It's Gardening Season! Learn more about the local fruits & vegetables from Mama Bear 4 at Pembroke Farmers Market...

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Katrina McKeagney, but everyone calls me Kat. I officially launched Mama Bear 4 in January 2024 in order to pursue my dreams of providing fresh, chemical free produce to my community.  

What made you create Mama Bear 4?

In 2020, we decided to expand our backyard to build the garden of my dreams. I wanted to be able to grow our own food to feed our family fresh fruits and vegetables without any chemicals. In a time of a potential food shortage, I did not want my family to go without nutritious food.

At the time, my grandmother was living with us. She grew up on a farm in South Dakota and had a wealth of knowledge about gardening. I took down notes on companion planting, natural fertilizer, and the benefits of herbs and flowers. Her advice made me the gardener I am today.

Can you tell us more about your garden?

Last year, we expanded our 700 sq. foot garden to over 1,000 sq. ft. With this expansion and years of experimenting with various foods, I found that I love growing greens. Arugula, lettuce, spinach, kale, and mixed greens have become my favorite produce to grow.

A couple years ago I read a story about how 80% of greens are grown in California and Arizona. Did you know that lettuce is the only vegetable that can not be frozen? That means the lettuce bought in stores is already a few days old.  I want to be able to provide our community fresh greens, straight from my garden to your table.

Are there any specific types of goods that Market attendees can expect from Mama Bear 4 this summer?

Not only will we have greens for you, but you will also find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade pickles, salsa, flowers, and baked goods. You will be able to find me at the Pembroke Farmers Market under my Iowa Hawkeye tent.

And please follow and engage with Mama Bear 4 on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mamabear4gardening/