Other experience/agricultural/business training - I have worked as a volunteer through the WWOOF program in Denmark, Italy, Canada, and UK. Most of this experience was related to gardening and invasive species management. I also performed some animal care tasks.
Do you have a business plan?
No - At the moment I am not looking to sell my produce and flowers, but am interested in becoming more self-sufficient, experimenting with no-dig and other regenerative methods, and making more connections in my new community (Cobble Hill).
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
No - While I will of course put some money into any plot I care for, I do not plan to spend a great deal. I am interesting in planting from seed and reusing used or free materials to be as budget friendly and eco as possible.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
No - No thank you.
Project
Farm Name
Katharine's Smallholding
Farm Project Description
I am very interested in making a symbiotic connection with a farmer or landowner who would like to see their plot used in an organic and productive way. Because I have only gardened and farmed as a volunteer on other people's properties I would love to find a spot where I can dedicate myself to my own project and try out the skills I have learned.
I am interested in growing vegetables and flowers for my own use, hopefully using the "no-dig" method (Charles Dowding). Preferably this arrangement would be free, and I would of course be happy to share some of the harvest with the owners! I am interesting in learning more about growing cut flowers, companion planting, and trying to keep the garden productive year round with BC-appropriate seasonal crops and cover crops too.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
MOU -
Duration of the desired agreement
Ideally our agreement would be at least one year, so I can experience growing and gardening through the four seasons.
Ideal date to obtain land by
June 2022
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
1/8 - 1/4 acre
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
1/8-1/4 acre
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
No
Zoning
Either
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Any yard or field would be wonderful. I aim to not further disturb the land by digging, and instead would try to use a weed suppressor (cardboard) and compost for growing.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - I am open to any kind of arrangement.
Need farm buildings
No
Need fenced land
No
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Any water source would be perfect.
Need on-site housing
No
Production type
Vegetable - Ideally: Lettuces and kale, pumpkins and other squashes, beets, turnips, carrots, cherry tomatoes . Beans as cover crop.
Flower - Sunflowers, calendula, yarrow, bulbs, BC native species.
Mushroom - Very interested in this but not sure yet.
Type of agriculture
Organic -
Soil needs
Will acquire commercial insurance
No - I would be happy to look into if I would need this.
