Richmondites keen to get their hands in some soil and try out urban gardening are invited to the Richmond Food Security Society’s garden workshops.
The next workshop in the series takes place on April 13 and April 28, teaching gardeners how to start seeds and transplant them successfully.
Participants will learn which seeds can be sown directly and how to make a seed starter mix.
The cost for the workshop is $10 in advance or $11 on the day of. At least five participants are necessary for the workshop to run.
Later on in the season, there will also be workshops on soil and composting as well as one on common pests.
High interest in community gardens
For some, a simple planter box garden on a balcony can be an excellent way to start an urban garden. For others, a community garden might be an ideal way to get access to a larger plot and connect with neighbours.
In partnership with the Richmond Food Security Society, the city has over 300 community garden plots across nine different sites growing food, flowers and other plants, run. However, community garden plots are in high demand and there is often a one to three year wait for a spot, according to the Richmond Food Security Society.
“The (community) interest has been quite heavily in the form of community gardens,” said Paul Brar, manager of parks programs with the City of Richmond during last summer’s gardening season. “What we’re finding is they’re a great place for people to get to know each other…and create that sense of community.”
As a result of this growing interest, city staff reported to council last year that they would like to see additional options for community gardens explored.
“We’d like to see an increased understanding and awareness from the public about what urban agriculture is and how they can get involved,” said Brar, adding that it’s important to see the city’s food system as a spectrum and for residents to know they “can get organic, great food that you can produce on your own in your neighbourhood or in your backyard.”
For more information on community gardens or other upcoming gardening workshops, visit the Richmond Food Society’s website.
