garden-planter

Kitigànensag, Algonquin for “little gardens,” is a student-run project that promotes local, organic food production, education and community building. It is a space where members of the Carleton community come together to grow and enjoy healthy, socially just, and sustainable food.

The garden is located at the southeast corner of the Nesbitt building, beside the River field (where the GSA softball league is held). Garden plots are free, and two are wheelchair accessible. Applications for plots are open to all members of the Carleton community, with preference going to graduate students. Gardening season normally begins in April and runs until November.

The Graduate Students’ Association works within an anti-oppression framework and fosters an open and inclusive environment. We acknowledge that Carleton University is located on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory, and appreciate the support from the aboriginal community and the efforts of the elders who collectively agreed to find an appropriate name. This name demonstrates that as a community, our vision of student food sovereignty involves solidarity with the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty.

Garden Resources

The Shed

  • Every tool you need should be located here, there is also many tomato cages, fences and posts available for members.
  • If you borrow a tool, make sure yo put it back. Small tools can easily be forgoten in your plot.
  • Make sure to lock the shed door when you are done!

Keeping groundhogs (whistle pigs) out of your garden

Carleton is home to many furry creatures which can prove difficult when trying to grow your delicious produce! Here are some ways to help you protect your garden from groundhogs and squirrels:

  1. Putting up chicken wire around your garden plot is a good way to prevent both groundhogs and squirrels from getting to your precious produce. However, groundhogs can burrow so this is not a foolproof method.
  2. Using offensive odors is one animal and plant friendly way to deter groundhogs. Cayenne pepper can be spread near a groundhog’s hole (replacing after rain). Alternatively, you can spray plants with a mixture of 2 teaspoons cayenne with a liter of water.
    1. Another easy technique is to crush some garlic cloves and spread it around vegetable plants the groundhogs might go after.
    2. Lavender is another alternative to cayenne, black pepper, or garlic 
  3. A great way to naturally prevent critters from stealing your plant babies is to plant onions, chives, garlic, and/or marigolds around plants you would like to protect. These particular plants have offensive odours/tastes that groundhogs and squirrels try to avoid.
  4. Make sure to harvest often, groundhogs can be quick but if you are quicker you can avoid them eating your leafy greens, fruits, and veggies

COVID – 19 Protocols

As we welcome gardeners to a new season of the Kitigànensag GSA Community Garden we must keep in mind each other’s safety during an ongoing pandemic. We ask that only accepted members of the community garden enter the premises at this time. 

Before garden members begin planting they must complete a quick health and safety training module here: https://carleton.ca/covid19/health-and-safety/. Only after the training is complete can garden members come to campus to access their garden plots. 

Before each visit to campus to access the garden, members must complete the ‘Daily Screening’ form, and select the “campus grounds” option, and fill in GSA Community Garden in the comment box. The screening form can be found here: https://carleton.ca/covid19/screening/.

While at the garden, community members must wear a mask at all times as well as maintain social distancing. Gardeners are required to bring their own mask, although there will be masks available in the gardening shed if you forget yours.

Sanitizer as well as wipes will be provided in the communal gardening shed. Tools and any equipment must be sanitized after each use.

Gardeners must schedule their visits here: Kitigànensag Community Garden Schedule

Only seven gardener bubbles will be allowed on the premises at any one time, so please schedule your visits in advance. The times are split up into two-hours sections from 7:30am-7:30pm. We ask that gardeners not come to the garden before sunrise or after sunset.