Owner: Shawn Skerpan

What they grow: vegetables—“Your basic farmer’s market fare”

Where you can buy from LuckySpud: Park St. Market at Labor Temple. When: Fridays 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Saturdays at Silverwood Park 10-3.

Meet Shawn Skerpan of LuckySpud, Silverwood Park’s latest grower. Shawn cultivates a diverse array of vegetables, making the most of three-quarters of an acre. From tomatoes to peppers, cucumbers to “all your brassicas,” Shawn said – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnip – LuckySpud offers a bounty of fresh produce. Shawn sells Silverwood-grown produce at farmer’s markets, with are a great opportunity to support local agriculture and enjoy the freshest, locally grown vegetables.

Shawn’s journey into farming began in her backyard. “You know how it goes–you start with one bed in your backyard and then there’s another bed and then there’s another, and pretty soon you’ve maxed out your yard and you’re giving produce away because you’ve grown too much, but you just love growing,” she said.

After working on a farm in summer 2023 to gain experience, Shawn discovered Silverwood Park through a co-worker. This chance encounter led to securing a plot at the park, providing the perfect space to grow and learn more about market gardening.

Committed to Learning

Like everyone in the grower partner program at Silverwood Park, Shawn is committed to organic practices. The farm features a mix of raised beds and traditional ground plots. “This year has been all about learning,” said Shawn in summer 2024, as she experiments with the two different growing methods.

Ground squirrels have presented a challenge, occasionally munching on tomatoes, but Shawn is determined to find harmony with the local wildlife. “Some for you, but some for me, please,” she said with a laugh.

Learning when to plant can be tricky in Wisconsin’s notoriously fickle weather. “My purple cauliflower was the first up and I got some nice sized heads. But I planted some stuff just too early. I had gorgeous lettuce but nowhere to sell it—by the time the farmers’ markets opened, it had bolted.” Shawn expects that as she gains experience, her farming techniques will improve. “With all the rain, this has been a good year so far, a lush crop,” she said.

Engaging with Park Visitors

During the Edgerton summer school/camp program at the park, Shawn gave the young students a tour of LuckySpud Farm.

Visitors to the park often stop to chat with Shawn as she gardens. “I talk about all the park offers, and the growers’ area and such,” offering a bit of education about sustainable farming practices. When chatting with customers who come to Silverwood Park’s Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, Shawn serves as an informal ambassador for the park, promoting the importance of local food systems.

The future for LuckySpud is bright, with Shawn envisioning a multi-year commitment to farming at Silverwood Park. While considering the possibility of starting a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, Shawn is currently focused on mastering the farmers market model to understand the full potential of her plot’s productivity. “I’m just one person. So maybe packing, sorting and delivering CSA would be too much. Maybe the farmers markets are the way for me to go,” she mused.

LuckySpud embodies the spirit of community, creativity, and sustainability at Silverwood Park. Visit the farmers market to meet Shawn and enjoy the delicious, fresh produce grown with care and commitment.

Interview by Sarah White