What I'm excited to see at Canada Blooms 2010

Growing edibles in the city
Last year, the City of Toronto celebrated its 175-year anniversary (here's part of their garden shown at left). This year they are encouraging residents to unleash their urban farmer and grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs, no matter where they live. Tthe speakers schedule on the first day of Canada Blooms is focused around urban agriculture; whether you have a balcony or a teeny tiny patch of grass, I think any of these talks will inspire you to grow at least one herb or veggie plant this spring.

City Farmers: Adventures in Feeding Ourselves with Lorraine Johnson
March 17 at 12 p.m., Enbridge Garden Solutions, Room 103, Hall A
Lorraine has a book coming out in May all about growing your own food in the city, so this will be a great opportunity to get a sneak preview.

Edibles in a City Garden with Paul Zammit
March 17 at 12:30 p.m., Grey Power Celebrity Stage, Hall B
Paul is the director of horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden, which will be hosting an Edible Summer Festival this year. Last year Paul showed us how to make a gorgeous container—part of which was edible. Be sure to check out the TBG's feature garden, as well.

Build a Self-Watering Container with Gayla Trail
March 17 at 5 p.m., Enbridge Garden Solutions Room 103, Hall A
Gayla’s newest book, Grow Great Grub, has some fantastic tips and ideas for urban growers, so I’m interested in learning about this self-watering container.

If you can’t make it to Wednesday’s veggie gardening lectures, there are a few more scattered throughout the week:

Small Scale Vegetable Growing & Composting with Rebekka Hutton
Date: Thursday, March 18 at 11 a.m.
At: Home Depot Garden Centre Stage, Hall B

Learning to Grow Vegetables with Jeffery’s Greenhouses
Date: Friday, March 19 at 1 p.m.
At: Home Depot Garden Centre Stage, Hall B

Vegetable Gardening 101 with Kathleen Lang
Date: Friday, March 19 at 3:15 p.m.
At: CTS TV/Master Gardener Experts Rm 102, Hall A

Learning to Grow Vegetable with Seacliff
Date: Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
At: Home Depot Garden Centre Stage, Hall B

Vegetables in Tight Places with Kathleen Lang
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 1:15 p.m.
At: CTS TV/Master Gardener Experts Rm 102, Hall A