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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The Fort Simpson Community Garden is alive and well as the growing season begins to peak in the Deh Cho.

Teresa Chilkowich crouches beside the Brussels sprouts growing in her plot at the Fort Simpson Community Garden. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Raised boxes at the garden contain the regular vegetable varieties, such as peas, beans, carrots, beets, cabbages, spinach and lettuce as well as some more unusual choices such as eggplants, hot peppers, Brussels sprouts and garlic.

"A good variety of stuff has been planted," said Teresa Chilkowich, the vice-chair of the Fort Simpson Community Garden Society.

The garden, located on the flats beside the Mackenzie River, is in its third year. There are more gardeners than ever with 27 people or families tending 50 individual boxes, said Chilkowich.

In addition to the individual boxes, there are also approximately 10 communal patches containing produce such as pumpkins, squash, cabbages and tomatoes that will be shared along with a communal potato patch.

People are encouraged about their efforts now that the garden in peak production and the boxes full and flourishing, said Chilkowich.

In Larry Swartz's box, spinach, green beans and carrots are growing side by side with a more unusual choice – soya beans.

"Soya beans are so healthy," said Swartz who decided to grow the plants as an experiment.

Swartz, who promotes self-sufficiency and sustainability, said he was drawn to the plants because they are high in protein and other minerals. Depending on how his crop turns out, he plans on trying to make soya milk.

"The plants are growing really well," he said.

It's great to go to the garden, talk to people, get some fresh air and exercise while growing healthy food, said Swartz. Once the soil is conditioned, it's very easy to grow things at the garden.

"I hope more people get involved next year," he said.

David Fiebelkorn is also conducting an experiment in his garden box. Fiebelkorn planted seed potatoes as well as some potatoes he had left over from last year to see if they would grow.

Fiebelkorn also has beets so large they are starting to grow out of the ground and Spanish onions that are a bit smaller than baseballs alongside carrots and a riotous mix of different coloured flowers.

"My garden is doing really well," he said.

If he had to pick, Fiebelkorn said beets are the favourite thing he is growing because he likes making borscht.

"Everything is really nice to eat out there," he said.

Elizabeth Hardisty has been a part of the garden since it began three years ago. In addition to tending two boxes for her family, Hardisty also planted a box of assorted vegetables for Bompas Elementary School.

The box contains a mix of onions, carrots, beets, peas and other vegetables. Hardisty has never tried to grow onions before, so she said she's not sure how they are doing under the ground.

Like many of the other gardeners, Hardisty said she is constantly learning about gardening.

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