City of Brampton launches 5th annual Backyard Garden Program

The Voice of Canada:

On February 1, the City of Brampton’s Backyard Garden Program returns for its fifth year. This eco-friendly initiative helps support food security in Brampton by providing participants with free soil, seeds, and helpful tips to grow their own backyard garden. 

Residents are encouraged to donate their homegrown crops to local food banks and community organizations listed on the City’s website. Last year, the program saw nearly 4,000 lbs of produce donated to residents in need from April to October 2023. Since 2020, the program has raised nearly 30,000 lbs in produce donations.

Participants will be asked to send a monthly update with pictures of their garden, which will be featured on the program’s web page. Photos of this year’s backyard gardens, gardening tips, tutorials, and resources will also be available on the web page. Residents can use the hashtag #BramptonBackyardGarden to share their backyard gardens on social media.

How to participate

Starting February 1, residents can register online to receive a free garden sampler seed kit and five bags of soil at www.brampton.ca/backyardgarden​.  

Delivery of seeds and soil will begin at the end of March.  

Applications will close once the program reaches 3,000 participants. The program is open to new participants only.  
The City thanks this year’s program sponsors: Scotts Canada, Fieldgate Developments, Mattamy Homes and Paradise Developments.

Backyard Garden Club e-newsletter

Join our monthly Backyard Garden Club e-newsletter! Open to all gardening enthusiasts, the Club provides a monthly e-newsletter with gardening information, an opportunity for you to send in your gardening questions, get gardening advice and support from experts and community partners, such as the Brampton Horticultural Society, get exclusive offers, and more!  

Background

Brampton’s Backyard Garden Program launched in April 2020 as the first of its kind in Canada, in response to COVID-19. It is an extension of the City’s existing Community Gardens program.

Quotes

“As we kick off the fifth year of the Brampton Backyard Garden Program, I’m thrilled to see the continued growth of this eco-friendly initiative. By empowering participants to grow their own gardens, we are promoting sustainability and helping to improve local food security. Thank you to our sponsors Scotts Canada, Fieldgate Developments, and Paradise Developments for their valuable support in making this program thrive. Let’s come together, nurture our green spaces, and make a positive impact on Brampton’s well-being.”-Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“The Backyard Garden Program has truly become a vibrant display of our community’s strength and collaboration. It is heartening to see residents embracing the opportunity to grow their own food, share their harvests, and support those in need. I encourage everyone to join this enriching experience, and dig into creating a stronger, more connected Brampton.”-Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton