A few weeks ago we posted about a group called FedUp Windsor that was involved in creating spaces for community gardening. They held their first garden prep day Saturday April 5 so I headed on over to check it out and find out a little more about what was going on.

Starting to see the fruits of the volunteers' labour.
Starting to see the fruits of the volunteers' labour.

The group formed last year and started off with 10-15 volunteers and 2 working plots. This year they’ve expanded to 4 plots across the city and the number of gardeners is growing.

“We are looking to make it more of a public space,” explains Jamey Essex, a member of FedUp. “To share skills and knowledge, to have some sort of public space for the community.”

The group’s goals are simple:

  • Reclaim the urban landscape
  • Rebuild food skills and knowledge
  • Produce food collectively and democratically
  • Strengthen the local food system

With food prices rising and expected to continue rising, more people are turning to city gardening to offset the costs as well as reduce their environmental impact, have a knowledge of how their food is produced or just because they love to garden!

FedUp Windsor volunteers hard at work
FedUp Windsor volunteers hard at work

FedUp Windsor welcomes anyone who wants to get involved and be a part of something great. And don’t worry if you don’t know much about gardening. Not every one in the group has the same skills and it’s a great opportunity to learn from others.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers and more space,” says Essex. “We’re learning by doing so if anyone has any skills they want to share, or participate in some way, we encourage that.”

Garden at the Eco House on Sunset

FedUp will continue to meet up throughout the year and their next garden prep days are:

Once the soil is ready, the seeds planted, volunteers will monitor the garden throughout the season and even participate in potlucks each month to share in the harvest.  So what are some of the produce they are growing?

“Tomatoes, broccoli, squash, garlic, strawberries, peppers, asparagus,” says Essex.  “We split the harvest among the people who come to the potluck and whatever is left we take to the foodbank.”

Community gardening is a great way to get to know others who have the same interests, learn new techniques and share in the bounty that is produced.

If you are interested in being a part of FedUp Windsor, have space available for their use or are willing to donate resources, get in touch with them at fedupwindsor@gmail.com visit their website or join their Facebook group for updates and notifications.