Our Family Farm
We are Nigel and Laura Francis. We have been in love for twenty years, gardening together for fifteen, and market gardening for ten. Since 2O14, we have been tending organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit on our own land – Cartwheel Farm.
We are working to build a farm that feels right for our time and place… and for our family. We grow on a small-scale with joy and attention to detail. We farm to cultivate health, justice, freedom, beauty, and contentment. Our two kiddos and farm dog are trusty companions.
Our Valley
We practice community-supported agriculture. Most of what we grow feeds our own community – friends and neighbours who value the food we produce, as well as how and why we garden. Each year, we share our harvest with 150+ families in our area and to local cafes and restaurants. Our produce is also available on local store shelves.
We proudly attend the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market as often as we are able. Being part of the vibrant and evolving Creston Valley food system inspires us!
How We Grow
We strive to grow delicious and nutrient-dense food with ecological integrity. We keep a bio-intensive market garden. Each year we grow dozens of varieties of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. We select the varieties we grow for taste, nutrition, and beauty. We test and feed our soil so that what we grow is truly nourishing. We work a few little fields, rotating crops and resting land from year to year. We practice minimal tillage and work mainly with hand tools. A greenhouse and seven high tunnels help to extend our growing season.
Certified Organic
Our land was farmed organically for two decades before we started growing here. Today, everything we grow is certified organic through the Kootenay Organic Growers’ Society (KOGS #88). For us, growing to organic standards is about caring for the health of our family, our customers, and the planet. Going through annual certification and keeping our farm and our records open for inspection is about accountability and transparency.
