MatSu Valley Farm and Garden

by Amy L. Neuharth

MatSu Valley Farm and Garden

matsu valley farm and garden

I am trying to spend some time focusing on all things local here in Alaska and the MatSu Valley. With spring finally looking like it’s making her appearance – farming and gardening is what we all look forward to. From berry picking, you pick farms, farmers markets and first Fridays – we want all things Alaska Grown and produced. It really is a way of life for us Alaskans

Here are some great resources for farms, community gardens, farmers markets etc.:

Grow Palmer Grow Palmer is a grassroots movement dedicated to creating lasting change in our local food system, fostering connections with community, businesses and traditions of Palmer: including plants, animals, and soils that produce our food.

Alaska Tilth Tilth is defined as the quality of healthy soil, and is the name by which farmer consumer collaborations throughout the Pacific Northwest have titled their work pertaining to food justice and resilience. Alaska Tilth’s mission is to build food security in Alaska by growing food, growing farmers, and feeding those in need. We work to cultivate a robust, equitable and self-reliant local food system.

University of Alaska – Family Nutrition Program The Family Nutrition Program provides educational opportunities for Alaskan families and individuals with limited resources that can improve access to affordable and nutritious food.

City of Wasilla Grow Your Own Garden The Community Garden is located across from City Hall on Herning Avenue. We have 20 garden plots available for the summer growing season; plots are 4′ x 10′ with a choice of 12″ or 24″ depth. Parking and water are available on-site.

Arctic Organics Arctic Organics is a small scale family vegetable farm near Palmer, Alaska run by Sarah and River Bean since 1988. Our goal is to ensure clean, pesticide-, GMO-, and chemical-free produce and to practice sustainable farming techniques that are harmonious with nature. To that end, we grow 100% of the produce we sell, use as many local resources as possible, and have fostered a direct sustainable connection between farmers and consumers in our community.

Bushes Bunches Produce Stand Bushes Bunches Produce Stand is a family owned business that opened in 1954, when Alaska was still a territory. We supply Palmer, Alaska and the surrounding areas of Wasilla and Anchorage with fresh local produce at our farmers market stand located just outside of Palmer.

Friday Fling Farmers Market – Palmer, Friday Fling is Palmer’s premier outdoor farmers market! This Fling lasts all summer long, and proudly hosts a variety of favorites for your enjoyment. Quality locally-grown produce and handmade goods from local crafters, a variety of fine foods from our diverse mobile chefs, local musicians and entertainers…you’re bound to find something to kick off your weekend properly!

Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm The Pyrah’s decided to keep the format and continue to produce an ever-expanding variety of vegetables. The families stewardship over the farm has lasted more than 40 years and has seen an incredible amount of change. These changes have helped shape the farm into the haven it has become. A place for community to gather, strangers from around the globe to meet, and a place to raise a family.

Sun Circle Farm Stand We will be attending our two Saturday Anchorage Markets and opening our Farm Stand on Tuesdays from 4-7pm starting early June. Sun Circle Farm is a small family farm run by Anne-Corinne Kell. I moved to this location and started my farm in 2011 after running Alaska Pacific University’s Spring Creek Farm CSA just down the road for 3 years.

Wasilla Farmers Market The Wednesday Wasilla market will be open from 10am-5pm the first Wednesday in June till mid-September. For questions or more info, please contact Eric or Susan, the market managers at 357-1464 or text 671-9550

Willow Farmers Market Every Friday from late June through mid-September find fresh and local produce, baked goods, gourmet foods and Alaska Made Products. Parking is free and live music is a regular perk. Join your neighbors, support local vendors and get delicious, fresh foods.

And much more can be found at Alaska Farmers Market Coalition