No one could have predicted five years ago where the ‘local food' movement would go. Or that there would even be a 'local food movement'!
For Canadian gardeners the idea of eating food that is grown within 100 miles/kilometers or meters from home is very exciting. Perhaps the very message of eating locally grown fruits and veggies is preaching to choir -- but in any case -- gardeners are fully on board, you can be sure.
The benefits of eating locally produced food cannot be overstated: generally fewer chemicals [or none at all!] are needed to produce great food that does not have to endure long distances to get to market, it tastes better, is better for you and it supports the local economy.
I might add that growing your own food is a great way to bring people together too. It is a poorly kept secret that gardeners are generous with information. Ask an experienced gardener how to grow most anything and you will gain the benefit of his or her knowledge without prodding. Conversation flows between gardeners with a shared interest in food gardening. In short you could say that the activity of gardening cures shyness!
As you gather round the Thanksgiving table next week, give the abundance of Canadian gardens some thought.
And be thankful that we live in a country where our soil and climate generally lends itself to feeding the nation. Right from our own backyards.
