I write a column on a regular basis about gardening in the Canoe/North Thompson and Robson Valley (Three Valleys) area. I certainly realise that I have much to learn and am continually asking “old-timers” from this area to share their secrets.
I have been gardening in this area over 30 years and have picked up many tips and skills from dozens of kind folks as well as being a compulsive reader and collector of garden magazines and books.
For the past 45 years, I have gardened organically and thus, will show a bias toward organic methods. I must also admit that I prefer growing food crops more than flowers and ornamentals so I would love to have others do guest columns if you have knowledge and experience to share about topics such as perennials, bulbs, flowers, ponds, etc.
I hope to cover such topics as planting and caring for raspberries, strawberries, fruit trees and bushes. I also hope to have columns on making compost, how to improve your garden soil, using manures and cover crops and natural soil amendments.
In the early spring, I will cover when and how to start your own bedding plants, how to use cold frames and how too take advantage of small greenhouses and other season extenders which are so helpful in the area.
I can also share with you how I grow my winter salad greens ( for less than $2 per month) and how to store you healthy home-grown food by using a root cellar, drying, etc.
As spring garden time arrives, I will try to give timely tips on what needs to be done in the garden and what needs to be planted as the weeks go by. (You will hear many other views on when and how to plant and you will have to choose for yourself which idea works best for you.) There are as many gardening methods as there are gardeners! The “right way” is the way that works for you!
As some of you may know, I collect and grow many old-time “Heritage Vegetables” which our parents and grandparents grew. I find the variety and flavour in them is so appealing and the connection with our elders and pioneers is so special.
I hope my “ramblings” will help encourage you to spend time in the garden where you can experience the magic of growing food, flowers and peace of mind. I look forward to feedback and your ideas and suggestions.
Pete