Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
This is a model for distributing fresh produce from farmers to individuals in the community. People opt-in to receiving a basket or ‘share’ of the produce each week by paying at the beginning of the growing season. This way, both the consumers and the farmers share the benefits and risks of growing crops. By paying in advance, we immediately have the resources to purchase our seeds and equipment for the season. The vegetables that are included in your Backyard Bounty Box (CSA Share) will be those which are growing and ready each week. This means that you eat with the seasons and that if one vegetable is doing poorly, you will receive another which is doing well with the current weather conditions.
Are you certified organic?
No, we do not have organic certification. Because we use about 40 different yards throughout town, it is just not feasible to get each one certified. For instance, soil samples cost up to $100 each, so that is not something we have the capacity to do for each lot. Our motivation for doing this project is to provide a sustainable, healthy solution to lawns and the conventional food system. Thus, we do our best to ensure that our practices are all organic and as sustainable as possible. While we cannot receive a “certified organic” rating you can feel confident that you are receiving high quality, healthy vegetables.
What do you do to reduce carbon emissions?
This year we have consolidated some of our properties and are able to be more strategic about how we work between them. As a result, we have had substantially less gas bills this year. Even if there are emissions from the transportation between our gardens, this is still a much more sustainable option than organic produce from California. Also, whereas lawns are mowed about once a week, we only use a roto-tiller twice a year on each plot.
What are heirloom seeds?
We try to include many heirloom varieties, which guarantee that the seeds have not been genetically modified but instead have been bred over generations to provide various traits and allow seed saving. Conventional varieties are often selected for their productivity, their ability to withstand mechanical picking and cross-country shipping, and their tolerance to drought, frost, or pesticides and thus sacrifice taste and nutrition. Growing heirloom crops helps to maintain genetic diversity and ensure that our food system is sustainable and resilient.
Do I need to have my lawn farmed to get veggies?
No! Some people may like to have their lawns gardened and not get a share, some people will get a share and not get veggies, while others will do both. One doesn’t necessitate the other!
If I don’t have a yard can I still get involved?
Yes, we love volunteers and there will be plenty of opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and help to build a sense of community.
Where can I buy or eat your produce?
Backyard Bounty produce is sold at the Guelph Farmer’s market and to restaurants in Guelph. Watch for the Backyard Bounty logo on display or ask the chef! See ‘Get your fresh veggies’ on this site for a list of restaurants in town which are using our produce. If you would like to buy directly from us, let us know & we will oblige your requests whenever possible. You can also get a weekly share of the produce for 20 weeks.
Are you only growing in backyards?
Nope we like front yards and side yards too, and any other cultivatable urban space in Guelph. If you are connected with a church, school, business or another community organization that can offer growing space please contact us!
