GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Gardening can boost mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
That’s one reason St. John Bosco Catholic High School students visit the Northfield Gardening Project to help grow food for Hope House’s Free Food Market.
The food is grown organically on a portion of St. Ignatius land in Guelph/Eramosa that is rented by Hope House.
Surplus food is distributed to other food security organizations including Community FEWD, the North End Harvest Market and the Seed, and some produce is sold through Hope House’s Better Food Co., with proceeds going back towards Hope House’s programming.
Bosco students have been visiting for a couple years to help out and participate in workshops led by Hope House community farmer and registered horticultural therapist Pam Harrison.
A group of six to eight students in Grades 9 through 12 visit the farm five times in the spring and five times in the fall to help with preparing the land, planting, harvesting, and other tasks connected to growing food.
On June 11, the students got to pick between planting seeds in trays or washing crates and buckets used to harvest produce and flowers.
Harrison taught the students that the buckets for flowers should be so clean they could drink from them, as flowers are very sensitive to bacteria and soil.
She also taught them how to fill trays with soil, pushing soil into each of the cells, plant seeds, ensuring each is tucked under the soil and water them by pouring water under the trays instead of over the top.
Earlier this spring, the students planted eggplant and green onion, and helped to set up a watering system in the garden.
And last fall, Bosco students helped harvest nearly 3,000 pounds of vegetables, including 150 pounds of carrots and 440 pounds of squash during just one visit.
“It is very rewarding being able to see the literal fruit of our labour,” said Bosco teacher Jared Dowling.
The students enjoy spending time outside and doing something hands-on, he said.
“Thorough the time spent at the garden, students learn important life skills connected to how to plant and maintain one’s own garden and the science related to sustainable gardening practices.
“They also learn about local food security agencies within Guelph that offer support to those in need,” Dowling added, and the program introduces them to “a workplace environment [providing] an excellent opportunity that can be added to their resumes.”
Harrison said the Northfield Gardening Project partners with other groups too, including Second Chance’s Women 2 Work and the Grove Youth Hubs as well as individuals and groups of volunteers.
For information about volunteering in the garden contact volunteers@househouse.ca.
