Showing posts with label container gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label container gardening. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Starting Seeds Indoors
Having recently hosting 2 workshops on container planting, I cannot help but think that it is time to start thinking about starting some seedlings indoors!
Now is the best time, given that Vancouver's Seedy Saturday is being held on Feb. 27th at the VanDusen Garden. Why not try growing your own food garden this year? With the price of fruit and vegetables growing, this is one way to beat the cost! The only down side, is patience and your time! But it will be well worth it!
Now why is growing your own food important to food security?
Well, for one, you have access to really cool plants that you just don't find as seedlings. The variety of seeds (and heirloom varieties) is much more than what you find in the plant stores. The cost for a pack of seeds ranges from 99 cents to $5 per package. The ability to harvest what you grow, whether it is on a balcony, your community garden or your own plot of land? Priceless.
Plus this is a great way to get kids involved in having them grow their own food. The easiest seeds to start with are:
Tips for starting your seeds indoors
Make sure if you are starting your seeds indoors to start at the appropriate time. Not sure when to start? Check out West Coast Seed's Planting Charts. A great resource for every gardener!
Use appropriate containers that are clean. Not too small and not too big. Don't forget to label what you planted. When the seedlings pop up, it may be hard to figure out what seed was what!
You may want to partner up with a friend or neighbour when buying seeds. Each package contains far more seeds that what is needed! Besides, its a great way to pool resources, further cutting down on the cost of gardening! At Vancouver's Seedy Saturday, they sometimes will have a seed swap. So, if you have some seeds bring them and see if you can trade them for some other vegetable or fruit to try growing.
Use seedling mix. Not potted soil. Also, not too much water. You only want the seeds to be moist so that it starts to germinate. Most seed packages have the instruction on how to plant the seeds. Once it has germinated, it will need some sunlight to grow, so you may want to move your seedlings to a light source.
Most importantly, have fun! Growing seeds indoors is a great way to involve kids in understanding where foods come from and to taste the different varieties that they have grown. I have seen white, orange to "zebra" striped tomatoes...each with subtle differences in their taste. You could even have your own tasting of different veggies in the late summer or fall, when they are ready to harvest. For those who are adventurous, you can try saving some seeds!
There are a lot of resources online or through your local library (ours is Burnaby Public Library and those librarians are a great resource in helping you find any gardening book) about growing your own seeds indoors and on a rainy day (which is a lot of those at the moment), it would be a great activity for anyone (or the whole family to agree on which plants to grow)...even if it is just one container on your patio! Happy planting!
Now is the best time, given that Vancouver's Seedy Saturday is being held on Feb. 27th at the VanDusen Garden. Why not try growing your own food garden this year? With the price of fruit and vegetables growing, this is one way to beat the cost! The only down side, is patience and your time! But it will be well worth it!
 | |||||||
| Leanne Zmud facilitating Container Food Gardening Workshop Photo: Meghan Cooke |
Now why is growing your own food important to food security?
Well, for one, you have access to really cool plants that you just don't find as seedlings. The variety of seeds (and heirloom varieties) is much more than what you find in the plant stores. The cost for a pack of seeds ranges from 99 cents to $5 per package. The ability to harvest what you grow, whether it is on a balcony, your community garden or your own plot of land? Priceless.
Plus this is a great way to get kids involved in having them grow their own food. The easiest seeds to start with are:
- Tomatoes - try the cherry variety as they are widely available
- Strawberries - why not try the alpine (white) varieties
- Peas
- Lemon Cucumbers - seen at some farmer's market but rarely at your grocery chain store
- Lettuce
Tips for starting your seeds indoors
Make sure if you are starting your seeds indoors to start at the appropriate time. Not sure when to start? Check out West Coast Seed's Planting Charts. A great resource for every gardener!
Use appropriate containers that are clean. Not too small and not too big. Don't forget to label what you planted. When the seedlings pop up, it may be hard to figure out what seed was what!
You may want to partner up with a friend or neighbour when buying seeds. Each package contains far more seeds that what is needed! Besides, its a great way to pool resources, further cutting down on the cost of gardening! At Vancouver's Seedy Saturday, they sometimes will have a seed swap. So, if you have some seeds bring them and see if you can trade them for some other vegetable or fruit to try growing.
Use seedling mix. Not potted soil. Also, not too much water. You only want the seeds to be moist so that it starts to germinate. Most seed packages have the instruction on how to plant the seeds. Once it has germinated, it will need some sunlight to grow, so you may want to move your seedlings to a light source.
