As I write this all snuggled up in wool socks by my space heater, watching the rather disgruntled chickens make their way through the snowy yard, it is hard to believe that it’s almost time to start planting for the upcoming growing season. But in two weeks, my seeds will arrive and my basement will become ground zero for seedling production for my early season crops including spinach, kale, lettuce and green onions.  Fresh, locally grown food will be plentiful on Vancouver’s west side this year but this hasn’t always been the case.

It might surprise you to know that last year, this neighbourhood was identified as a 'food desert' according to a study by University of British Columbia researcher Jennifer Black.  Food deserts are typically most prevalent in low socio-economic minority communities but as it turns out, the nature of Vancouver’s west side is such that a combination of lower density housing and zoning that deters food business has put us in a vulnerable position where local food security is concerned.  But fear not!  The west side is now home to two of this city’s most productive farms: Urban Digs and Yummy Yards and your local urban farmers are on a mission to bring fresh, locally grown food back to our community. 

An 'urban farm' is typically something of a patchwork of separate plots of land in close proximity to each other cobbled together to make up the total area of the farm.  We use a combination of this model, together with larger areas of land in more 'traditional’ agricultural areas including Vancouver’s Southlands area and nearby Richmond.  Our urban plots range in size from a few raised beds on the boulevard to properties with both front and back yards in production. At larger plots on the city’s edges we grow crops that take up too much space to grow efficiently in urban areas and raise livestock for meat and eggs. 

Part of meeting our sustainability goals means growing food locally and keeping it in the community.  One of the ways we do that is through the Friends of Southlands Farmers Market which will run once a month this year with an expanded format to include community celebrations, educational opportunities and family friendly activities.  We will also be at the new Vancouver Farmers Market in Kerrisdale every Saturday. 

Perhaps the best way to really share in the bounty though is to join one of our 'Community Shared Agriculture' (CSA) programs.  In this model, you are essentially purchasing a share of the farm’s harvest for the season.  By paying at the beginning of the season, you are helping the farmer to offset some of the capital expenses associated with the beginning of the season (seeds, irrigation systems, baby chicks, etc.). Members receive a weekly harvest box for 18 weeks from June to October filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, eggs, meat, preserves, honey and other tasty, locally produced treats depending on your preferences.  Some of the benefits reported by CSA members include:

• Establishing better eating habits through a regular supply of fresh, healthy food
• The opportunity to try new foods that you might not otherwise have purchased
• Learning new skills and spending quality time with family while preparing unprocessed, fresh food together
• Living a more sustainable lifestyle
• Enjoying more nutrient rich food that keeps longer since it was picked fresh and did not spend time in transit and storage before reaching your home
• A greater connection to where food comes from through participation in on-farm activities and member events like movie nights and meals
• Saving money by preparing more wholesome meals at home

Both Urban Digs and Yummy Yards are running CSA programs this year. CSA shares tend to sell out quickly so if you are interested, don’t delay!

Now buying food from local farmers is all very well and good but what we’d REALLY like to see is more of you growing your own food at home. Don’t get me wrong, I like growing kale as much as the next guy but to be honest with you, it’s so easy, anyone can do it. If you grew more kale, I’d have more time for things like pastured chickens. So, with that in mind, we will also be offering workshops all season long covering topics such as:

• Seed starting
• Fruit tree pruning
• Native pollinators
• Vegetable gardening
• Terrific Tomatoes
• Weeds & Pests
• Culinary & medicinal Herbs
• Food preservation & storage
• All about garlic
• Winter garden preparations
• Composting

I hope by now that you are as excited about the upcoming season as I am. We’d really love for you to be part of our farms this year.  For more information about Urban Digs and Yummy Yards including our CSA programs, workshops, markets, growing practices, etc., please visit our web sites:

www.urbandigsfarm.com| www.yummyyards.ca