New P.E.I. garden in St. Peter’s Bay will teach Islanders to grow food in hotter, drier conditions and improve community food security.
Garden to Teach Climate Adaptation
Prince Edward Island is introducing the Climate Resilient Demonstration Garden at the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay. The project is designed to help residents learn how to grow food in the face of rising temperatures and longer dry periods.
Funding and Community Access
The initiative is funded through the provincial Island Community Food Security Program. Once fully planted, the garden will be open to the public, giving Islanders a chance to see firsthand how climate-adapted crops and techniques can strengthen food security.
Crops Suited for Future Conditions
Project lead Krystal Pyke said the garden will feature varieties commonly grown in drier regions such as the Prairies and the Middle East. These trials will show how crops can withstand conditions expected in P.E.I.’s future climate.
Innovative Growing Methods
The site will highlight multiple planting approaches, including no-till beds, square-foot layouts, and “chaos gardening,” where diverse plants compete naturally. To combat dry summers, three irrigation systems will be tested, from drip lines to terracotta pots that slowly release water underground.
Supporting Pollinators and Ecosystems
Part of the lawn will be transformed into a pollinator-friendly space with native plants like clover and borage. Pyke said boosting pollinator activity will improve both crop yields and local biodiversity.
Community Involvement and Workshops
Although delayed from June, planting is now expected to begin in September with crops such as carrots, radishes, beets, kale, and garlic. Workshops will cover food preservation and seed-saving, while produce will be shared with participants and the wider St. Peter’s Bay community.
Addressing Food Access Challenges
With the nearest grocery store located in Morell, about 10 minutes away, many residents struggle to access fresh produce. The demonstration garden aims to ease those challenges while serving as a long-term education site for schools and families.
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