Produce farmers and gardeners in the Steinbach area are pleasantly surprised by this summer's early crops.

Ernie Klassen, the Coordinator for The Steinbach Community Garden on First Street, observes that many plants have benefited from recent weather.

Says Klassen, "Produce is looking really good. The heat-loving plants like cucumbers and squash are all growing really well. I think things are growing quickly, you could probably say that".

Ed Reimer gardens his own plot of land in Steinbach. He says the lack of frost during the spring has caused all of his plants to mature early. He adds "Right now I’m cleaning up my peas already, they’re finished, that’s very unusual."

Hans Steinman, a produce farmer at God’s Acres, indicates that the ratio of heat to moisture this summer has yielded many crops earlier and in larger quantities than in years past, though, Steinman concedes some plants have suffered slightly. "Some things are growing better this year and some things are worse. The tomatoes and peppers are coming in very well. The carrots and beets may not be doing well, but the rest is awesome."

Klassen mentions the spinach too, has suffered in the heat, though as a general rule most produce seems to be doing quite well, perhaps even ahead of schedule.