N.S. couple provides freshly grown lettuce to local communities year round

Sutton's Vertical Farm in Enfield, Nova Scotia grows lettuce year-round.

A couple from Nova Scotia is putting their green thumbs to use, growing fresh produce year-round for their local communities.

Kris and Brenda Sutton own Sutton’s Vertical Gardens in Enfield, N.S., where they grow lettuce 365 days a year.

The idea came to fruition in September 2021, when fresh products were becoming harder to find amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We chose lettuce because it’s a crop that has a short growing life,” said Kris. “So, in this type of farm it grows quite well.”

From seeding to harvest, Kris says it takes about seven-and-a-half weeks for a batch of lettuce to grow.

The Sutton’s farm can grow nearly 9,000 plants at any given time, with just under 1,000 being harvested each week.

“The walls can hold over 4,000 plants … we have a nursery that can start another 4,600 plants,” Kris said.

Kris says most lettuce in local grocery stores comes from the United States or elsewhere, meaning it has a long way to travel before it can be added to your grocery cart.

“So, when that lettuce travels, within the first three days the lettuce will start losing its nutritional value,” said Kris. “We guarantee freshness and the most nutrient-dense product you can have.”

The Sutton’s lettuce is currently available in a few local markets, but Kris says they’ve recently switched to direct to consumer.

“On our website we have a signup list and what that does is guarantee fresh lettuce weekly. We harvest same day, so within a few hours of it being harvested, it’s on your supper table,” said Kris.

“Nothing feels better than being able to give people the best quality product they deserve.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Paul DeWitt

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