Organic Farm ready for fourth season

The organic farm at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is beginning its fourth season and with all the preparations over the winter, it promises to be the best one yet.

Cedar Glen Greenhouse

Many vegetables, such as tomatoes, require an early start indoors during the spring in order to prepare the thousands of seedlings that go into a 1.5 acre farm. To grow seedlings, YMCA staff worked hard throughout the winter to build a greenhouse where seeds can be planted in early March.

Vegetable Seedlings

The glass panels for the greenhouse walls came from squash courts at several Health and Fitness Centres and were upcycled, or creatively reused, as part of the YMCA’s commitment to sustainability.

Turning a squash court into a greenhouse where the YMCA grows squash is definitely a unique feat!

Massey Ferguson Tractor

Later this spring, seedlings will be transplanted from the greenhouse into the ground. YMCA farm staff use market gardening techniques where most of the labour is by hand. The only machine used on the farm is a tractor that has been at Cedar Glen for many years – even before the property belonged to the YMCA. The tractor is a reminder of Cedar Glen’s agricultural past, but the emphasis of the organic farm today is to connect future generations to farming.

Farm Camp

Farm Camp, a weeklong Day Camp program for ages 9-12, offers kids the opportunity to learn about farming and take part in exciting activities. During their week on the farm, campers plant seeds, water them, watch seeds germinate, transplant seedlings, observe their growth, and harvest food. At the end of farm camp, campers take with them an understanding and appreciation for what it takes to grow food, from seed to plate.

This summer all organic vegetables will find a good plate, either in YMCA Cedar Glen’s dining hall or in YMCA members’ kitchens.

Through weekly farm stands, this fresh organic bounty will be available during the summer at West End College St. YMCA and Cooper Koo Family Cherry St. YMCA.

YMCA Members and the public can reserve a share of the harvest by signing up for our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. To learn more email: cedarglen@ymcagta.org