It’s not too late to sign up for a Yara Community Gardens plot.
On Wednesday, gardens project co-ordinator Sarah Varey told the Times-Herald there are still a few plots available at either the Grey Street location or the Home Street location.
“The season is not set in stone yet,” she said, adding there is still a chance people who have rented plots will change their minds, so it’s a good time to get on the waiting list as there is a very good chance one would get one of the 130 plots before the 2012 growing season begins.
Varey said the community gardens project is valuable to the Friendly City and allows participants to grow some healthy, pesticide-free vegetables, while at the same time working to beautify neighbourhoods and connect socially with fellow gardeners.
“We have a lot of people who live alone and this is a way to contribute to the community.”
Varey said those participating in the project also have the opportunity to volunteer, donating some of their produce and time to support local charities through the farmers’ market events.
As a certified master gardener, Varey said she is also available to those participating at the garden. She said she would happily lend her expertise to help with such things as building soil quality and pest management.
According to Varey, for someone who has never planted a garden before, it is a truly satisfying experience to actually produce food through one’s own efforts. She said gardening is a way to transcend culture and class, and connect with a part of the agrarian history that is so key to Saskatchewan.
Further, she said the community gardens is a great way to meet people, as well as enjoy some healthy, peaceful, outdoor activity.
“I think that’s creating healthy lifestyles.”
Varey said there is a one-time membership fee of $10 for anyone who joins the Yara Community Gardens project. She said the seasonal plot rental fees range based on the size of a plot. For a plot about 6.09 metres by 9.14 metres, it costs $36,
For more information on the community gardens, or to sign up for a plot, call Hunger in Moose Jaw at 692-1916 or e-mail gardens.hungermj@sasktel.net.
Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.
