In this workshop we introduce participants to the various models of gardening in large groups.  We’ll discuss how to envision the garden, how to decide on group projects, share tasks and responsibilities and keep people accountable, motivated, and involved throughout the growing season and beyond.

This 2-part workshop teaches the basics of how to plan an organic vegetable garden while igniting your imagination and passion for growing food and reconnecting with nature. Participants will learn where, what and when to plant and gain independence in the creation of their own garden plans.

How early in the season can a vegetable garden be planted? Early! Knowing when and how to plant cold-loving plants is the key to success. We’ll show participants how to get the most out of the early growing season so they can amaze and feed their friends and family with baskets full of beautiful, bountiful cold-hardy foods that are harvested as early as the beginning of May!

Bring on the sunshine! Some plants don’t like the cold and thrive in the hot summer sun. Knowing when to start and how to plant and care for heat-loving crops is an important skill to learn. We’ll teach participants everything they need to know about successfully growing these delicious and rewarding crops that they’ll enjoy in abundance.

By creating a space that attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects we will have a more successful vegetable garden, while at the same time, helping to save our planet. In this workshop, participants will learn all about pollination and how to plan and plant a pollinator garden that will attract these beautiful gardening allies.

The key to thriving ecosystems and a healthy food supply for all living things starts with biodiverse soil. We simplify the complexities of soil science by introducing participants to The Soil Food Web to gain a basic understanding of this fascinating interconnected underground community. Also covered are simple soil feeding strategies that can be applied to any home or community garden.

Regular observation and maintenance is crucial to a healthy, happy garden. From weeding, watering and pruning, to staking, trellising and feeding the soil, we’ll show participants how to add structure to their garden maintenance and learn how to keep their crops healthy and high yielding.

August in Toronto is often sweltering hot and winter seems a long way off, but late summer is the perfect time to plant seeds meant for a cool weather harvest.  This workshop shows participants how to extend their growing season by planting cold hardy crops and how to protect them from first frost using hoop tunnels and cold frames.

Reducing weeds and improving soil health are just two of the benefits of properly closing down your garden for winter. This is also the optimal time to plant garlic.  In this workshop participants will learn how to grow garlic and put their gardens to bed at the end of the season.