Moonhill Garden - Moonhill Garden

Cultivating with Care

At Moonhill Garden, we see people, plants and soil health as inextricably interconnected parts of a vibrant food web. Central to our philosophy is ecologically sensitive stewardship, and we recognize that the vitality of the garden stems from nurturing each of its interconnected parts.

A commitment to regenerative practices lies at the heart of how we grow. Through techniques such as no-till farming, compost building, and cover cropping, we work to cultivate an environment where the soil thrives. Aiming to ensure its long-term fertility, we harness the power of organic and regenerative methods to help us not only produce nourishing food but also increase bounty and resilience within our ecosystem.

Our Mission

At Moonhill, our vision extends far beyond mere sustenance. We strive to cultivate a way of life that honours the intricate tapestry of nature, where each component is valued and respected. Through our dedication to regenerative agriculture and mindful stewardship, we aim to sow seeds of abundance, nourishing both soil and soul, while treading lightly on the land.

Low Carbon Commitment

To reduce fossil fuel inputs, we utilize pedal power for produce deliveries and over half of our supply pick-ups. We support local and regional suppliers. For sea soil or manures brought to the land come from primarily Vancouver Island and Cortes Island.

Moonhill Garden Practices

Polyculture

Moonhill favours intercropping and companion planting. We bring a diverse range of plants together, ensuring a wide array of nutrients are drawn from the soil and returned to it through decomposition. This builds plant resilience against pests and diseases.

Cover Crops

We utilize cover crops to improve soil structure and promote beneficial microbial activity which enhances soil fertility. In addition, as their roots penetrate the soil, they also break up compacted layers, improving soil aeration and drainage.

Handworked

Minimizing soil compaction and disturbance, handworked cultivation enhances nutrient cycling by preserving soil structure and microbial activity. It allows for targeted work, which reduces the risk of soil erosion and degradation compared to heavy machinery.

Mulching

Straw and leaves protect the soil through winter months and impede moisture loss during summer. We combine both dead and living mulches and walkways, i.e. straw, leaves, clover, and wood chips to help with weed suppression, temperature regulation and erosion prevention.

Composting

We transform organic waste materials into nutrient-rich humus. This recycles essential nutrients and enriches soil micro-bacterial activity. It also aids with water retention, drainage and aeration, acting as a general-purpose soil conditioner.

Seed Saving

Preserving localized traits for health and resilience, expanding biodiversity in plant variations, Moonhill encourages self-seeding and also seed saving from each year’s plantings to support food security. Purchased seeds are from regional vendors such as BC Eco Seed Co-op and West Coast Seeds.