top of page


U-Grow Organic Community Gardens
Search
All Posts


Local Compost & Manure Sources
This list will be updated as we find more local sources of approved compost and manure suppliers. Here is a handy product calculator for...
Sep 19, 20251 min read


Maintenance Tasks
General Tasks List: Remove CFC wherever it is found in paths, edges, and on the common property areas. There is a lot of CFC near the shed. Eradication here should be the primary focus as soon as the soil is sufficiently dry enough to accomplish effective removal. Bag CFC for removal. Do not leave weeds on tarps anymore. Knock off as much soil as possible - do not leave large clumps of soil on weeds. DO NOT COMPOST CFC! If you do not know how to remove Creeping Field Cres
Apr 21, 20252 min read


Understanding Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective practices in sustainable gardening. At its core, it’s the intentional planning of what gets planted where—changing plant families each season or each year to maintain soil health, reduce pest pressure, and improve yields. Whether you manage a large farm or a small community-garden plot, rotation can make a noticeable difference.
4 days ago4 min read


Permaculture - does it have a place in small community garden plots?
What Permaculture Actually Is (in Plain Terms) Permaculture is a design philosophy , not a specific gardening style. It focuses on arranging plants, soil, water, and human activity so that they: Support each other Reduce ongoing inputs (watering, fertilizers, pest control) Mimic patterns found in natural ecosystems Key ideas include: Right plant, right place Multiple functions per element (a plant that feeds people and insects and soil) Closed loops (nutrients recycled o
Jan 223 min read


Bokashi Composting in Organic Gardening: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Practical Use
Bokashi composting is gaining popularity among organic gardeners as an efficient way to recycle kitchen waste and build healthier soil. Originating in Japan, bokashi is a fermentation-based composting method that differs significantly from traditional aerobic composting. Instead of relying on oxygen and decomposition, bokashi uses beneficial microorganisms to ferment organic material in an airtight environment. This process offers unique advantages for organic gardens, along
Jan 224 min read


Compost vs. Manure
Composting Garden Waste: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Comparison to Animal Manure Inputs Composting garden waste is the process of...
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Manure Primer
An Easy Guide to Using Animal Manure in Your Garden Gardeners have turned to animal manure for millennia to feed soils and boost plant...
Sep 26, 20254 min read


Work Party Calendar
Work Party Dates for 2026 Going forward we will not be holding formal 'work parties'. Gardeners can contribute their time as their schedules permit. There are seasonal tasks that will be established before spring and posted to the blog page for Maintenance. Areas with CFC (Keek) are a year-round issue and can be worked on as weather permits. To make it easier for gardeners to find CFC we will be marking areas with a stake bearing pink or orange flag tape. Times should be
Jul 28, 20251 min read


What is Creeping Field Cress (Keek)?
Creeping Field Cress: A Stubborn Garden Invader What Is Creeping Field Cress? Creeping field cress (Rorippa sylvestris) is a perennial...
Jun 4, 20252 min read


New GM Produce Coming To Your Table
Genetic modification in agriculture is changing how we grow food. Recent advancements seek to improve the traits of produce, such as...
May 26, 20253 min read


Understanding Moles and Voles in Your Vegetable Garden - Benefits and Drawbacks for Gardeners
When it comes to having a successful vegetable garden, knowing which wildlife shares your space is crucial. Two of the common visitors...
May 23, 20254 min read


Toxic Invasive Weed Spreading in Southwestern BC
The Italian arum (Arum italicum) catches the eye with its striking appearance. Originally brought to North America from Europe as an...
May 9, 20251 min read


Interested in Growing a New Potato While Helping to Improve Food Security?
Metchosin Farm's Potato Project aims to enhance food security by preserving heirloom seeds and developing new food plants through...
May 1, 20251 min read


Looking for Floating Row Covers or Weed Protection?
Some of you have asked where you can buy plant protection and weed protection fabric similar to what is currently being used on some of...
Apr 24, 20251 min read


Untreated Burlap Bags and Untreated/Certified Organic Straw for Garden Use
Interested in untreated burlap bags and/or certified organic straw to use in the garden? Untreated burlap bags are available from: Spent...
Apr 16, 20251 min read


Exploring Garden Planner Tools: Finding the Right Fit for Your New Garden
Starting a garden can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're stepping into a bigger space for the first time. Many beginner...
Apr 15, 20253 min read


Organic Seedlings Now Available At Local Nurseries
A wide range of organic vegetable and herb seedlings are now available at local nurseries. I visited both Cedar Rim and Art Knapp South...
Apr 11, 20251 min read


Canadian Organic Seed Sources
Many of you have asked where you can find organic seeds. Most nurseries carry at least some seeds. Larger nurseries tend to have the...
Apr 7, 20251 min read
bottom of page