Where Your Food Comes From
Mission
Sustainable farming is about looking out for the whole ecosystem—from the microscopic life in the soil we don’t see, to the earth and communities we do—so all of it can stay healthy and thrive into the future. 🍄🌍💛
The Farmers
Meet Nikko
Hi! I’m Nikko, the farmer behind Wild Gardens. I am a farmer, a sailboat captain, a dive master, traveller and more to unfold. I love learning and trying new things, I am happiest unplugging and being outside. I’m learning that a fulfilling life for me is balanced. Choosing to make the time learning new skills, slowing down, focusing on my health, yoga, working to support a community and connecting with them. Im either at the farm or on the water, my two happy places; where I feel the most present, least distracted and most connected.
Farming and growing food is a very important to me, driven mostly by environmental concerns within the current food system. Long distance travels, added preservatives, additional packaging, food waste throughout the journey and less nutrient packed food… I wanted to have a smaller footprint and be healthier myself.
I’ve been farming for 14 years, learning different methods and practices. Grateful for all the knowledge passed on from farmers, and farmers before them. Nature is a dynamic ecosystem and it’s endlessly changing, gaining humility, growth and experiences every season.
Meet Jesse
Jesse is my partner in crime and has been a HUGE help getting this farm going. Couldn’t do it without him! Coming from forest firefighting, farming wasn’t on his radar. But since we both loved sailing, we left our comforts and took off for an adventure; leading us to boating and farming now. It has been a blast figuring it all out together. Jesses’ focus in life is around health, being active, taking care of his body and mind, travelling, diving, swimming, surfing, volleyball, sailing, wakeboarding, fishing, and sharing it all with a big community, you name it- he is down and stoked!
I am excited to build up this sweet lifestyle with this guy!
The Land
Healthy Soil. Healthy Food. Healthy Community
Wild Gardens is only a half an acre of beautiful leased land in Kelowna, BC.
Growing more intensive, small-scale. Maximizing land use with efficient systems and sustainable practises.
With the goal of starting a farm for many years, financially it has always seemed very unattainable and unrealistic. Now learning that you do not have to purchase lots of land, fancy tractors, or have huge to capital to start.
Effective garden practises makes small scale farming practical.
Growing Practises
Regenerative farming techniques that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve water retention. Practice growing organic methods but we are not certified.
Preventative Pest Control
No pesticide, insecticide or herbicide. Practising a clean space is crucial! Not only does the farm look beautiful but theres no residue for mildews, diseases or pests to overwinter.
No-Till Farming
Avoid heavy tilling to preserve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance microbial diversity. Using tarps and landscape fabric to keep soil quality and prevent erosion.
Hight Density Planting
Choosing high yielding crops, high density spacing, with small walking path between beds, we are maximizing the real estate we have. We don’t accommodate for tractors which allows us to plant crops closer together, meaning more crops per square foot.
Cover Cropping
Use Fall Rye cover crop helps prevent erosion, microbiology and promote soil fertility.
Composting
Produce compost on-site from farm waste, food scraps, and organic matter to create nutrient-rich soil amendments. We also bring in compost from a local farmer to top up the beds.
Crop Rotation
Rotate crops seasonally to prevent soil depletion and break pest cycles.
Water Conservation
Using only drip irrigation systems to conserve water. Cover crops and compost also help maintain water retention and soil health. Soil health really impacts water and nutrient retention for the plants.
Why “Wild Gardens”
I see the land and our own happiness having similar patterns- both flourish when they are allowed to grow more authentically wild.
Re-wilding in the garden starts in the soil. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down organic materials by eating it, then produce waste that are in forms plants can absorb. Feeding them, feeds us. 🍄
Re-wilding does not mean chaos in the garden, it means observing and mimicking how nature does it best, like in the forest. Always covered, always replenished, always feeding back, a sustainable give and take exchange.
Living soils, Healthier guts.
Re-wilding yourself means living more connected. 😌✨
It’s spending more time outside, listening to your body, eating real food, resting when you’re tired, connecting with community, and trusting your instincts. It’s letting go of constant pressure to be productive and remembering that humans aren’t meant to live disconnected from nature or themselves.
Rewilding isn’t about escaping modern life — it’s about feeling grounded, present, and alive within it. 🌿
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Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
© 2025 WildGardens
