Sooke’s Sunriver Community Garden is a place of learning, growing and harvesting. More than anything else it is a community of people of all ages who enjoy growing their own food while enjoying the ambiance of a green garden space and the company of like-minded people.
A new program is in the works for those who may not be as familiar with growing produce as they would like to be. Sooke Region Food CHI received a grant of $8,000 from Vancity, Langford to hold a teaching garden this spring and summer. This is all meant to encourage more Sooke area residents to grow food in their backyards. Whether you may be thinking of a small kitchen garden, patio gardens in tubs or a small veggie patch, these courses will provide hands-on gardening mentorship.
Paul McCormick will be instructing using the book, Backyard Bounty, as a reference guide.
“We’re really excited about this program,” said Anita Wasiuta, President of the Sooke Region Food CHI Society. “People are losing skills in growing food.”
She mentioned the huge amount of food that even a small plot could produce.
Two free orientation sessions will be held on May 7 (7 to 8:30 p.m.) and June 4. Sessions for parents and kids take place on Wednesdays from May to July and hands-on mentoring programs are being held from May to August on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Attendees will learn about basic growing methods, planning, seeds and starts, soil preparation, managing pests and challenges, maximizing crop yield, harvesting tips and seed saving.
There is a cost attached to the mentoring programs. The enjoyment and camaraderie is free.
To register and find out more go to: www.sookefoodchi.ca or if you prefer to talk to Paula call 250-642-5572 or email: info@sookefoodchi.ca