Growing Your Own Food in Vancouver: Everything You Need to Know

January 27, 2017
BB
ByBritanny Burr
3 min read

Though it’s only January, it sure feels like spring around here! It seems as if winter lasted for a matter of weeks and now we’re back to dreaming of Vancouver’s sandy beaches. As we’re storing our winter coats and boots, it’s impossible not to get excited about the approaching summer days. Something I can’t get off my mind? Gardening!

When the snow melted here in Vancouver I was astonished to find that the grass was green as ever underneath. It appears that there’s none of that slushy road, grey sky, brown grass business I’ve come to know in other Canadian provinces. The beautiful greenery that’s been recently exposed has got me wanting to look into something I’ve been wanting to do for a while: grow my own food! Though I’m well aware I won’t be saying goodbye to my grocery bill as a whole, if I could make a salad (just one salad!) from my own garden, I would be overjoyed.

Photo: The Epoch Times

Gardening is a wonderful hobby and skill for more reasons than I can count, and we’re living in an excellent city to dive right in. If you’re a rookie like me and you have no idea where to start, you’re in luck; The City of Vancouver has some amazing resources to take advantage of! Check it out:

Growing Food in Your Own Backyard

If you’ve got a patch of land to take advantage of in your very own backyard (or front yard), you’re in business! Before you immerse yourself in youtube tutorials and self-help books, why not get some hands-on education from local experts who know the local climate, vegetation, and other such gardening terms that I have yet to learn? The City of Vancouver offers a selection of gardening courses held at all different times of year in different parts of the city! Knowlage is power, right!?

Joining a Community Garden

Because I’m an apartment dweller (as I’m sure many other Vancouverites are), I’m especially excited about this option! Vancouver is home to more than 75 community gardens across the city. Each of the community gardens are totally different, so you’ll need to do your research. Check out this city map to find the one closest to you. You can share a plot with a friend, or fly solo! This is a great way to meet likeminded locals, get outside, grow your own food, and contribute to something wonderful! Like I said, I’m REALLY excited about this!

Urban Farming

If you’re a more seasoned gardner who’s been having some pretty impressive harvests, you might be considering selling some of your crop. Actually going into business as an urban farmer is totally possible, but you need to make sure you check all the boxes! Follow this link to see what you need to do!

Ladies and gents, I can’t wait to get growing, and I can’t wait to share success (and not so successful) stories with you all!

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