Did you know there are programs in Toronto to match people with garden space to people that need/ want garden space?
This is an awesome initiative.
For people who do not have gardens, these programs give them access to land that they can cultivate for:
- growing and harvesting plants, fruits or vegetables
- gardening enjoyment
- building community
For those that do have extra garden space to share, advantages include:
- Reconnecting to where your food comes from, how it is grown and who is growing it.
- Beautifying your outdoor space with vegetable and plant gardens
- Learning some gardening tips from the other party
- Creating an environment for your kids, neighbors, friends to get outside for some hands-on learning.
- Sharing in the harvest – so yes, the potential for free veggies all summer!
- Building community
- Supporting urban agriculture
It is really a “win-win” arrangement for everyone!
Garden space also does not have to mean land with well tilled, rich soil.
How does yard sharing work?
- People with garden space lend a designated parcel of land on their property to people that want to plant urban gardens.
- Both parties agree on the location and general type of planting that will be done
- The people that get access to the garden space, cultivate and do the gardening
- Both parties share in the harvest.
Seems like an amazing arrangement for both parties.
Here are some pics from the Walmer road street-side “sharing your backyard” (or in our case, front yard!) in 2015 (100% thanks to our yard sharing partner Loic!):
How do I get started?!
If you want to get started, some programs in Toronto you could contact are:
Yes in My Backyard Program (YIMBY)
Cultivate Toronto
Happy Growing!
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