Life in Montreal is lively and bustling, but sometimes, we crave a tranquil green space to call our own. The joy of plucking a ripe tomato from your own garden is unbeatable! But for many Montrealers, having their own garden space seems like a far-away dream.
The therapeutic benefits of gardening, the benefits of building community connections, and contributing to a greener city, are all great reasons to try your hand at gardening this year. In this blog post, you’ll get all the tips and tricks you need to find a garden lot in Montreal.
Benefits of Gardening:
Green Spaces and Well-being: Green spaces are not only visually pleasing but also contribute to our overall health and well-being. Studies show that spending time in nature can boost our physical and mental health, from improving children’s development to reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function in adults.
Fostering Social Connections: Gardening is not just about plants—it’s about people too! Engaging in gardening activities can lead to meaningful connections with neighbours and fellow gardeners. I remember the day I struck up a conversation with a neighbour over the fence that divided my rented garden from her yard. We swapped tips on squash varieties and shared stories of our cultural heritage, and I realised the profound social impact that gardens can have. Gardening is a journey of self-discovery as much as it is a skill!
Mitigating Urban Environmental Challenges: Gardening plays a vital role in addressing urban environmental issues such as stormwater runoff and biodiversity loss. By incorporating various native plants into our city gardens, we’re creating habitats for wildlife, improving air quality, and improving our food sovereignty.
Tips when Finding a Garden Plot:
Planning: Before you start your search, take some time to visualize the type of garden you want. Consider factors like the size of the plot, the type of plants you want to grow, and any specific requirements you may have.
Ask the Right Questions: When exploring potential garden plots, don’t hesitate to ask questions about amenities like water access and bathrooms, as well as expectations. Clear communication is key to ensuring a successful gardening experience for both you and the owner of the garden plot.
Prepare ahead of time: Get ready for gardening season by starting seeds indoors and preparing any infrastructure you might need. Now is the perfect time to start salvaging anything destined to be thrown away that can be used in the garden. Using recycled materials in your garden is a great way to ensure you’re gardening in an eco-friendly way (it’s also budget-friendly, which is always a win!).
Know Your Commitment: Like any hobby, gardening requires time and effort, so be realistic about your commitment level. Are you going to visit twice a week, or just once? Do you have any trips planned during the summer? Discuss any time constraints or other responsibilities with the lot owner to ensure that everyone has a good garden-sharing experience.
Tips for Finding a Garden Space:
Ask Local Farmers: Local farmers in or near the Greater Montreal area (Laval and Île-Bizard are great places to look!) may have unused space on their land that they’re willing to share for gardening purposes. Consider reaching out to farmers at markets or through organisations like the Family Farmers Network to ask about available land opportunities.
Explore Community Gardens: Community and collective gardens offer another avenue for finding a garden space here in Montreal. Spread throughout the city, these gardens often come equipped with amenities on-site. It’s essential to keep in mind that many community gardens boast lengthy waitlists, sometimes spanning several years.
Rent Garden Space through Cultiville: Our platform Cultiville connects individuals seeking garden plots with homeowners willing to rent out their space. We streamline the process of finding, reserving, and paying for a garden plot, making it easier than ever for you to start your gardening journey.
Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s about feeling good, making friends, and helping the environment and just taking care of yourself! In this article we’ve covered the many benefits of gardening and shared tips for finding your own garden space in Montreal. Don’t forget about the importance of planning ahead, asking questions, and knowing how much time you can commit.
Now it’s your turn! Start exploring the options for finding your garden space in Montreal. Whether you use our platform or through other means, there’s a gardening adventure out there waiting for you. Take the first step and enjoy the rewards of gardening, even if you live in the city!
Happy gardening!
Sophie
Hi there, My name is iari Prassi and I am a Chef and keen veggie and herb gardener. I have just moved to the Mile End.
I would love more information about how to rent a plot in the city.
Thank you kindly
Hi Iari,
Welcome to Mile End! It is great to hear about your passion for gardening and cooking; the freshest ingredients truly elevate a dish :)! We’re excited to announce that our website will be opening soon open for the season, you can sign up to our waitlist to be among the first to know when you can browse and reserve a plot near you. In the meantime, check out community gardens in your area for available spots. All the best! 🏡🌿