Organic farms are agricultural operations that strictly adhere to organic farming principles. These farms steer clear of pesticides, herbicides, mineral fertilizers, nitrates, and antibiotics. Instead, they rely solely on natural processes, biological methods, and organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and protect crops. Edmonton is home to a good number of such farms, and we’ll dive into their unique features right here on edmonton.name.
Creekside Home and Garden
Creekside Home and Garden is a popular 35-acre farm offering a wide variety of berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and more. They also specialize in growing various trees, shrubs, and perennials from seeds, cuttings, or as bare-root plants. Customers consistently rave about the attentive staff who are always happy to help them choose plants and decorative garden elements. The pleasant atmosphere and friendly service make this farm an ideal spot for seasonal shopping. Creekside Home and Garden’s inventory shifts with the seasons, with seeds and planting materials typically arriving in February or early March.
Address: 215 St., 23 Ave. NW, Edmonton.
Horse Hill Berry Farm
Horse Hill Berry Farm focuses on cultivating raspberries, strawberries, and other berries. Here, everyone can enjoy picking these sweet, delicious, and healthy berries under the guidance of the friendly staff. It’s worth noting that the season generally runs from the second week of July to the end of August. Plus, their produce is sold at reasonable prices compared to supermarkets. A visit to their greenhouse will reveal a large collection of vegetables and plants available for purchase, including pumpkins, peppers, and tomatoes. They don’t use insecticides for growing and caring for their plants. Instead, the farm team applies organic fertilizers for soil health and weed control. However, it’s important to remember that since the berries aren’t sprayed, they can bruise easily when washed.
The farm regularly hosts family-friendly events, such as garden tours where you can learn a wealth of useful information about various plants and trees. There’s also a picturesque spot on the grounds perfect for family picnics, corporate outings, or romantic dates.
Address: 3203 211 Ave NE, Edmonton.
Creekside Saskatoon Berry Farm
This family-run farm, located near Saskatoon, specializes in growing grapes. It’s open for visitors from early July until the end of the season. The family who founded it has roots tracing back to the lands originally belonging to the Choctaw tribe. This picturesque location offers a perfect retreat for picking fresh berries.
Reviews consistently highlight the positive experience visitors have with the friendly staff and the abundance of organic berries. Thanks to its well-developed infrastructure and tranquil atmosphere, this farm provides a calm, enjoyable getaway for people of all ages, along with natural produce.
Address: 53418 Range Rd 231, Sherwood Park.
Edmonton Urban Farm
The Edmonton Urban Farm, spanning 2 acres in the heart of the city, offers various educational and interactive activities for families. Children can learn about bees, vegetables, plants, and agriculture through demonstrations and tours. Experienced staff guide visitors through farming methods and the farm’s history. Moreover, visitors can explore local production of vegetables like beans, tomatoes, cabbage, and more. The Edmonton Urban Farm is managed by Explore Edmonton and employs nearly 300 individuals organized into 25 independent groups. These farmers cultivate environmentally friendly produce for their families and communities.
Address: 11312 79 Street (at the corner of 113 Avenue and 79 Street).
Sundog Organic Farm
Established in 2009, this organic farm began on the lands of Vriend Organic Farm and moved to its current location in Sturgeon County in 2011. Sundog Organic Farm is renowned for its unique farming methods based on careful soil management. It’s important to note that the farm employs no-till practices, which minimizes its impact on the ecosystem. The team makes every effort to ensure the soil receives a wealth of nutrients. This is achieved through growing cover crops, deep compost mulching, and using biological inoculants derived from worm castings. For plant care, they rely on hand hoes. Their main advantage is the ability to precisely monitor what happens to the plants as they grow.
Harvesting is done using garden knives, wheelbarrows, and fingers, allowing for easy control and care of what’s regularly supplied to the market. All farm products are sold through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and farmers’ markets. Sundog Organic Farm values its close relationships with customers and opportunities for connection. As a result, anyone interested can purchase beets, carrots, spinach, onions, peas, turnips, and other eco-friendly products.
Sparrow’s Nest Farm
Sparrow’s Nest Farm was established in 2000. Since its inception, it has gained significant popularity, not just among Edmonton residents. The secret lies in their use of organic production methods for growing fruits and vegetables. At the farm, you can buy carrots, beets, greens, strawberries, raspberries, and many other organic products.
Address: 10310 83 Avenue NW, Edmonton.
Four Whistle Farm
The story of this farm begins in 1989. Since then, it has been raising animals humanely, without the use of hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. All animals grow in a natural environment, which enhances their quality of life and ensures high-quality meat. It’s important to note that their chickens, cows, sheep, pigs, and turkeys are free-range. Cows are fed grass, hay, and forage, along with a small amount of grain for protein marbling. They live outdoors for 20-30 months before being butchered, and the meat is aged for 11 days before being processed and packaged by a butcher.
Laying hens receive specially formulated feed from an early age designed for their needs. At three weeks old, they are transitioned to a diet of barley, wheat, alfalfa, and mineral supplements. During warmer months, the chicks roam freely outdoors. At night, they sleep on straw or wood shavings in the barn.
This means Edmontonians have a great opportunity to purchase environmentally friendly, delicious, and fresh beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Additionally, they offer sausages made without fillers, consisting solely of ground meat. Their smoked meats and pepperoni also receive consistently positive reviews.
Address: 10310 83 Ave NW 3696 97st, Edmonton.
Meadow Creek Farms
Meadow Creek Farms was founded on the desire to provide Albertans with direct access to high-quality, field-raised meat and vegetables. Mandy Melnyk farms her parents’ land near Waskatenau. From a young age, she understood the value of hard work and appreciated the potential of family farms and local food systems. She took over managing the farm in 2011.
Meadow Creek Farms specializes in raising animals and growing fruits and vegetables. Animals are fed wheat, barley, and peas, and their feed does not contain soy, canola, or corn.
Mandy purchases day-old chicks and raises them from scratch. The chickens have free access to shelter but generally spend their time outdoors. They graze on pastures and get plenty of greens. Birds raised without supplements grow to market size in about 70-85 days, depending on whether it’s a rooster or a hen. Pigs on the farm are also raised outdoors. They are fed a mixture of wheat, alfalfa, and barley. It’s crucial to highlight that their feed does not contain hormones for accelerated animal growth or antibiotics. All processed meat is gluten-free.
Regarding fruit and vegetable cultivation, the farm does not use chemicals to kill weeds or add fertilizers. Weeds and vegetable tops are given to the pigs, turkeys, and chickens to eat.
The farm team takes pride in their work of growing the best organic produce and maximizes efficiency wherever possible, making prices affordable for customers. The staff believes that knowing the origin of your food is the best investment anyone can make for their family.
Address: RR 1 Waskatenau.
