Sustainable Edible Gardening in Alberta: A Growing Movement
Growing edibles sustainably, whether you have a farm, home garden, community garden plot, or a few containers, has many common requirements. It’s not just about growing to feed yourself. It’s about gardening in ways that make it sustainable over the years for humans and the planet.
photo supplied by Janet Melrose
Understanding the needs of plants, especially on the Prairies, is critical. The intricate and fascinating synergy between soil, soil life, plants, insects, and even pests is the basis for success. Start by planting what thrives where you grow. Next, develop knowledge and skills in building soil, water conservation, saving seeds, attracting wildlife, and pest management. Don’t forget the harvest and preserving the bounty!
Fostering the knowledge, skills and passion for growing food locally and sustainably is a community effort embraced by individual gardeners, community gardeners, SPIN Farmers, Community Shared Agriculture and others. The benefits to our health and wellness are astonishing. What we grow just plain tastes great!
The subject of sustainable edible gardening is vast and complex. This short talk will introduce you to the concepts and ideas to get you going and growing food sustainably!
About Janet
photo supplied by Janet Melrose
Janet Melrose is ‘Calgary’s Cottage Gardener’, specializing in Garden Education, Horticultural Therapy and advocating for a Sustainable Local Food System: successfully synthesizing Community-Based Horticultural Therapy programs located in Community Gardens and other organizations; and working with gardeners of all stripes to develop their skills and experience of gardening for enjoyment, health and sustenance.
Janet is passionate about sharing her knowledge and contributing to the community through workshops and various media outlets, including being a regular contributor to the The Gardener and Calgary Gardening and now co-author with Sheryl Normandeau for the Prairie Gardener’s Go-To book series.
Her motto is ‘Grow, Nurture, and Bloom’.