Name: The Chan Family
Farm: K&C Garden
Location: 1018 Ladera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
What they grow: Select produce including garlic, chives, green onion, sweet potatoes, ginger, succulents, mint, avocado, watercress, snap peas, Chinese broccoli, garlic chives, and their popular bok choy.
Where to buy: Farmers markets including Tuesday in downtown Santa Barbara, Saturday in downtown Santa Barbara, and Sunday in Goleta.
In season now: Snap peas, garlic chives, bok choy, green onion, Chinese broccoli, and their unique dehydrated sweet potatoes. Additionally, they feature seasonal flower arrangements and succulents, including this week’s colorful hydrangeas.
Their story: Moving from Hong Kong, the Chan family settled in sunny Santa Barbara more than 15 years ago, becoming one of the first merchants to sell at the farmers markets. Gardening on a small five-acre family property in Montecito, the farm is tended by Chan and his mother, a true labor of love.
“When we started the farm it was difficult, but you learn over the years how to grow and sell produce,” said Chan. “The weather in Santa Barbara is perfect for growing!”
Working closely with Wine Cask, bouchon, and Seagrass, K&C garden is known for their variety of Asian greens, particularly their bok choy, a crowd favorite at the markets. “I love our bok choy,” said Chan. “We eat it every day, making it in soups and stir-fries. Farming is extremely rewarding; it makes me happy to grow my own food.”
Originally started as a backyard garden, K&C Garden has become a small but successful market adventure for the Chan family.