Editor's Note: Kate Maddigan is an occasional CKTZ News contributor. 

Once again, the Cortes Natural Food Co-op is opening garden plots to residents to grow plants and crops when garden space on the island can be limited.

Up to five garden plots are available in the Cortes Island Natural Food Co-op's community garden, according to new volunteer garden coordinator Kate Maddigan. With 35 plots in total, she says the Co-op views the space as a great resource for helping with food security and sustainability on the island, where finding an area to garden and grow produce can be difficult.

The garden was started 20 years ago by people living on the property when the Co-op was leasing it from the local school board. However, when the Co-op purchased the land in 2019, residents had to move due to local bylaws, Maddigan says. Those still wanting to garden are grandfathered in to being able to work their plots annually, and the number of available plots varies each year.

A flowering vine climbs up a metal pergola in the Cortes Natural Food Co-op community garden. Photo by Kate Maddigan.

Maddigan says the plots must be worked by the May long weekend or they will be re-assigned to another applicant. Those interested must contact Maddigan no later than April 30 by email, or by calling 250-935-0242.

Kate Maddigan discusses details of the community garden plots initiative in the interview with CKTZ News below: