East York Community Garden

General Info
The East York Community Garden Network is located at 9 Haldon Ave. (east of Woodbine, off Cosburn). At present, we've got 59 active plots and 6 raised beds available for area residents, schools and organizations. We also have room to dig more! Successful fundraising has helped us to provide landscaped public seating areas and pathways, and a native species wildflower garden.

Community members and organizations are enjoying the benefits of a community garden that has increased access to fresh affordable produce, opportunities for exercise and fresh air, as well as friendship, support and learning opportunities. Garden members grow produce for themselves as well as extra to share with the community through a local food bank and shelter.

Participants do not need to be experienced gardeners; the group members are happy to ensure that skills can be shared and taught, The raised beds increase accessibility for some older and physically challenged gardeners who benefit from the opportunity to socialize and participate in an enjoyable outdoor activity.

A plot can be used by a family, an individual, a group, shared between a few friends. We are particularly interested in offering space to area residents who otherwise may have limited access to seasonal produce.

This project was enthusiastically accepted through the local public consultation process and is supported by our local City Councillor Janet Davis. The City arranged the initial plot digging, fencing, and the provision of soil and compost for the use of the community garden. Garden members installed a compost system, an underground water system, and with the help of Home Depot’s Team Depot, raised beds.

For more information or to become a community gardener contact us.

Facts and Figures
There are 59 ground plots, each 4 X 10, and 6 slightly smaller raised plots for gardners with mobility challenges.
We have additional plots along the perimeter and on the far side dedicated to the Plant a Row, Grow a Row Programme (PARGAR). Through the PARGAR program, produce is grown communally and distributed to local groups in need. In our case, we prefer to give back to the seniors' residence that serves as our host.

Several of the plot-holders suffer from Type 2 Diabetes and their participation was arranged in conjunction with the Diabetes Education Network which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with access to fresh vegetables.

The watering system has a well-designed hose system strung around the perimeter fence, with 7 watering outlets so that each garden plot can be reached comfortably.