Grow Year-Round: Workshop Highlights Sustainable Gardening Practices in Sooke

The District of Sooke is excited to announce an upcoming workshop designed to empower residents with the knowledge and skills to grow vegetables year-round. Titled "Planning Your Year-Round Veggie Garden," this workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The session will provide practical insights into how to sow, transition crops, care for soil, and protect crops during the winter months—helping gardeners enjoy fresh produce throughout the year.

This workshop aligns with the District's Climate Action Plan by promoting sustainable, local food production and supporting resilient food systems. Local food production reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transportation, contributing to the community's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. By learning how to extend the growing season, participants can reduce dependency on external food sources and embrace climate-resilient gardening practices.

“As we adapt to the impacts of climate change, growing food locally and sustainably becomes more important than ever. The knowledge gained from this workshop will help residents strengthen their connection to the land and play a part in mitigating climate impacts,” says Christina Moog, District of Sooke Communications and Community Relations Manager.

Workshop attendees will also learn about soil health, a key focus of sustainable farming practices that can improve crop yields while maintaining ecological balance. Special attention will be given to protecting crops from winter weather extremes, another critical component of year-round gardening.

This initiative is part of the District's broader commitment to addressing climate change, outlined in the Sooke Climate Action Plan, which encourages residents to engage in environmentally-friendly practices and build a more self-reliant, sustainable future for the community.

For more information and to register for the workshop:

• Planning Your Year-Round Veggie Garden - Vancouver Island Regional Library (virl.bc.ca)