The "KelKel Farm" is a nickname I gave to encompass all my plant-related ventures. It serves as a title for a personal goal, a passion project of sorts.
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| The actual duotang with the lesson on plants from Grade 3 |
My passion for plants was sown by my third grade teacher Ms.Imrie. During a science unit we each planted several seeds into an egg carton filled with peat moss. I distinctly remember planting chives. Watching the small green sprouts emerge and grow was fascinating. Eventually we were able to take our projects home- my chives did so well they came back the next year!
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| My first vegetable grown from seed - tomatoes |
Years later in grade five the enrichment program I was in was part of an experiment - something related to growing tomatoes in space. Once again the experience of life springing up where it wasn't before, watching the growth and changes amazed me - I ended up taking home the majority of the classes plants.
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| My Grandfather's adjustable light table - a gift from his children a decade or so ago Humble beginnings |
From there my Grandfather nurtured my interest, teaching me how to sow seeds and transplant seedlings, growing lettuce and herbs from seed on the light table in his basement. Each spring we would choose some seeds and plant them indoors before transplanting them outside when it was warm enough. It started in pots on the deck, then a raised bed in the yard.
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| My 16 x 20 garden plot on my Uncles property |
By 2016 my Grandfather had negotiated the use of a plot of land on my Uncle's property - allowing me to expand my planting options - I took on a variety of squash and potato plants. The harvest was much greater and my excitement only grew from there. In 2017 my father and I built a greenhouse behind our garage which has been upgraded over the years. The majority of my education is self-taught.
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| The harvest from my 2017 season |
The covid19 pandemic spawned a 'plantdemic', after a long winter I decided to start seeding early and sold the resulting plants (which were a fair size due to being started early) to friends and family - I barely made enough to cover the cost of the soil but it was the start of the business component of "The KelKel Farm".
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| My father & I built this greenhouse in 2017 |
In 2020 I worked in the garden centre of a big box store. I gained invaluable training regarding plant care, transplanting and landscaping. I was able to build on my previous knowledge of perennials and annuals as well as familiarizing myself with a vast array of plants from cedar trees to pansy flowers. I also learned more about the inner workings of the plant trade - and just how un-eco-friendly it is.
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| Started from the bottom now we're here... |
My goal is to eventually run a sustainable plant shop that focuses on making growing your own flowers approachable and growing your own food rewarding. I wish to share the joy of plants with more people and ensure gardening remains possible for those of all backgrounds.
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