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Founded in 1967 as a small Calgary garden centre, Golden Acre has grown to become one of the largest home and garden stores in Canada. Our family-owned and operated business has been inspiring generations of gardeners for decades. In 2022 we launched the Golden Acre Community Market, an event dedicated to supporting local small businesses. At this market vendors will promote and sell their wares/services, meet new customers and network.
If you are a small business owner, charity or entertainer based in Alberta, we want you to join our community!
Look below for market FAQs and the application. If you have any questions or concerns, email [email protected].
The rate depends on the size of the stall.
Vendors have access to parking, Wi-Fi, and power (please bring your own extension cords/power bars). You’re responsible for your own materials and supplies.
Review the vendor criteria, terms and conditions, and complete the vendor application.
When held as a two-day market, the Golden Acre Community Market is classified by AHS as a “public market.” Unlike farmers markets and special events, which allow low-risk home-prepared food from an un-inspected kitchen, “public markets” have different AHS rules.
See below for more details of what foods are eligible and exempt from “public markets.”
ELIGIBLE Artisan food is permitted if the items are “low risk foods.” |
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With a valid mobile food vending permit and a |
Vendors don’t need a food handling permit (but require a Certificate of Insurance) if they are |
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Some exceptions may apply; more information can be found here.
All food vendors accepted to the market must be able to:
EXEMPT FOODS
Under AHS guidelines the following foods are not approved for sale at the Golden Acre Community Market:
After applying you will receive a confirmation notice that your application has been submitted. Please allow up to 10 business days for a response.
The application deadline is 10 days before the market weekend.
Ex. Applications to attend the November 12 market are due by November 2.
If you’re selected to be a vendor, we will contact you to confirm your booking. Payment is required to hold your space and to be added to our website and marketing. Payments can be made by via the website* and must be made no later than **seven (7) days before the market.
*Vendors can pay by e-transfer if they’re unable to pay via the website.
**You’re able to cancel up to 15 days before the market and receive a refund (less a $25 administration fee). If you cancel within 14 days of the market, your payment will not be refunded.
If for some reason the market is cancelled, we will notify you and do our best to reschedule you for a future market. If we’re unable to reschedule, we will refund your payment (less a $25 administrative fee).
We get it, life happens. If you cannot attend, please let us know so we can update market bookings and bring in vendors from the waitlist.
You’re able to cancel up to 15 days before the market and receive a refund (less a $25 administration fee). If you cancel within 14 days of the market, your payment will not be refunded.
Vendors are responsible for the transaction of their own goods. Please bring a cash float and/or any mobile payment devices* you may require, as well as wrapping or packaging for your customers’ purchases.
*Wi-Fi is available, however signal strength is not guaranteed.
Please note there is no ATM on site.
The GA Community Market is dedicated to bringing in a diverse group of vendors and businesses. Table placement and booth assignment is at the discretion of Golden Acre and is determined for the best benefit of the market.
All vendors, with a table or a different display (i.e., a mobile cart), are required to:
If you’re planning on a display without a table please inform us of your plans and send a photo of your mobile cart.
You may be asked to amend your display to ensure it is appropriate for the community market.
If the market is a two-day event vendors should be present both days.
Occasionally we may host 1-day pop-up markets.
The GA Community Market is dedicated to bringing in a diverse group of vendors and businesses. However, some items are prohibited, please see terms and conditions for details. Artisan food is permitted, some exceptions may apply.
If you have any other questions, please contact [email protected].
Markets markets are held 10 am – 4pm.
The Golden Acre Community Market will be held inside the main hall of the Golden Acre greenhouse.See the map for more details.
Note: The market is held inside the greenhouse. On average the greenhouse is 10 degrees warmer than outside, but the temperature can vary depending on cloud cover, sun exposure and more.
Vendors will have access to side parking lot close to the venue access door. Free parking is available on Golden Acre’s property and near by.
Yes, we have public washrooms; they are located at the front of the store, on the right side past the furniture department.
Yes, every department in the store is on one level with no stairs to navigate.
All items sold at Golden Acre need to be safe and family friendly.
Artisan food is permitted if the items are low risk foods and the vendor has a food handling permit and they provide us with a Certificate of Insurance. Some exceptions apply; more information can be found here.
Vendors selling handmade topical products (i.e., soaps, lotions, make up etc.) must provide us with a Certificate of Insurance.
These rules are subject to change. Failure to comply with any component of the rules and regulations or the code of conduct will result in expulsion from the Golden Acre Community Market. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected].
Please note there is no ATM on site.
If you have any other questions, email [email protected].
Calcium Nitrate:
Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.
Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Iron Chelate
Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.
Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
High Drainage
Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.
Potting:
Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.
Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.
Firm the soil gently.
Watering:
This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.
Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilizing:
Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Consider Amendments:
For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.
Important Notes:
Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.
Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).
Alberta Blend
Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.
Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.
If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.
Potting:
When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.
Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.
Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.
Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.
Watering:
Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilizing:
Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.
Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.
20-20-20 Houseplant Complete
Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable
Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable
Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant
Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
4-5-28 Perennial Complete
Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower
Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.
For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).
For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle
Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.
For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).
For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower
Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.
This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.
Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.