A Peterborough man has introduced a new way to grow and sell plants sustainably. 

Ben Martel recently opened what he calls the “Pop Up Plant: The Planter-Camper Experience,” a garden stand constructed out of an old trailer. The stand, parked alongside Scott Mitchell Road, features an assortment of naturally grown hot peppers and tomatoes, including cherry vine and dwarf tomatoes. 

Martel said he was first inspired to create an upcycled pop-up stand from a friend who encouraged him to use his abandoned trailer.

“I went and looked at the trailer and was pretty charmed by it,” said Martel. “I started thinking about creating a pop-up and my neighbor said, ‘Why don’t you just take my trailer?’”

To convert the trailer into a pop-up stand, Martel said he had to deconstruct all four corners in order to create flat panels for his plants to rest on. After slapping on a couple fresh coats of paint and hauling it to Scott Mitchell Road last week,  “Pop-Up Plant” was open for business.

One week in, Martel said his plant business was very well-received by community members.

“It’s becoming more known and it’s exciting,” said Martel. “I’m really enjoying it because I love talking to people about plants.”

Based on the increasing interest in the community, Martel said he was hoping to double his inventory.

To him, the pop-up stand represents more than just a hobby or an opportunity to make money.

“What I want to do is encourage people to grow food on their land. The goal is to sell plants to help people start growing on their own to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Martel. 

Martel’s pop-up stand will only be open until Thursday, June 1. In the meantime, community members can visit the stand Friday through 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Wednesday, May 31, from 1 to 6 p.m. and June 1 from 4 to 6 p.m.

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