In spite of the not so great gardening weather this summer, a young boy in Timmins is busy with his new business.
Eight-year old Conrad Lefebvre introduced his 'veg box' at the Urban Park Market on Thursday.
Farmer Conrad knew next to nothing about growing a garden just a few months ago, but here he is, not only growing food, but starting a gardening related business.
"We just take this to your house and then we just fill it up and then we plant the seeds," said Conrad.
Conrad said he's proud of what he's done this summer.
"I like to see how it grows, like how tomatoes flower, beans grow into little pods, how they change into different sizes," he said.
Essentially, the ‘veg box’ is a moveable planter; constructed with cedar wood, filled with soil and it comes with seeds planted of you want.
"I do not have a green thumb, but apparently I do now," said Becky Lefebvre, Conrad's mom.
"It's very relaxing and we've enjoyed watching how things grow and what comes of it and you feel accomplished."
What's appealing about the veg box is its size and portability. It's great for people on the move but who still like to try their hands at gardening.
"I think gardening is really growing and this will target the smaller homeowner or someone in an apartment because they're smaller," said Lefebvre.
"Local produce is on the rise and I know some people who would love to start gardening, but don't know where to start and how to build a garden. If they supply all the boxes, the soil, the seeds, it's a great idea," added Tina Lambert.
Bringing more farmers into the city's urban core is what downtown Timmins officials have been working on for years.
"We opened our arms to him," said Noella Rinaldo, Downtown Timmins executive director.
"This is exactly what we had hoped that our farmer's market accomplishes is get the next generation looking at local food."
Farmer Conrad offers a variety of bundles from which to choose; from veggies to complement your spaghetti, your pizza, or even to put in your smoothie.
