Good things have been growing this year as the West Village Community Development Co-operative Inc.’s community garden was able to expand with 20 additional garden plots. This means in total garden has 34 plots, each 10×20′, where families can use to grow their plants and their community ties. The number of families in the 2021 growing season has expanded to 65 families, using all 34 plots in quarter, half and full size garden plots. These plots were created using the lasagna method, layers of soil, compost and then Buckwheat cover crop added to winter the plots and provide nutrients to the spoil and get ready for spring 2022. In addition to help fund the expansion, water tank bases were also built as well as the hiring of a Garden/Farm Project Manager to provide skill building opportunities for the garden coop members.
These plots were created using the lasagna method, layers of soil, compost and then Buckwheat cover crop added to winter the plots and provide nutrients to the spoil and get ready for spring 2022. In addition to help fund the expansion, water tank bases were also built as well as the hiring of a Garden/Farm Project Manager to provide skill building opportunities for the garden coop members.
The garden has been able to address issues which were heightened during the pandemic, such as food access, food security, mental health and wellbeing. The access to and affordability of fresh produce was more difficult during the pandemic, and many gardeners reported enjoying the increased access to fresh produce, household income savings, variety of choice, and exposure to new produce. The garden also provided a safe outdoor space during covid to meet with neighbours. Many shared their appreciation for being able to meet new people, improved mental health, stress reduction, and having a space for children to learn about food.