It’s just a few weeks (fingers crossed) until Cochrane and area gardeners will be putting the snow shovels away for the winter and getting some dirt underneath their fingernails.
Hope springs eternal at this time of year.
Paola Dottor-Cena, president of the Cochrane and District Horticultural Society, is busy making plans for the group’s semi-annual plant sale.
After a brief pandemic-induced hiatus, Dottor-Cena is eagerly putting finishing touches on the organization of the event, which is scheduled for May 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. in front of the public library.
“It is a harbinger of spring, for sure,” she said.
Dottor-Cena said the plant sale is a good deal, a good cause, and good way to reduce the cost of vegetables, all rolled into one.
“Prices are low, all proceeds will go to the Helping Hands food shed, and growing your own [produce] is way cheaper if you can do it properly,” she said.
Andrea Blonsky of the Community Gardens Society said with a little planning, gardeners can take on the challenges of Cochrane’s tricky growing conditions.
“Our proximity to the mountains results in a shorter growing season, with a greater risk of frost,” she explained. “Our altitude results in cooler overnight temperatures, our soil is prone to an abundance of rock and clay, our springs can be prone to wind and our summers to hail.
“But don't let that deter you. There are a number of ways to address those challenges and enjoy a rewarding gardening year.”
Early site preparation is key, according to Blonsky, but she stressed it’s important not to get started too early into the spring.
“So having your tools, pots and site ready when the time is right to plant can make for a less stressful and more enjoyable planting season,” she said. “And you can warm the soil in your garden beds by covering it with clear plastic sheeting that gives a greenhouse effect to the area.”
She said to wait until temperatures are consistently above 10 C before cleaning up any leaves. It can be tempting to start raking as soon as the snow is gone, but that vegetative litter protects hibernating pollinators.
CEAC event
On the immediate horizon is the final session in the Sustainable Living series put on by the Cochrane Ecological Action Committee, (CEAC). The committee’s last talk will explore two topics – how to create a yard that thrives in Cochrane’s climate with less water, and how to manage rain water.
It’s a timely topic, in light of recent news that Cochrane’s water license with the province is set to expire in a few years, prompting some speculation that more restrictions on water usage – voluntary or otherwise – may be on the way soon.
Presenting the CEAC’s talk will be veteran Calgary landscaper, founder of Eco-yards, and author Laureen Rama, who will talk about how to make yards more water-wise, including ways to make lawns less thirsty.
In addition, Colleen Cyca, a permaculture designer, will be sharing her knowledge on how to get the best results from rain barrels using the “rainwater treatment train” during her presentation.
The session is scheduled for April 29 at 1 p.m. at Frank Wills Memorial Hall, 405 – 1st St. East.
The CEAC asks participants to register online by searching “eventbrite cochrane living sustainably series.”
