Baker's Market, Planting Journal, and Household Composting

In February 2010, a group of Katimavik youth volunteers set out into North Vancouver and Vancouver to find out some answers about environmental initiatives on the subject of food security. Please enjoy their short video documentary, Dig It!

Interviews with Mark Bomford, UBC Farm; Emanuel Langlois, Katimivik Participant; Heather Johnstone, Edible Gardens; Micahel Levenston and Sharon Slack, City Farmer; Chef Scott Rowe, Salvation Army; Nicole Robbins, Organics@Home; Melanie ter Borg and Karen Morton.

Planting Journal

The Rooftop Garden Leadership Team has been hard at work! At our last two work parties we've pulled up many weeds, divided perennial herbs, pruned apple trees, added mushroom manure and other amendments to the garden beds, and planted some early spring crops (photos coming soon!).

So far we've planted radishes, peas, arugula, mixed Asian greens (including mizuna, giant red mustard, and boy choy), corn salad/mache, and spinach.

Are you confused about soil amendments? Take a look at this Vancouver Sun article. The writing is straightforward, and the author refers specifically to the soil conditions in the Metro Vancouver area.

Our next work party will take place on Wednesday, March 31st from 5-7pm. Please join us.

Curbside Compost Pickup Begins April 22

Vancouver city council has passed a motion that as of April 22 (Earth Day), residents will be permitted to add fruit and vegetables to their yard waste bins for composting.

Phase I of the plan allows people living in residential houses (excluding apartments and commercial buildings for now) to add tea leaves, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps to their yard waste bins for regular pickup. About 35% of garbage from single-family residences is comprised of compostable food scraps; this plan will divert a signifiant amount of waste from landfills, and the resulting compost will provide rich nourishment for the soil in our region.

For more information, please visit the City website.

The Baker's Market

Inspired by Vancouver's many farmers' markets, the new Baker's Market brings you talented artisanal bakers selling fresh breads, soft German pretzels, butter croissants, chocolate croissants, cupcakes, yummy cookies, hand made chocolates, brownies, marshmallows, gingerbread cookies, mini bundt cakes, muffins and much more! Wedding cakes are on display too.

If you are a baker of any kind, home baker, student baker, pastry chef, bakery owner, wedding cake decorator, cookie baker...this is a great opportunity to show off your skills and sell your baked treats. Interested in visiting the market or becoming a vendor? Please visit The Baker's Market website.