://www.harringtonlanefarms.ca/

Turkeys roaming through pastures

Where I began

Hi!  My name is Jessica. I am an almost 33-year-old mother of two children, ages five and two.  We live on the outskirts of the city with enough space to grow a decent sized garden.  I have a passion for local farms and shops in and around Hamilton, Ontario and am often advocating local foods to anyone who will listen.

The greater Hamilton area has an eclectic selection of eateries, coffee shops and retail space to suit the tastes of everyone.  Nestled along the edge of the city, numerous townships house beautiful farm land—this is where it all starts!   We are so fortunate to have the incredibly important field-to-table element in this area.  It may be seasonal but it can be preserved!

Matchbox Garden's CSA

I began my search for local gems in 2014 after I started to really consider where our food was coming from.  I took my questions online—reading descriptions and FAQs about local farms, coffee shops and eateries.  I looked for sustainable and responsible practices, humanely raised meats, organic practices, fair trade practices and the use of local items when possible.  I would go to these places and buy their offerings, enjoy the environment and usually have a good conversation if I was at a farm!

Stam Farm's Market Share

Our family garden is my contribution to the greater health of my family.  I dream that someday I will be able to feed more than just us!  I have had a garden for years, though this year was the largest with lots of ups and downs.

Our own zinnia

My journey is ongoing and I continue to visit my favourite farms and shops, meeting amazing people along the way.  I am always looking for new places to explore and look forward to growing my list!  My hope for this blog is that it will be a place people can find out about the wonderful treasures in the Hamilton and surrounding area and enjoy them too!