Zekveld’s Garden Market is more than a farm—it’s a story of family, hard work, and a passion for growing good food for the community.

In the fall of 2000, John and Maxine Zekveld purchased 94 acres of land just half a km from Reese’s Corners on London Line. What began as a dream, and a lot of determination, has grown into a thriving family farm. In 2016 we purchased another farm so today, 110 acres of the property are devoted to fruits and vegetables.

The farm includes 22 acres of orchard with apples, plums, peaches, and pears, along with 12 acres of berries. The remaining land produces a wide variety of vegetables. Everything is carefully hand-picked and delivered fresh to the on-farm store and local farmers’ markets.

A Family Farm Through the Generations

From the beginning, the farm has been a place where family grows alongside the crops. John and Maxine’s children grew up in the fields and the store. First playing, and then working and learning the value of responsibility and hard work.

Today, the next generation is stepping back into the farm. Devyn, the third child, born just a month before the family purchased the property, has returned to work on the farm full-time. Their youngest son, Eddy, is currently studying at Ridgetown and hopes to return after finishing school, while helping on the farm during the summers.

Now a third generation is beginning to grow up here as well, with grandchildren learning about life on the farm.

Growing More Than Produce 🍎

In 2005, the Zekveld family opened a small on-farm bakery where fruits from their fields are turned into fresh loaves, muffins, tarts, and other homemade treats.

In 2009, they became one of the first vendors at the Petrolia Farmers’ Market, where they still sell produce each season from June to Thanksgiving.

Around this time they also began making homemade preserves using extra fruit from their harvest, allowing customers to enjoy the taste of the farm all year long.

In 2012, they introduced their produce box program. What started with just a handful of customers has grown into over 100 boxes delivered weekly, bringing fresh local fruits and vegetables directly to families in the community.

Always Growing 🌾

The Zekveld family is always looking for ways to improve the farm.

Their dedication was recognized in 2011 when they received the Runner-Up Award in the Outstanding Young Farmers Competition, and again in 2016 when they were honoured with the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Award.

In 2017, the farm began transitioning to trellis apple production—a stronger and more efficient system for growing high-quality apples.

The farm expanded again in 2016 with the purchase of additional land. Then in 2020, ten high-growth tunnels were built, covering 2.5 acres and creating a more controlled environment for growing strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, and raspberries.

A Farm That Works Together 🐓

Animals are also part of life on the farm. They enjoy leftover produce from the fields and provide eggs, meat, and manure.

The manure is returned to the fields as natural fertilizer, creating a sustainable cycle that helps produce healthier fruits and vegetables. The eggs and meat are also available for customers in the farm store.

From Our Farm to Your Table 🧺

For over two decades, the Zekveld family has been committed to growing fresh, local food and sharing it with their community. What started as a dream on 94 acres has grown into a place where families come for fresh produce, homemade baking, and a connection to the land.

And the story is still growing. 🌱