Canadian Organic Growers OSO’s Organic Gardening in the City Workshops 2013

Sent to Green Living Ottawa by Joey Gan, volunteer for Canadian Organic Growers (COG).

The Ottawa – St. Lawrence – Outaouais Chapter of Canadian Organic Growers (COG OSO) is increasing its many offerings to the people of this region. In addition to its established Growing Up Organic program (farm-to-school education) and Farmer Outreach services (learning resources for organic farmers), as well as its many regional events (e.g. Eco Farm Day, Organic Farm and Garden Tours, and more) COG OSO is adding the new Senior Organic Gardeners (SOG) program after a very successful pilot project in a retirement residence and a long term care facility. COG OSO is also doubling its spring workshop offerings.

The eight Organic Gardening In The City Workshops 2013 will be held through the month of April in a new location: the National Archives building on Wellington Street. Prices are reduced, discounts are available for students and seniors, package deals are offered, and registration and payment are easier (choose, register, and pay online through the COG OSO web site: http://cog.ca/ottawa/organic-gardening-workshops/).

The workshops address urban organic gardening from planning and planting to harvesting and winterizing. Through the workshops, we offer information, demonstrations, and advice to the beginning gardener who would like to make a start, and to the experienced gardener who might like to try a new organic technique or solve a niggling garden problem.

Workshop contents cover in-ground gardens, raised beds, and container gardening and offer timely advice on the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ to help urban organic gardeners make informed choices.

Topics include using plants to protect plants, principles of organic gardening and soil management, vegetables and herbs in containers suitable for small spaces, backyard and community gardening (from choosing seeds to storage of produce as well as organic solutions to weeds and bugs), the benefits of growing organic herbs, the why and how of composting, and organic yard management.

Urban, organic vegetable and herb gardening is easy and affordable, and leads to many benefits: fresh and nutritious food, healthy activity, relaxing therapy, and personal satisfaction – to name a few!

Get a pot or a plot and grow your favourite vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, berry bushes, fruit or nut trees – here in the city! Try a rooftop, balcony, patio, backyard, or community garden space. Improve the view, the fragrances, the tastes, the soil, and your health – and do it all organically.

Please visit http://www.cog.ca/ottawa and explore the 2013 offerings provided by the COG OSO volunteers.

Rob Danforth — COG OSO Supporter/volunteer

COG is a national charitable organization whose mission is to lead local and national communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources. COG OSO’s Organic Gardening in the City workshops will take place through the month of April starting on April 2.