Welcome to Skookum!

Welcome to the Skookum Food Provisioner’s Website! If you’re new to Skookum, here are a few useful links to get you started.

What’s New for Skookum?

ANNOUNCING THE NEW
CENTRAL FARMERS’ MARKET

When: Launching Saturday June 14, 10:00 am
Where: Willingdon Beach Old Arena Site

 

Skookum Food Provisioners’ Cooperative is pleased to announce the launch of the new Central Farmers’ Market! The market will run Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm, June 14 through October 18, 2025.

You can walk, bicycle, or bus to this new centrally located farmers’ market at beautiful Willingdon Beach.

Come and see what our fabulous farming community and local food producers are growing and making: local produce, organic vegetables, local meat, prepared food, hot beverages, lunch options, ice cream, baked goods, flowers, arts and crafts and more!

Grab your groceries and go – or meet up with family and friends to take in the oceanside ambience while you shop local and enjoy a coffee or lunch.

Central Farmers’ Market confirmed vendors so far include Terra Nostra Farm, Blueberry Commons Farm, GG’s Good Greens, Brut Charcuterie, Myrtle Point Heritage Farm, Nancy’s Bakery, Full Circle Donuts, Wild Scoop Ice Cream, Windfall Farms and more!

Every week the Central Farmers’ Market will provide a table for local non-profit organizations to share their information and activities with the community.  

Join us Saturday, June 14 for the Central Farmers’ Market Launch and let our food business community know we ‘Love Local’! 

For more information, contact centralfarmersmarketmanager@gmail.com.

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For more info: Devon Hanley, 604-414-5434, devhanley@gmail.com or Kate Sutherland, 604-314-0835, kate@emergecollab.com 

Got fruit that needs picking? Our Gleaner Program can help! Tell us about it here!

Gardening in Late Winter

As a gardener, learn to enjoy the journey. Some things will grow beautifully and some things will disappoint. We always plant more than we can eat, and hope for enough that we have to share to not be overwhelmed. Time spent in the garden is the reward.
~ Skookum Member

Gardening on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia can be both a joy and a challenge. With the recent surprise winter weather that the area has experienced, gardeners may feel a bit unsure about how to proceed with their February gardening plans. However, with some careful planning and preparation, you can still make the most of this late winter season as we reach the end of February and enter into March gardening tasks, and the promise of spring!

Firstly, it is important to note that February is a transitional month on the Sunshine Coast. As we near the end of February, the weather begins to warm up, and many plants start to emerge from their winter dormancy. Gardeners can take advantage of this by starting to prepare their garden beds for planting. One of the most important tasks for this time of year is to add organic matter to your soil. This can be done by adding compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to your garden beds. Organic matter will help to improve soil structure and fertility, which in turn will help your plants to grow strong and healthy. But wait until the snow melts.

Another important task is pruning. Now is the time to prune any deciduous trees or shrubs that have finished flowering. Pruning can help to improve the shape of your plants and encourage new growth. It is also a good idea to prune any dead or damaged branches from your plants to help prevent disease and pests. You will want to do this while it remains cold, and before the sap begins to flow once again.

In addition to pruning, February and early March are great times to start planning your vegetable garden for the coming growing season. Decide what vegetables you want to grow and start thinking about where to plant them. Consider factors such as sun exposure, soil quality, and water availability when planning your garden layout. You can also consider starting seeds indoors now for vegetables that need a longer growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

Finally, it is important to be prepared for unexpected weather events, like the recent winter storm that the Sunshine Coast experienced. Make sure that your garden beds are covered with a layer of mulch or compost to protect them from frost and other extreme weather conditions. If you have delicate plants, consider covering them with a protective cloth or blanket during cold nights.

In conclusion, while late winter gardening on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia can be challenging and unpredictable, with a little planning and preparation, gardeners can make the most of this transitional month. With these tips in mind, gardeners can look forward to a bountiful and beautiful garden in the coming months.

Here’s a few more winter gardening shares from Skookum Members who responded to a post on our Skookum Chat and Social Facebook Page:

Enjoy your winter gardening adventures, Skookies!