Verdun gardening program has homeowners sharing their backyards

A new gardening program in Verdun has residents opening their backyards to neighbours.

The Urban Abundance Solidarity Co-Operative uses backyards provided by volunteers to grow fruits and vegetables which they then sell at a farmer’s market outside the Verdun library on Wednesday afternoons and in the yard of a church on Galt and Wellington following morning services.

The minimum required space is 10 meters by 10 meters. Homeowners agree to a three-year contract, but aren’t obligated to do anything. Co-op volunteers plant, weed and harvest.

In return, the homeowners get a quarter of the crop.

The crops are decided on between the co-op and owner and range from beans to carrots to tomatoes to rhubarb.

There are currently four homes taking part in the program but the Co-Op is hoping on signing up six more.