This is an important time of year for North Battleford's community garden.
That's because it is getting to be the time when all the garden produce is ready for the dinner table.
Squash, tomatoes, sunflowers and other plants continue to flourish in the garden. Root crops such as carrots and beets are also ready to harvest.
The project has been spearheaded by Midwest Food Resources. Debbie Bonsan, executive director for Midwest Food Resources, says nine gardeners have lots ranging from 10 by12 metres to 10 by 24 metres on the property, located on Gagne Avenue.
"It's the time of year when gardeners are checking what's ready and processing it," said Bonsan.
When the News-Optimist met with Bonsan, there was one gardener on site going through plants that were ripe for picking.
"Lots of things are ready," said Bonsan.
The plan is to keep the community garden open until the Thanksgiving weekend.
"People will have time for their squashes and root vegetables to finish growing," said Bonsan.
Afterwards, the garden area will be plowed to set the stage for another growing season next year. This year, the gardeners began planting before the May long weekend.
The range of plants on offer depends on the gardeners.
"Every gardener gets to choose whatever they would like to plant," said Bonsan. There are also heritage seeds and a few volunteer plants.
. Bonsan said people are growing tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, beans, beets, cabbages, onions, and lots of sunflowers, among others.
"Just whatever they think their families will use over the winter," she said.
Each of the gardeners can consume what's grown on their lots, or they can sell it to the Fresh Food Box program that Midwest Food Resources runs.
"The Fresh Food Box buys as much local produce as we can during the summer and fall." said Bonsan. "We utilize fresh food as much as possible and buy it from the growers."
Bonsan said that anyone interested in getting involved in the community garden next year can contact her at 446-2684 or by e-mail at [email protected].
