New vendor enjoys first day at Wasilla Farmers Market

WASILLA — Rebels Haven Organics owner Joseph Mabry had an enjoyable first day as a vendor at the Wasilla Farmers Market Wednesday, July 20.

“We met a lot of nice people,” Mabry said.

Mabry established his organic fertilizer company in the spring of 2021. He sells naturally sourced potting soils and compost through worm farming. He said that he’s predominantly promoted his wares over Facebook and Instagram and now he’s working to build up his presence at local venues such as the Wasilla Farmers Market.

“I’m liking it so far,” Mabry said. “I think more people should come out here and visit.”

Mabry said that he and his family enjoyed delicious Cucumbers from one of the participating farm booths. He said that he saw a huge line of people waiting to purchase locally grown vegetables.

“That’s really cool to see,” Mabry said. “I think it’s super important that people have access to real, good food.”

Mabry said his journey to establishing Rebels Haven Organics all started when he bought 10 acres off Pittman Road and purchased fertilizer made from worm castings. He said he was immediately impressed with the effectiveness and looked into local worm farming. He didn’t find any worm farms in the Mat-Su Valley.

“I realized there was no one here. We got started because I wanted to have good food,”

Mabry said that nearly all of his materials are locally sourced, including the labels on his products that were designed by a local resident. He said that Ken’s Garden Center was their first customer and they currently sell all of their products.

“That’s pretty cool,” Mabry said. “People get excited when they see it’s made here.”

Mabry acquired his recipe from a cannabis grower. He said the fertilizer he crafts is highly efficient and suitable for all growing needs.

‘It grows everything. I haven’t had anything not grow in it,” Mabry said.

Mabry is originally from Louisiana. He moved to the Valley in 2020 when he and his wife Andrea Mabry retired from the military. He has his sights set on growing his company alongside his family in The Last Frontier.

“Just being in Alaska in general is epic,” Mabry said. “The gardening community is very welcoming here. This is our home now.”

The Wasilla Farmers Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday near Wonderland Park. The market runs through the second week of September.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com