Come out (see what we did there) to this community meet-up/field day mashup to see what’s growing on at Martina Schaefer’s human-scale market garden Spiral Farm in Elora and spend time with your queer buds and allies!

Spiral Farm occupies just over 1/4 acre, which Martina manages part-time and solo, using mainly hand tools. No tillage is done and only plant inputs are used on this rented plot. The farm provides 15 households with a Spring harvest share, and 25 with a Main season share, plus some sales on the side. Martina’s approach to growing food is informed by her queerness – involving curiosity, reverence for the land and its inhabitants, and efforts to spiral outward from this tiny plot into the broader community. Come walk around and learn what it’s like to operate a human-scale market garden as a solo farmer!

This BYOBlanket event will include a walk through the garden to learn about Martina’s approach (including incorporating perennials and coming-soon hoop house) and relaxed social time. If you wish, bring a dish to share and connect with other 2SLGBTQIA+ farmers, farm workers, farm fans and farming allies. We’ll celebrate the connections between queerness and nature that inspire an ecological approach to food and farming.

Suggested packing list:

• weather-appropriate attire (we’ll be outside)
• a folding chair or blanket to sit on
• a dish or snack to share (please label ingredients/allergens) and serving utensils
• a water bottle
• reusable dishes/utensils to eat from

EFAO will provide some extras of all of the above!