CARSTAIRS-DIDSBURY - With the snow melted and warmer temperatures, people are beginning to tend to their gardens. The benefit, of course, is cheap, tasty and very fresh produce. However, some people, whether they live in an apartment, condo or suite, may not have access to their own garden plot. Fortunately, both Carstairs and Didsbury have community gardens available to residents.
In Carstairs, the community garden is located just off 13th Avenue on town land. Lead organizer Barbra Hiebert said the garden opened recently and is open to the public.
"Those who partake in our garden pay a small fee of $10 per plot for a 10 foot by 10 foot square," said Hiebert. "Each gardener lets me know how many plots they are interested in. Typically the garden is released to our community gardeners around May long weekend."
Each gardener is responsible for planting, weeding and watering their designated plots from the time the space is released until harvest, she said, noting water and watering cans are available for members to borrow.
"Our community garden is made up of all ages, as well as skill levels," she said. "It's great seeing that no two gardens are alike and that we have a wonderful and friendly group. Over the last few years we have gotten our local daycares involved as well."
Anyone interested can contact Hiebert at [email protected].
In Didsbury, the community gardens are located on the agricultural society grounds and are operated by the ag society.
Keri Sharpe, secretary-treasurer of the Didsbury Ag Society, said the community garden is open.
"We have annual rentals of our lots," said Sharpe. "It's 24 foot by 12 foot, which makes them a little bigger this year. It's $25 per lot plus an ag society membership, which is $10. It's right next to a dugout so there is water. You have to bucket your own water."
Sharpe said the community garden is for anyone who wants to try growing a bigger garden than they might have in their backyard or small space in town.
"It's pretty good soil," she said. "You have to be willing to go out there on a regular basis. It's a good amount of space. We're always open to feedback and we're interested in new people with new ideas. We've had a number of people who have expressed an interest in building it up a bit, maybe putting some shelter up."
Sharpe said people can grow all sorts of different vegetables and produce at the community garden.
"It's a good, open space to grow in whatever fashion you wish to grow," she said. "Some people just wish to grow potatoes. Some grow carrots, any root vegetables. For tomatoes you would need to go out often to manage them as it's not sheltered. That's something we're looking to develop."
For more information or to sign up, go to the ag society office at the Excalibur building in Didsbury or call 403-335-4494.
