Hands-on community based education
Our programs teach people how to grow and harvest fresh, healthy produce, and become active participants in our sustainable local food system.
We have a range of educational programming for all ages, from preschool to adult!
GardenSmart Workshops for Adults
Learn to grow your own food, support your local ecology and reduce waste.
The GardenSmart series explores gardening through the seasons on the North Shore. You will find these in our calendar, and we can also offer workshops direct to you in your libraries, workplace, community centres, or wherever else you might think up! If you’d like to host us to run a garden workshop, please get in touch.
At GardenSmart workshops, you’ll learn how to:
- Plan your garden
- Build your soil
- Start and save seeds
- Grow your first vegetable garden
- Attract beneficial insects
- Garden in containers
- Preserve the food that you grow
- And more!
GardenSmart programs are priced to remain accessible to everyone in our community. You can register by clicking the link for each workshop below. If you are unable to book online, email admin@ediblegardenproject.com.
Upcoming GardenSmart Workshops
Loutet Farm Visit
The Edible Garden Project provides guided educational visits to Loutet Farm for schools and other groups. Loutet Farm provides an outdoor classroom featuring hands-on farming experiences to build childrens’ awareness of the impact our food can have on our health and the environment.
We’re open for farm tours from May – September each year, and would love to welcome your group to learn more about urban agriculture at Loutet.
Farm Visit dates are limited and very popular, contact us for availability.
Background
Loutet Farm is a 3/4 acre market garden operated by the Edible Garden Project, a program of North Shore Neighbourhood House. The Farm took its fledgling steps in 2011 as the first urban farm on public parkland in the region, and the first opportunity for those on the North Shore to participate in creating a local sustainable agricultural system. It is a community hub that brings together hundreds of neighbours to get their hands dirty, buy produce, and celebrate food. It is a place for students to discover where nourishment can be found, and connect to many different creatures along the way.
Activities
Our standard farm visits are 60 minutes and include a tour of the farm and group activity customized according to the season, your group’s size, age, and interest.
Cost
- Tours for students start at $150/hr for a maximum of 20 students.
$7.50/participant/hour after that. - Please inquire with EGP’s Coordinator directly about programs for adult learners, postsecondary partnerships, and professional development opportunities
Teacher Resources
Bring your teaching to life in a school garden
Schoolyard gardens can be incredible resources and learning spaces for children of all ages, but using them in your weekly routines or to meet specific learning outcomes can be challenging.
We’ve put together the following resources to help you: