Introduction

For years, my interest in food was focused predominantly on cooking. I had very little interest in what happened before my ingredients made their way to my local market or grocery store. That changed in 2009 when I began participating in a CSA (community supported agriculture) program. It was almost as if I had this epiphany, an awakening of sorts. I still remember the name of the farmer, André Samson, from Farnham, Québec. That first CSA box was somewhat strange: organic fruits and vegetables that looked nothing like the perfectly shaped, unblemished produce we’re all used to seeing at the store. I will admit that it took me some time to deprogram myself and appreciate the beauty in the unique. But the vegetables tasted great, and I was hooked. We got into the car and drove to Jean-Talon Market, where I purchased my first ever tomato, cucumber, and basil seedlings. For the next three years, I learned as much as I could about urban agriculture and container gardens.