The May long weekend is traditionally the most popular time of year for gardening in Canada, and experts say that this year was likely no exception. Gardening has become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, as Canadians look for ways to combat the rising cost of food. Bill Hardy, chair of the Canadian Nursery and Landscaping Association, stated that the Victoria Day weekend is considered the start of the gardening season due to traditionally warmer temperatures in most regions. Planting vegetable seeds when temperatures are too cold can result in a less fruitful harvest, so it is essential to wait until the frost-free period to start planting.
As grocery prices continue to rise, more people are turning to gardening to access food. Hardy mentioned that food security has become a growing concern for many individuals, especially since the onset of the pandemic. The fear of supply chain issues during the early days of COVID-19 led to an increase in home gardening. Jill Van Duyvendyk, owner of Dutch Growers Saskatoon, pointed out that there has been a noticeable trend in food gardening over the past five years, with more people growing their own food in raised beds, containers, and other spots. This shift towards growing one’s food has also been influenced by dramatic movements in food prices over the past couple of years.
According to statistics from Statistics Canada, total sales in the greenhouse, sod, and nursery industries reached $4.7 billion in 2021, representing a 7.5% increase from the previous year. This growth was considered a resounding success by StatCan, with the highest sales reported in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Canada’s annual inflation rate increased slightly in March, largely driven by higher gas prices. Data from StatCan also revealed a 5.1% increase in the prices for food purchased from restaurants year over year in January, continuing a trend seen in the previous year.
International food prices have fallen sharply from a record peak in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rosemary Wasylyshyn from Saskatchewan, who grew up on a farm, emphasized that gardening is a natural part of her culture. She finds joy in tending to her plants and watching them grow and produce food. While the May long weekend is considered the ideal time to start planting, Hardy reassured that it is never too late to begin a garden. The health benefits and sense of well-being that come from gardening are invaluable, making it a worthwhile and rewarding activity for individuals to engage in throughout the growing season.
