To respond to our current global situation, NFTI is moving towards more online learning. You can still apply to come to train at the farm campus in Hay River – we are looking for long-term interns and volunteers (currently only open to people already in the NWT). Learn more about COVID-9 and the NWT implications here.

Are you a resident of the NWT? Sign up to join the Local Food Ambassadors (will have access to resources, supplies and our Zoom team training). Please send an email to [email protected] to sign up.

Follow our Facebook page for the public Live Lessons! And to review the ones we have already posted.

So far, Jackie has reviewed the following important steps for Spring garden planning for Northerners interested in food production for food security:

  1. Taking Stock:
    • How much food do you have in your cupboards and freezers?
    • How many seeds do you have and are they properly stored? (somewhere dark, dry and cool)
    • Planning your garden location – somewhere close to your home so it is convenient, look at where your water will come from, and sunshine and if you need a fence.
  2. Gathering Supplies:
    • Bring snow into your greenhouse to melt for water
    • Collect shredded paper and cardboard for building your garden
    • Collect recycled buckets for bucket gardening
    • Save all your coffee grounds for building soil fertility
  3. Selecting Seeds:
    • Choose to focus on vegetables that will produce the most calories for the least amount of work (list that Jackie made on the side)
    • Choose vegetables that store well and in many different ways (in a root cellar, canning, drying, etc)
  4. Priceless Potato Buckets:
    • Find a recycled bucket and cut a drainage hole in the bottom side, put an inch or two of cardboard in the bottom to bulk it up
    • Mix up some old soil from last year’s containers along with coffee grounds and any compost you have
    • Put the soil in the bottom (just 6” or so) and place the cut seed potato in the bottom with the eye up and lightly bury. Later when it starts to grow, you can add dried leaves / straw / shredded cardboard or paper to hold the vine up so it continues to grow.
    • Water the soil well and leave in your greenhouse / warm space in your home – later you can move it outside!