LAC LA BICHE - Less than a month away from the official start of Summer, residents in Lac La Biche County have already begun taking advantage of the short gardening season. Many, thanks to a municipal gardening program that has been growing in popularity since 2010, don’t even need to have their own backyard to benefit.
Through the county’s Community Garden Space program, garden allotments are available to residents who may not have the space or suitable soil to grow their own produce. There are 35 community plot spaces this year in Alexander Hamilton Park, giving residents access to irrigation, compost bins and pest control services. It lets the green-thumbs shine, says Jacob Marfo, the county’s Agricultural Fieldman. It also provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy the local nature and network with others.
“The garden helps people enjoy their gardening passion in the outdoors while watching seedlings grow and flourish into edible creations. Overall, utilization of the garden is a wonderful opportunity for residents to work together and promotes healthy living,” Marfo said.
Many of the plots have already been claimed by residents. To register for one of the remaining plots, residents can contact the County offices directly.
New services
With increased interest in home-gardening, municipal officials have also grown the traditional garden plot layout this year. County crews have added 24 raised bed gardens to the 35 ground plots. For the years to come, municipal officials are hoping the new spaces will encourage even more residents to take advantage of the growing season.
Although the raised-bed gardens are new this year, and carry a small cost as opposed to the free-to-use ground plots, a quarter of them have already been reserved for interested residents.
Gardening education
Along with the growing services and space, the county’s Environmental Services department has been providing educational programming about composting, and pest and crop management. Marfo says the education component serves as a refresher for experienced growers and a crash course for new green-thumbs.
“All in all, the educational programs offered by the County to garden patrons and enthusiasts covers everything from seed selection and site management to post-harvest management,” he said.
Growing tips
While the options to grow a variety of produce and plants are endless, Marfo says it’s important for residents to keep in mind the growing pattern and time needed for each crop. For some crops that take longer, it’s encouraged to start seedlings at home in pots during the spring, and later transfer them to the Community Garden, he added.
“It is recommended that seeds are started indoors any time from March to May depending on the seed type, and then later transplanted,” he said, adding that some research by the gardener about seeds and growing plans is necessary. “Of course, not all seedlings can be transplanted, so short-season varieties are recommended. Gardening involves more than planting and harvesting; weed and pest control, regular watering etc, are required for a successful harvest.”
Supporting the community
While the space not only helps residents grow healthy food, socialize and learn, this year the municipality “is donating some of the raised beds to Lac La Biche’s Lacalta Lodge seniors’ home to spice up more Seniors’ interest in gardening,” he said.
As well, to support the county’s initiatives of healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, any unused plot in June will be utilized by staff to grow produce and give back to the community, said Marfo.
“Environmental Services staff will utilize any unassigned raised bed to grow different vegetables for the local Food Bank and other community groups,” he explained, adding that the community garden project continues to grow each year with new additions and updates. This year the site is boating improved soil and more water tanks. A site beautification project is also underway. “We are currently working on beautification projects at the garden and the first phase will be done by June of this year, to further enhance the gardeners’ experience.”
How to apply
All residents utilizing the garden are required to plant by June 10 or risk losing the space, for more information and to apply for a plot, visit the Lac La Biche County’s website.