Most importantly, have fun! Growing seeds indoors is a great way to involve kids in understanding where foods come from and to taste the different varieties that they have grown. I have seen white, orange to "zebra" striped tomatoes...each with subtle differences in their taste. You could even have your own tasting of different veggies in the late summer or fall, when they are ready to harvest. For those who are adventurous, you can try saving some seeds!
There are a lot of resources online or through your local library (ours is Burnaby Public Library and those librarians are a great resource in helping you find any gardening book) about growing your own seeds indoors and on a rainy day (which is a lot of those at the moment), it would be a great activity for anyone (or the whole family to agree on which plants to grow)...even if it is just one container on your patio! Happy planting!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Winter Food Container Gardening Workshop
Winter Food Container
Gardening
Friday, August 14 **WORKSHOP FULL**
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Burnaby Public Library, McGill Branch (4595 Albert Street /
Burnaby - map)
Tuesday, August 25 **WORKSHOP FULL**
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Burnaby Public Library, McGill Branch (4595
Albert Street / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Nova Hopkins for a workshop in
winter food gardening! Find out how to container garden when it gets
cold.
Some supplies will be provided to participants to start their
own winter container gardens. Please note that you may only attend one of the
sessions.
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on
board! For more information, send us an email.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
What's Happening in July
Happy Canada Day!
All the things happening in Burnaby for July 1st!
Check it out: http://www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Festivals-and-Events/Canada-Day.html
Burnaby Village: Indigenous Flora and Fauna Tours
Head out to Burnaby Village to check out the Indigenous Flora and Fauna tours presented in partnership with Takaya Tours.
Tours are offered every Fridays during the months of July and August. It is a great opportunity to learn about local foods you can find growing naturally within your community.
You will get to learn about Tsleil Wauthuth Nation's traditional methods for identifying and harvesting local plants on this 45 minute tour.
When: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, and 28th
(every Fridays during the month of July and August)
Time: 12 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum
For more information: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/visit/events/events/july-3.html
Also, Burnaby Village has their Homegrown Harvest workshop series. For the month of July, they have the following free workshops:
For more information: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/programs/by-series/public-programs/homegrown-harvest-workshop-series.html
2015 BerryBeat Festival
It's the 34th Annual BerryBeat Festival in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
Music, dancing, food and fun will be had by all.
When: July 4 & 5th
Where: 2615A Montrose Ave., Abbotsford, BC
More information: http://www.downtownabbotsford.com/event/2015-berrybeat-festival/
Five Hole for Food
Five Hole for Food�s sixth annual coast-to-coast tour. Join them in playing ball hockey for local food banks.
All you need is a hockey stick and a can of food.
When: July 18, 2015 from 12 noon to 6:00 pm
Where: Granville Street
To get tickets, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1479725322248210/
Farmer's Markets in BC
Don't forget to check out all the local farmer's markets in and around BC. July is #meetymymarket month at participating Farmer's Markets. Don't forget that every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, at City Hall in Burnaby, there is a Farmer's Market as well!
More information for Burnaby Farmer's Markets and events, visit http://www.artisanmarkets.ca/
Don't forget to check our website from time to time! We will be listing some Burnaby Food First -- yes, they are free -- gardening or cooking workshops soon!
All the things happening in Burnaby for July 1st!
Check it out: http://www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Festivals-and-Events/Canada-Day.html
Burnaby Village: Indigenous Flora and Fauna Tours
 |
| Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey |
Head out to Burnaby Village to check out the Indigenous Flora and Fauna tours presented in partnership with Takaya Tours.
Tours are offered every Fridays during the months of July and August. It is a great opportunity to learn about local foods you can find growing naturally within your community.
You will get to learn about Tsleil Wauthuth Nation's traditional methods for identifying and harvesting local plants on this 45 minute tour.
When: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, and 28th
(every Fridays during the month of July and August)
Time: 12 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum
For more information: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/visit/events/events/july-3.html
Also, Burnaby Village has their Homegrown Harvest workshop series. For the month of July, they have the following free workshops:
- Summer Container Gardening
- Bee Talk and Honey Tasting
- Jam Tasting and Making
- Seasonal Meal Planning
For more information: http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/EN/main/programs/by-series/public-programs/homegrown-harvest-workshop-series.html
2015 BerryBeat Festival
It's the 34th Annual BerryBeat Festival in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.Music, dancing, food and fun will be had by all.
