Earth Month, Here We Come! 🌎

written by Nicole Jacobs,
Market Manager
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, 
*full vendor list here

And just like that, a new month is upon us – so exciting! And April in particular, brings with it, so much promise. I like to think of April in terms of “making room for the new”. From a farmers’ market perspective, consider that soil, trees, vines, (and even some bushes), are making room for a rich, marvellous bounty, that is soon to enchant us! (I’ve said it before) – “hooray for farmers”!

Rodrigo, of Plan B Organics, fully “in his element” – go Rod, go!

And yes – what’s also cool about April, is that it’s “earth month”! Definitely a great time to get “green-minded”. For some of you, that means getting your green thumbs ready for planting and gardening. Visit Colette, of Urban Harvest, at this week’s market, for tips and pointers – or even just to get your stockpile in order!

Organic seed selections from Urban Harvest.

But if you’re not big on gardening and planting yourself, perhaps “thinking green” gets you thinking about (and planning for), the amazing bounty that spring will soon bring! In that case, coming to the market every week, is definitely the right call. Lots more is on the way!

Incredible parsley from Nith Valley Organics, surrounded by squashes (and other veggies.)

The gentle but very skillful hands of farmer, Nykole, of Noki Farms, handing her carefully wrapped, gourmet mushrooms to a happy-to-receive, market shopper, Vida.

Noki Farms‘ Phoenix oyster mushrooms, come straight to us, from Guelph, Ontario.

Earth Times, Earth Rhymes!

This year, Earth Day takes place on Tuesday, April 22. And the theme this year, is “Our Power, Our Planet”. So how can “our power” be used to better our planet? Hmmm..

A great question indeed. One that perhaps our resident poet Marc, (pictured left), will be able to answer – or at least write something very poetic about. Visit “Marc’s Poetry Dispensary” at the market, and ask him to write something for you, about Earth Day – or anything at all! His talent will amaze you. (PWYC donations are greatly appreciated.

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Hot and tasty samosas from Magic Oven – a longtime “grab & go” favourite.
April is also a popular month for when many of us do our spring cleaning. Perhaps (in part), for us to clear out some of the clutter and “dreariness” from the previous season? Or maybe we’re finally packing away our winter parkas, (and other winter-wear.) Well hopefully it’s now “safe” to do so! haha
Either way, making space for lighter clothing, in order to “deal with” warmer weather, is definitely something to look forward to!

Organic, delicious chocolate from ChocoSol – lots to choose from, (including hot beverages!)

Full vendor list here.


Park Cleanup, This Saturday!

And speaking of spring cleaning, our wonderful park could use a little tidying up . So if you’re available, this Saturday, April 5th, the folks at Ripple Community Collective, will be organizing a spring cleanup, at Dufferin Grove Park, and would love to have some “extra hands”! They’re also accepting (ADULT) clothing donations (at the event.)
Details (of spring cleanup):
*Saturday, April 5th, 2025 – 1-5pm
*at Dufferin Grove Park
*accepting Clothing Donations
*contact: @ripplecommunitycollective (on IG)

Estelle’s lasagne, (of “Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine“) – some have called this the “crown jewel” of comfort food – need I say more? (Other than letting you know that both meat and vegetarian options are available. )

Market Dates To Be Aware Of..

Just some reminders, as we “gear up” for an incredible outdoor season.
1- The market moves outdoors (and “on the grass”, facing west), on May 22, 2025
2- We’re outdoors, until October 30th – 24 markets
We may gradually move outdoors sooner, if the spring temps are kind to us. Let’s hope! But either way, we’ll for sure, be here every Thursday, 3-7pm! 

Vendors News..

Full vendor list here. 
Just one thing to mention for this week.. Please know that Link Haus will not be at this week’s market, but will return on April 10th. They have now moved to a bi-weekly schedule.

Fresh mussels! Sabrina of Fisherfolk, brought these to last week’s market. That may have been the first time fresh mussels were at Dufferin Grove Market! Be sure to check in with Sabrina each week, to see what she brings in fresh. 

Seth, of  Forbes Wild Foods, (left), seen here, talking to a market customer, while also helping our newest volunteer, Zélie (centre.)  Zélie, (in Canada for just six weeks), was getting familiar with the market last week, and is also visiting us from Belgium! She enjoyed her first day at Dufferin Grove, and is very pleased to be helping out at the market. How lucky for us!
Full vendor list here.

Reminder From Last Week..

In addition to “the amazingness”, of his amazing dried fruit snax, Kalmplex also wants us to know that  the AGO is once again FREE this Wednesday, April 2, 6-9pm – (and the first Wednesday of every month.) And please know that this Sunday, April 6th, is the last opportunity to check out The Culture – still on at the AGO. Visit the website for more information.

(At last week’s market) long-time (four-legged) market-goer, Margie, was feeling neglected, and “demanded” to “speak” to the manager – how could I not oblige?

Rewards of the spring season, are soon on the way.

See you at the market, and thanks for your support. 
–Nicole
*Market operates every Thursday, 3-7pm -INDOORS, (at 875 Dufferin St) 

VENDORS_April 3, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms

Meat & Fish:

• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics

Bakery:

• Johnson Family Bakery 

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax
• ChocoSol
• Urban Harvest – welcome back!

“Extras”:

• Poetry (with Marc) – only til 5:30pm
• Happy Earth Month!

Incredible flowers, from Sundance Harvest, providing comfort to the delight of a charming, but busy-at-work, bumble bee. Photo taken at the market, in June 2024 – hooray for pollinators!

 (Also, Sundance Harvest, returns to the market next month!)