Toronto Microfarm, Compost Tea, Honey, and Bees

Food SystemLivestock
Written By Steven Biggs
Talking compost tea with Sean Smith and native bees and honeybees with Charlotte Wiggins

Sean Smith talks about Crooked Farmz, a Toronto microfarm with a compost-tea CSA; and beekeeper and Charlotte Wiggins, author of A Beekeeper’s Diary, Self-Guide to Beekeeping, talks about native bees and honeybees.

Crooked Farmz

In the first part of the show, we chat with Sean Smith from Crooked Farmz in Toronto.

Smith talks about his journey into growing food, learning about soil and composting, and the beginnings of his Toronto microfarm.

Compost Tea by Subscription

He calls himself the “brewer” at the farm. The brew? It’s compost tea.

Along with selling at farmers markets, Smith has taken another route to selling the compost tea: by subscription. 

Home Composting Tips

Some of Smith’s top composting tips:

  • Understand what “brown” and “green” ingredients are, and have some of each

  • Make sure there is enough air

  • Make sure there is enough water

Crooked Farmz compost tea by subscription

Compost tea by subscription, from Crooked Farmz

Honey Bees and Native Bees

In the second half of the show, we chat with Missouri beekeeping expert, author, and TEDx speaker Charlotte Wiggins.

Wiggins talks about attracting native bees to gardens, gardening for both native and honey bees, and shares tips and ideas for people thinking about getting into beekeeping.

Tips for People Interested in Keeping Bees

  • Learn beekeeping lingo

  • Join a beekeeping club, make beekeeping friends

  • Take a class about beekeeping

  • Volunteer with local beekeepers

  • Don’t rush getting your own hives, get the hang of things first

Looking for more beekeeping guidance? Wiggins’ latest book is the award-winning A Beekeeper’s Diary: Self-Guide to Keeping Bees.

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Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making Magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

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