May 12, 2020
Calling all growers and green thumbs! To help Edmontonians access fresh food and ease the worry of food security for many, the City of Edmonton is expanding the number of community gardens this year through the creation of the temporary Pop-Up Community Garden pilot. These Pop-Up Gardens are raised beds on City-owned or community league licensed land designed for community food production and to be a safe and healthy recreational activity.
Interested groups looking to add a Pop-Up Garden in their community will be able to submit their applications starting on Wednesday, May 13 and until Monday, May 18. Up to 30 temporary gardens will be added across Edmonton, providing gardening spots for over 350 gardeners.
Each planter will be used for growing edible plants only and will be arranged by the City in a formation three metres apart to create an area that enables physical distancing and for no more than 15 people. The City will deliver seven to 15 planter boxes, including soil, to each selected site and will then water each planter box twice per week. Group applicants will assign the gardeners to their specific planter boxes. Gardeners must provide the plants, seeds, disinfecting products, personal gardening protective equipment and tools, as well as the gardening knowledge and dedicated commitment to support the garden. Once gardeners harvest their vegetables in the fall, the City will remove the planters.
To support Edmontonians and give back to the community, gardeners will also be encouraged to donate what they are able to any local food bank or charitable organization.
