Susan Linkletter is the farmer behind the fresh garden treats found at Diddley Squash Farm just outside of Salisbury, New Brunswick. She has 127 acres, but farms only a few for now. A biologist by trade, Susan enjoys the backyard laboratory experiments her farm presents, but has several other responsibilities on top of running the farm. She works full-time for the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance as a project coordinator, does environmental science research and education at different venues, and is a mother of four.
Susan grew up on her parents’ dairy farm and knew that although she loved the farm life, she did not want to continue entirely in her parents’ footsteps. With children, and no interest in chemicals, she decided to take the full steps to become certified organic. “Organic is best, it’s a little bit more of a challenge and I like the to try to think outside of the box and stay within the regulations.”
She compromised by beginning to grow vegetables in the form of a small market garden, which later expanded to a big market garden. “I used to have a bigger garden, and go to the Farmer’s Market,” says Susan, “that was when I only had two kids.” She no longer sells at the Farmers’ Market, but from the farm gate and at the Green Pig, a farm market retail store in Salisbury.
She has a good deal worked out with her family; her husband helps out with all of the tractor work, and the kids pitch in by weeding and harvesting. She has been passionately gardening since 1998 and she continues to dream of expanding the garden. In fact, in the Spring of 2009, she hopes to erect their first production greenhouse to supply restaurants and the market with fresh greens for an extended season.
With plans to expand the operation, Diddley Squash Farm also hopes to expand their market base. With great products to offer including beans, squash, fresh peas, and several lettuce varieties, Diddley Squash Farm is set to make a difference.
