From the left: Tyler and Vivian Harbers are seen in a greenhouse at their farm. Courtesy Photo

CHESTERVILLE – North Dundas is home to Harbers Greenhouses and Forestry, a family business, operated by Tyler and Vivian Harbers since 2023.

Harbers is a graduate of the University of Guelph, receiving a four-year bachelor degree in Agricultural Science, and as well obtaining the required operator and pesticide licenses.

It was a passion for growing trees and entrepreneurial spirit led to the decision to open the business after the couple moved back to the area after completing their post-secondary education.

Located at 4229 County Road 11, the business is a wholesale tree nursery and greenhouse which “grows, sells, and installs a variety of trees and shrubs for commercial and residential planting” explained the owners, noting the company also provides a design and consultation service to clients.

Each year the business grows 200,000 trees from seed, many of which are native species. “We also carry, spade and install a wide variety of trees (including fruit trees!) for residential plantings.” said Harbers.

Residential clients “call us when they’re looking for shade, privacy, or diversity on their property” said Harbers, with the business supplying “native tree species to support conservation and reforestation efforts.

When asked about a challenge overcome in the business, it was explained that their nut trees are a food source for local chipmunks.  “One day we planted 800 black walnuts and by the next morning each and every pot was empty.”  After attempting to resolve the chipmunk issue using a variety of “deterrents and coverings” Ash, the greenhouse cat, who daily patrols the fields, was found to be the best deterrent available.  Other challenges faced include maintaining the correct temperature in the greenhouse in winter and summer and ensuring proper watering.

There is a seasonal component in agribusiness, with no real slow time experienced throughout the year.  Harbers mentioned Spring and Fall sees tree planting as the predominant activity on the farm, with the summer months filled with “growing, watering and maintaining the trees on our property.”  During the winter months there is little time to rest as there are equipment repairs to be done and seed crop rotation as “some seeds need to go through precise cold and warm periods before planting” which begins in January.

“Our advice is to work hard, stay honest, and lean in to the fantastic community of fellow business owners and entrepreneurs that make SD&G so awesome.” commented Harbers when asked about business start-up suggestions for entrepreneurs.

Looking forward, Harbers suggests that in order to concentrate on their wholesale market, the business is “not currently open to the public” but this may change in the future if there’s a demand.  He mentioned the business can provide quotes via email for those interested in purchasing “larger volumes or sizes of trees.”

More information on the business can be found on their Facebook and Instagram accounts as well as on their website located at https://harbersgreenhouses.com.

 

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