Fresh Veggies at 60 Aileen
Newmarket, Ontario
Toronto - July 6, 2021 - Further exploring Newmarket after my visit to Marques Family Farm, I made a pit stop at Fresh Veggies af 60 Aileen. This particular farm caught my eye a while back as it maintains a strong presence online with engaging content. Therefore, I was very excited to take my first visit.
Fresh Veggies at 60 Aileen’s roadside, outdoor market is tucked away on a (quaint) side road off of Keele Street. Situated on a large plot of land, the market is hard to miss. Made of wood with a large banner hung across the front, the market at the time was lined with herbs and plants for sale. As I turned into the driveway off of Aileen Avenue, I was greeted by a friendly gentleman who was installing garden decor in the lot. He introduced himself as Matt Reesor, one of the owners and operators of the farm. Shortly after, we were joined by Amanda Eek, his partner in life and in work.
Though the Market had herbs and plants available, the couple explained to me that their selling season is from July to October - so I was a bit early to the party. Because they are predominantly growers first (a unique strategy from what I have yet to discover in my ventures) they do not always have a large variety of options. However, when the season comes, their selection is fresh as can be coming from their fields and from around the surrounding marsh. What I love about this farm and their strategy is that each year is dramatically different from the last, depending on weather and other factors. Their bread and butter however is fruiting vegetables, brassica vegetables, squash, root vegetables, herbs, and plants.
Fresh Veggies at 60 Aileen started as a kitchen table covered greenhouse, then progressively evolved to a larger greenhouse format. Eventually, the farm became what it is today, sprawling four acres of land, and has been running this way for the past three years! Both Matt and Amanda are seasoned farming vets, coming from unique backgrounds that led them to creating their own farm. Proclaimed as the best Holland Marsh Produce, I can’t wait to visit this summer to pick up what’s in season.
To learn more about Fresh Veggies at 60 Aileen, visit their website!