From rooftops to balconies to tiny backyards, gardens can bloom anywhere, even in small spaces.
An event organized by Live Green Toronto in partnership with the Carrot Common Green Roof is aiming to help people grow food anywhere.
The Food from Small Spaces Fair: Urban Backyard, Balcony and Rooftop Food-Growing event takes place Saturday, Aug. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eastminster United Church.
"We've had a lot of requests from community groups on how they can develop container growing or how to start a community garden," said Martina Rowley, one of Live Green Toronto's community animators. "There's a huge interest in urban gardening."
Nearly half of Toronto residents live in apartments or condos so if they want to garden they have limited real estate in which to do it.
"If you live in an apartment building or condo (you'll learn) what you can do or if you just have a small patch of grass," Rowley said.
There will be information and displays on growing food in containers, raised beds and on rooftops. The fair may be of interest to homeowners, too, as many backyards can be tight places to grow.
Rowley said the idea of growing one's own food is on the rise for several reasons.
"We've all noticed how the price of food has gone up," she said, adding even if one can afford the rising cost of food or organic fruits and vegetables nothing is as sure as growing the food yourself.
A good starting point for many first time or small space gardeners is herbs. Rowley said they can easily grow in small containers and sometimes with limited sun.
Items such as tomatoes, peppers and squash require larger spaces for their deeper roots and plenty of sun, but alternatives such as plum tomatoes may work.
"You probably wouldn't try to grow a pumpkin," Rowley said.
The fair will also feature guided tours of the new Carrot Common Green Roof where a variety of items are being grown. The 10,000-square-foot space features herbs, medicinal herbs, flowers and food such as tomatoes, kale, okra, beans, eggplant and zucchini.
"We're trying to see what can be grown in these small soil depths," said Kimberly Curry, the garden's director and designer.
The Carrot Common Garden folks wanted to be a part of the festival because it's a perfect fit.
"We thought it would be a good idea," Curry said. "It aligns with out mission about urban agriculture."
Rowley agreed.
"If you go up, there are a lot of flat spaces...It's a great example of container gardening," she said.
The tours takes place at 3 and 4 p.m.
There will also be live music, refreshments and giveaways. Admission to the event is free. Eastminster United Church is at 310 Danforth Ave.
Article Source: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1055787--big-ideas-for-small-spaces-shared-at-gardening-fair
An event organized by Live Green Toronto in partnership with the Carrot Common Green Roof is aiming to help people grow food anywhere.
The Food from Small Spaces Fair: Urban Backyard, Balcony and Rooftop Food-Growing event takes place Saturday, Aug. 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eastminster United Church.
"We've had a lot of requests from community groups on how they can develop container growing or how to start a community garden," said Martina Rowley, one of Live Green Toronto's community animators. "There's a huge interest in urban gardening."
Nearly half of Toronto residents live in apartments or condos so if they want to garden they have limited real estate in which to do it.
"If you live in an apartment building or condo (you'll learn) what you can do or if you just have a small patch of grass," Rowley said.
There will be information and displays on growing food in containers, raised beds and on rooftops. The fair may be of interest to homeowners, too, as many backyards can be tight places to grow.
Rowley said the idea of growing one's own food is on the rise for several reasons.
"We've all noticed how the price of food has gone up," she said, adding even if one can afford the rising cost of food or organic fruits and vegetables nothing is as sure as growing the food yourself.
A good starting point for many first time or small space gardeners is herbs. Rowley said they can easily grow in small containers and sometimes with limited sun.
Items such as tomatoes, peppers and squash require larger spaces for their deeper roots and plenty of sun, but alternatives such as plum tomatoes may work.
"You probably wouldn't try to grow a pumpkin," Rowley said.
The fair will also feature guided tours of the new Carrot Common Green Roof where a variety of items are being grown. The 10,000-square-foot space features herbs, medicinal herbs, flowers and food such as tomatoes, kale, okra, beans, eggplant and zucchini.
"We're trying to see what can be grown in these small soil depths," said Kimberly Curry, the garden's director and designer.
The Carrot Common Garden folks wanted to be a part of the festival because it's a perfect fit.
"We thought it would be a good idea," Curry said. "It aligns with out mission about urban agriculture."
Rowley agreed.
"If you go up, there are a lot of flat spaces...It's a great example of container gardening," she said.
The tours takes place at 3 and 4 p.m.
There will also be live music, refreshments and giveaways. Admission to the event is free. Eastminster United Church is at 310 Danforth Ave.
Article Source: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1055787--big-ideas-for-small-spaces-shared-at-gardening-fair
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