UP! Elgin community garden's Blog

October 19, 2011 · Filed under community gardens

October 15th marks the beginning of the garlic planting season. Garlic grows great in urban Vancouver so here are a few tips to get you started.

Start by selecting healthy seed stock. The farmer’s market will have various varieties of locally grown, organic garlic to choose from. Did you know that each variety of garlic will have a unique flavour profile and spice level? Ask the farmer about this and choose a garlic variety that suits your palate preference. Keep in mind that the bigger the garlic clove is when planted the bigger the bulb will be at harvest time.

Garlic loves well drained, rich soil in a sunny location. Soil can be boosted by adding compost or manure. Separate cloves, without peeling them, and plant individually pointy tip up approximately 2″ deep and 6″ apart. Plant is rows or have fun with it and plant in circles or other…

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Make Your Own 100 Mile: Vinaigrette (via Growing Chefs!)

August 31, 2011 · Filed under community gardens

There is still some blackberries out there. We picked 10 lbs in around half hour last weekend. Try down by the railway tracks on Kent

Rosemary Scented Blackberry and Hazelnut Salad Vinaigrette Another 100 Mile recipe from Chef Andrea Carlson of Bishop's. Ingredients: 1 cup blackberries 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup water 4 Tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary salt 1/8 cup Agassiz hazelnut oil Bring all ingredients except the oil to a simmer in a stainless steel pot. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid is slightly reduced. Strain and cool. Whisk in Hazelnut oil and s … Read More

via Growing Chefs!

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Amazing growth!

July 11, 2011 · Filed under community gardens

Its been a while since the last post but the garden keeps growing. I thought I would post a few recent pics.

The annual Friends of Windsor Castle block party was a great event although I spent most of my time answering questions about honeybees and beekeeping. The observation hive was a hit with kids and adults alike.