By Cheryl Jahn

Gardening Boost

Garden Centres busier than norm

Apr 27, 2020 | 12:14 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – For many, it’s the time of year gardeners begin to plot their gardens for the year. And that may warrant a trip to Art Knapp Plant Land.

They won’t be alone.

The garden centre is seeing a great deal more activity and sales this year.

“We attribute that to people wanting to grow their own vegetables and fruits and such. They’re buying more than usual as well because they’re uncertain of what’s happening,” explains Lorena Van Hage. “And a lot of new gardeners as well. They’re coming in, they’re learning, wanting to know what it is they’re growing.”

Local food security expert Dr. Annie Booth says that is a typical reaction in uncertain times. She cites victory gardens that people grew after both worlds wars. But she uses a word of caution.

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“People underestimate what it takes to grow enough food to feed a family of three or four. It’s a lot of work. It’s also a lot of knowledge,” she says, adding you have to know what you’re growing, the soil you are growing it and so on.

She also adds that, after the world wars, people also supported their communities as well, their local farmers and ranchers.

“I think in the rush to try and grow your own food and become self-sufficient, you forget there are a lot of people around here, that’s their living. That’s what they do,” says Booth. “They’ve got the knowledge, they’ve got the land and they’ve got the skills.”

Not that she wants to detract people from growing a garden.

“Every little bit helps.”

And Lorena Van Hage says those coming through her doors are being modest with their purchases.

“They’re buying just the easier things to grow. Tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce.”

She suspects some people are starting a garden not just for better self-sufficiency, but also to have something to do during self-isolation.