Evergreens Farm grows community-powered LeAFY GREENS in Fernie year-round
I want to eat lettuce – Our lettuce is now available at Independent, and Local. It is also used by Bridge Bistro, Bramasole, Nevados, and Loaf.
I want leafy greens but can’t afford them – Look for our weekly donations at the Fernie Food Bank or FoodShare.
I want to see inside – Consider joining us for a volunteer shift to get inside the Farm
I want to volunteer – Sign up for a 2-hour volunteer shift on Wednesdays – Register here
I want to donate – Help feed community members in need – Donate here
I want to join – Get your lifetime Wildsight membership to show your support – Join here
I want to know more – Get the latest with the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast – Sign up here
Evergreens Farm FAQs
Where is Evergreens Farm located? We grow hydroponically in a 10’x50’ custom-built structure located at the Community EcoGarden in Fernie.
What is Evergreens start growing? We grow leafy greens year-round! The larger grocery stores carry our Spring Mix. We also sometimes have baby kale, basil, cilantro, romaine, spring mix and arugula available at Local
What is hydroponics? Hydroponic farming happens indoors without soil. The plants absorb nutrients from the water their roots sit in, and energy from full-spectrum LED lights. Hydroponic growing uses 90% less water than conventional modes of agriculture and allows us to grow year-round thanks to the climate-controlled environment
Do you use pesticides? We are proud to say that we don’t use any conventional synthetic pesticides on our produce. We sometimes use naturally derived, biopesticides approved for organic use (like soap or add beneficial bacteria into plant roots) and biological controls (like introducing ladybugs to control aphids) when necessary.
Where can I buy your greens? Our flagship store is Local at 632 2nd Ave – it carries more variety than other stores. Our spring mix is also available at Indepedent Foods in Fernie.
How do I get local lettuce on my menu? If you are a local restaurant looking to add local greens to your menu, please contact us to get on our growing list! Email evergreens@wildsight.ca
Do you use plastic packaging? We use #4 BPA-free LDPE plastic bags to ensure our leafy greens are fresh and delicious when they get to you. Please reuse this bag and then return it to the depot to be recycled.
How long does it take to grow lettuce? It takes 8-9 weeks to go from seed to harvest. The seeds stay in our 1st Stage nursery for three weeks while they grow their first true leaves. They are then transplanted into the 2nd stage nursery where they have more space to grow and access light. During the final stage, the plants sit in NFT trays with water running over their roots for another 3 weeks. We harvest once a week, all year long.
Why does local lettuce matter? Local lettuce means less transportation is required compared to bringing lettuce from California or Mexico. It also means fresh nutriousnfood and creating good jobs in our community and a building stronger local food system.
How do you grow year-round? Our farmers can control the environment inside our indoor grow area so we’re able to grow, no matter the weather. Snow or shine – we’ll always have fresh greens! The mechanical systems inside our farm enable us to control the temperature, humidity, and airflow within our unit.
Where did you get your farm? Our hydroponic farm was purchased from the Indigenous-owned ColdAcre Food Systems in Whitehorse, Yukon.
How do you give back to the community? A portion of all produce grown is donated to community organizations supporting vulnerable community members. Do you have a non-profit that serves at-risk community members? Please contact us.
How can I learn more? Get the lowdown – Sign up for the Wildsight Elk Valley eblast. Follow Wildsight on Facebook and Instagram. Learn when new leafy greens hit the shelves by following Local on Facebook and Instagram or check out the online store to see what is in stock.
Who runs Evergreens? Evergreens is a social enterprise of the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch. A social enterprise is a business that is operated for the good of the community. We sell a portion of our produce so we are able to donate lettuce to support low income community members. Any profits from the farm will be re-invested into the community to support important projects that strengthen our food system.
