ABOUT SLOW RIVER GARDENS
Slow River Gardens is located near Winnipeg, Manitoba – Treaty 1 Territory
The crew at Slow River grow vegetables and flowers for sale at market from May until October. Greenhouse work begins in early March with field planting beginning in May. The gardens grow on approximately 1 acre of land along the Red River in Treaty 1 Territory. The soil is heavy clay and as such they practice low-no till methods to both reduce soil compaction and soil erosion, both of which can occur through the changing seasons.
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The main goal of Slow River Gardens is to provide a stimulating and economically viable workplace for Chad and any and all staff. The secondary goals which are inevitably connected to the main goal are to provide fresh, flavourful vegetables to their customers that feel proud to have grown and sold.
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About the apprenticeship://
Apprentices would engage in all on farm activities and some other ‘organizational’ activities. Such activities ( all under guidance) include:
-finalizing seed order
-assessing the years crop plan
-reading and evaluating soil tests
-greenhouse work ( seeding, watering, potting up)
-making weekly field work plans/ Schedules
-planting/ seeding in field
-learning about and implementing irrigation practices
-assessing and creating weekly harvest plans
-washing/ packaging vegetables post harvest.
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Ideally, Chad would like to show an apprentice the entirety of the operation to give them a better understanding of all of the moving parts that are required to run a small scale Market garden. He can also foresee giving specific training when it comes to crop planning, fertility/ weed management and harvest.
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As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with the Manitoba group at each hosts farm. You will also be invited to attend a regenerative or organic food conference during or following the apprenticeship.
In addition, numerous other goals are to foster a stronger connection and interest amongst consumers about where the food they eat comes from as well as to work towards making the food they produce more accessible to people who face economic or social barriers.
