Grocery prices increase demand for vegetables at The Mill spring market

Rising grocery store prices are driving more Ridgeway-area residents to buy vegetable plants, Diana Sneek said at The Mill Greenhouses’ annual spring market.

The April 18 market brought about 30 vendors to The Mill for its busiest sales period of the year. The event also gave space to the Ridgeway and District Garden Club, which is taking in members after the Fort Erie Horticultural Society disbanded due to a shortage of leaders.

Diana Sneek, co-owner of The Mill, told Fort Erie Radio the greenhouse expects a strong year for vegetable sales as household budgets stay tight and more customers look for plants grown close to home.

“Everybody during COVID wanted a vegetable garden, and now with the cost of groceries, I can feel it already,” said Sneek.

She said The Mill grows most of its own stock, roughly 85 per cent, which gives the business more control over price and supply compared to big box retailers.

“Gardening is always good for the soul and it’s a way to improve where you’re spending most of your time,” said Sneek.

In May and June, the greenhouse will be open seven days a week, when annuals, perennials and vegetables are in high demand.

“This is kind of like our Christmas,” said Sneek.

This year’s vendors had everything from garden decor to embroidered jean jackets.

A few tables away, the Ridgeway and District Garden Club was making its own case for why gardening is still a favourite pastime for many. Debbie Eggleton, president of the garden club, told Fort Erie Radio the group has started to absorb former members of the Fort Erie Horticultural Club after 104-years of service when no one stepped up to lead it.

“We thought that was so sad,” said Eggleton.

The Ridgeway club serves Stevensville, Crystal Beach and Ridgeway, and also has members from farther away, including Welland.

For Eggleton, the club’s value reaches past flowers and vegetables. She joined 16 years ago after moving to the area and credits the group with helping her meet people and settle into the community.

“When I garden, I can just tune out everything else, and just weed, or whatever I’m doing in my garden,” said Eggleton.

The Ridgeway and District Garden Club plans to mark its own 100-year anniversary at a June 10 celebration in Stevensville. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact the garden club directly.

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