The Year of the Garden: Make it delicious!

Spring is in the air and many Edmontonians are beginning to think about what to plant in their gardens this year. Native shrubs and flowers are great, but you could also consider growing some of your own food. Why? Here are three great reasons:

1. Save money. Food prices are on the rise so growing your own food can help you save some money. Researchers from the four Canadian universities who produce Canada’s Food Price Report each year found that food prices are expected to increase 5% to 7% in 2022. They also found that food price increases in Alberta will likely be higher than the national average this year. Overall, the most significant increases are predicted for dairy and restaurants (6% to 8%) and bakery and vegetables (5% to 7%). Canada’s Food Guide recommends that half of your plate be vegetables and fruits, so why not grow them at home? For more details check out Canada’s Food Price Report 2022 and Canada’s Food Guide.
2. Help mitigate climate change. Growing your own food is good for the environment and helps reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Food grown at home (or even just closer to home) greatly reduces your “food miles” which is the distance food travels from its production to you as a consumer. Overall, the lower your food miles, the more you reduce emissions. The emissions released from processing, transporting, storing and refrigerating grocery store food contributes to climate change. Climate change has resulted in more wildfires, droughts and floods, all of which can, in turn, disrupt food growing and transporting.
3. It’s easy. Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is easier than you think! At the start of the growing season, seeds and plants seem to be sold in many locations throughout the city, not just in specialty shops, making purchases convenient. Not a professional gardener? Don’t worry—seed and plant care instructions can be found right on their packages and tags! The City of Edmonton has a handy Gardening Tips sheet for growing vegetables and encourages gardens in front, back and side yards and on balconies, too. Visit edmonton.ca/veginstead for more tips.

Good luck with your gardening and enjoy this Year of the Garden! If you cannot grow your own food for whatever reason, try your best to purchase local food to support local farmers and to reduce your food miles and emissions.