In these uncertain times, many Canadians are looking for ways to cope with rising food prices and tariffs. One simple solution? Start a backyard garden. It’s a great way to save money and take a break from all the news.
Marianne Lepa, a master gardener from Collingwood, has seen the benefits of growing your own food since childhood. She points out that many food issues stem from unfair distribution practices. “The more we spend locally, the better we support our economy,” she says.
Imagine stepping outside and picking fresh produce right from your yard! With just a bit of space, you could grow tomatoes, beans, and even zucchini. All it takes is a little effort—digging up some ground, planting seeds, and watering them. Lepa emphasizes the importance of eating local, noting that the longer produce travels, the less fresh and nutritious it becomes.
She is a firm believer in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) as well. This model allows consumers to buy directly from local farmers. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Lepa explains. Customers get fresh, high-quality food, while farmers have the funds they need to grow it. CSAs often include not just vegetables but also meat and eggs, making it a versatile choice for your diet.
When it comes to gardening, even a small amount of space can yield a surprising amount of food. Lepa suggests that residents could start with just 32 square feet. She also notes the benefits of hardy crops like kale, which can be harvested year-round and is packed with nutrients.
Not everyone has a backyard, but there are still options available. For those limited on space, indoor gardening can be a great alternative. Sprouting and growing microgreens requires little light and can be done in small containers. Lepa mentions that a pack of alfalfa seeds, for instance, is affordable and yields a large quantity of nutritious sprouts.
For those with balconies, she recommends easy-to-grow staples like beans and lettuce. These not only provide essential vitamins but can also be harvested for seeds to grow again next year. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep your garden going without relying on store-bought seeds.
Lepa enjoys sharing her gardening knowledge through workshops, running courses from May to October. She emphasizes that gardening isn’t just about food—it’s also a way to feel great. Spending time outdoors, exercising your body, and connecting with nature can really boost your mood.
Many people, especially those who didn’t grow up with gardening, find joy in learning how to grow their own food. “When kids grow their own veggies, they’re more likely to eat them,” she laughs. She finds it rewarding to guide others in experiencing the joy of gardening.
For more resources on gardening in Simcoe County, you might want to visit the Simcoe County Master Gardeners website. They provide workshops and attend local farmers’ markets, helping connect communities with fresh, local produce.
As global food challenges continue, small steps like starting a garden can make a significant impact on our lives and our environment. If enough of us join in, we could create a greener future, one garden at a time.
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Source linkCLP|Simcoe County Master Gardeners|Let's Eat Collingwood|Marianne Lepa
