Harvesting Hope: Making the Most of Your Garden’s Bounty

As the crisp autumn air settles over our gardens, it’s time for Edmontonians to celebrate the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor. For many gardeners, September is the climax of the gardening season, a time when the hard work put into planting, nurturing, and caring for our plots finally pays off. Yet, with an estimated $31 billion in food waste produced in Alberta each year, it’s crucial that we utilize this bountiful harvest wisely.

Garden volunteering brings communities together.

Share the Abundance

Imagine if every tree in Edmonton bore the equivalent of over 150 pounds of fruit each year. With approximately 52,734 edible fruit trees in our city, many more apples, pears, and berries abound than most families can consume alone. When faced with an overabundance of fresh produce, sharing is not only kind but necessary.

If your family and friends can’t take any off your hands, consider making a contribution to the Edmonton Food Bank. Not only does the food bank accept excess fruits, but they are also in need of vegetables that are easy to store and handle. Doug Thompson from EFB highlighted, “This time of year, we always see a surge in potato donations, as well as tomatoes, peas, lettuce, and corn.” It’s heartwarming to think that your surplus harvest can fill someone else’s pantry.

Yet, not all fruits are equally accepted. For instance, the 21,000 crabapple trees dotting Edmonton are too small and tart for donation, highlighting the importance of understanding what can truly make a difference.

Explore local produce donation options.

Farm Animal Helpers

What about those vegetables that become home to uninvited critters, like wormy apples or caterpillar-nibbled cabbage? Thankfully, there’s a solution that ensures nothing goes to waste. The Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARMM) is always eager to take in imperfect produce that exceeds your table’s needs. Melissa Marttell, the owner of FARMM, states, “We can utilize it, so we love that.” It’s remarkable to consider that these veggies can provide sustenance for over 150 animals at her facility.

Storage Solutions for the Season

Suppose you’re not able to share or donate all your produce; there are still options for preservation! Hardy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions can last up to eight months when stored correctly in a root cellar. If that idea sounds daunting, the freezer is also an excellent place for your harvest to thrive.

Before freezing, it’s important to blanch vegetables to preserve their taste and nutrient content. For leafy greens, like kale and spinach, I often chop them before freezing flat in bags for easy use during the winter months. Even the simple ice cube tray is a genius hack for creating herb bombs that can elevate any soup or stew to new culinary heights (herb bombs).

Preserving the garden’s glory for colder months.

Diving Into Canning

For those embarking on the canning journey, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines in order to avoid serious health risks like botulism. As per Health Canada, high-acid foods (think fruit preserves and pickles) need a boiling water canner while low-acid foods require a pressure canner.

If you’re new to canning but eager to learn, local libraries and organizations offer workshops that guide beginners through the process. The Edmonton Public Library is an invaluable resource for workshops on everything from preserving to cider pressing, ensuring that our skills match our garden’s bounty (workshops on preservation).

This season, the New Grocery Movement is conducting a free canning workshop—supplies provided—on October 27 at the Ritchie Community League. What an exciting opportunity to learn and connect with fellow food enthusiasts!

A Cultured Alternative: Fermentation

For those who appreciate a little tang in their lives, fermentation is another preservation method worth exploring. It’s the magic behind the fizz in beer and the distinctive flavor of kimchi. Whether you’re gathering friends for a fun pickling party or just diving into personal projects, learning fermentation techniques can unlock new flavors and health benefits for your winter pantry.

Fermentation: a delicious way to preserve your harvest.

As winter approaches, let’s commit to reducing food waste and celebrating the effort we’ve put into our gardens. Every tomato saved from the compost heap and every apple donated can help nourish someone in need. It’s time to embrace the harvest season not just as a culmination of our efforts, but as a chance to give back to our community and explore new culinary horizons!