When: July 4 & 5th
Where: 2615A Montrose Ave., Abbotsford, BC
More information: http://www.downtownabbotsford.com/event/2015-berrybeat-festival/
Five Hole for Food
Five Hole for Food�s sixth annual coast-to-coast tour. Join them in playing ball hockey for local food banks. All you need is a hockey stick and a can of food.
When: July 18, 2015 from 12 noon to 6:00 pm
Where: Granville Street
To get tickets, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1479725322248210/
Farmer's Markets in BC
Don't forget to check out all the local farmer's markets in and around BC. July is #meetymymarket month at participating Farmer's Markets. Don't forget that every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, at City Hall in Burnaby, there is a Farmer's Market as well!
More information for Burnaby Farmer's Markets and events, visit http://www.artisanmarkets.ca/
Don't forget to check our website from time to time! We will be listing some Burnaby Food First -- yes, they are free -- gardening or cooking workshops soon!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Eat Your Greens with Kids & Open Workshops
Burnaby Food First is pleased to announce a new workshop: Eat Your Greens With Kids!
Also, there is still space in our Sharing Backyards (May 26) information event and a Bee Workshop on June 1!
Growing Food in Containers
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Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening
Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Eat Your Greens With Kids
Wednesday, June 3
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join Maya Thau-Eleff for this family cooking workshop on seasonal greens and healthy dishes!
Kids, join your mom or dad in this fun, hands-on cooking lesson.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Also, there is still space in our Sharing Backyards (May 26) information event and a Bee Workshop on June 1!
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Eat Your Greens With Kids
Wednesday, June 3 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join Maya Thau-Eleff for this family cooking workshop on seasonal greens and healthy dishes!
Kids, join your mom or dad in this fun, hands-on cooking lesson.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Monday, May 4, 2015
Growing Food in Containers and Sharing Backyards Evening
Burnaby Food First has two FREE events coming up!
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening
Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
Registration is required. To RSVP, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on
board! For more information, send us an email.
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information EveningTuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
Registration is required. To RSVP, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on
board! For more information, send us an email.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Container Gardening and Healthy Meal Planning Workshops
Burnaby Food First is pleased to present another two FREE workshops!
Healthy Meal Planning
Wednesday, May 13
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join nutritionist Suzan Anbari and learn how to create fun, fresh healthy meal plans that the whole family will enjoy!
Parking is limited at this location. Please consider taking public transit or biking.
Registration is required. Space is limited! To register, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
Container Food Gardening
Thursday, May 14
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Burnaby Neighbourhood House (100-4460 Beresford Street / Burnaby - map)
Join Kayle Gagne for a beginner's workshop in container food gardening! Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on
board! For more information, send us an email.
Healthy Meal Planning
Wednesday, May 13
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join nutritionist Suzan Anbari and learn how to create fun, fresh healthy meal plans that the whole family will enjoy!
Parking is limited at this location. Please consider taking public transit or biking.
Registration is required. Space is limited! To register, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
Container Food Gardening
Thursday, May 14
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Burnaby Neighbourhood House (100-4460 Beresford Street / Burnaby - map)
Join Kayle Gagne for a beginner's workshop in container food gardening! Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on
board! For more information, send us an email.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Review: Fall Workshops and Events
Thank you all for coming out to our fall workshops! We're done with our schedule for this year, so keep an eye out or subscribe to our email list for announcements on new workshops.
Here's what we were up to over the past couple of months:
Want to be the first to hear about new workshops? Make sure to Subscribe for updates on upcoming workshops or check back on our blog for announcements.
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on board! For more information, send us an email.
Here's what we were up to over the past couple of months:
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| Introduction to Canning Credit: Christina Mak |
.JPG) |
| Introduction to Canning Credit: Leanne Zmud |
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| Winter Container Food Gardening Credit: Leanne Zmud |
.JPG) |
| Goodlad Community Garden Party Credit: Christina Mak |
.JPG) |
| Healthy Snacks for Kids Credit: Christina Mak |
.JPG) |
| Healthy Snacks for Kids Credit: Christina Mak |
.JPG) |
| Healthy Meal Planning Credit: Christina Mak |
.JPG) |
| Healthy Meal Planning Credit: Christina Mak |
Want to be the first to hear about new workshops? Make sure to Subscribe for updates on upcoming workshops or check back on our blog for announcements.
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on board! For more information, send us an email.
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