If you’ve been toying with the idea of growing your own produce and taking your gardening skills to the next level, you’ll be happy to know your goals aren’t out of reach.
Colin Hayles, a horticulturist and buyer at Golden Acre Home & Garden, says the best way to get into gardening is to “start small” and take it slow until you feel comfortable.
“Don’t start big. Don’t bite off more than you can chew,” Hayles said. “It’s a recipe for disaster — and that’s any hobby that you get into.”
Hayles recommends testing out the soil, adding compost and learning about optimal growing conditions to make the best out of what you’ve got. For example, leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale can easily thrive in the shade while other options like tomatoes and peppers need plenty of sunlight to grow.
According to Joanna Tschudy, community development co-ordinator with the Calgary Horticultural Society, it’s difficult to completely rely on homegrown produce for your everyday needs.
“I don’t think you could fully, you know, provide all your food from the garden, but there’s definitely a great supplement from our home gardens,” she said.
Tschudy added that everyone can start gardening and grow their own vegetables “as long as there’s land to access and some time” coupled with basic resources like water.
Consumers do need to find ways to combat higher grocery prices. According to the Consumer Price Index that was released in April, inflation has “slowed in recent months” but grocery prices remain higher than usual.
Root crops and leafy greens like garlic, potatoes, carrots, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce are a good bet in Calgary. (Submitted by Kath Smyth)
Home gardening may not be everyone’s cup of tea, though. Some may struggle with the long-term commitment that is often linked to home gardening, according to Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor and director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.
“Anybody who started their garden will tell you that it’s very costly to start,” he said. “And of course, there’s always some misses along the way because … you have to learn about your soil, the sun itself. There’s an art to it.”
Charlebois says the costs may rise if you need to purchase expensive gardening equipment and tools, making it an inaccessible option for some.
‘You can do urban gardening downtown’
There may be ways out, though. Tschudy suggests recycling and looking into alternative resources like community gardens, tool libraries and seed exchanges to save costs.
“I really love to garden with things that I already have, and often they come right out of the recycling box,” she said.
One of her favourite hacks involves using newspapers to make pots for indoor seedlings.
If you’re looking to take things slow, Hayles suggests trying something simple like planting cucumber seeds in a window box.
“You don’t need a large area, you don’t need a full garden,” Hayles said. “You can do urban gardening downtown.”
Tschudy and Hayles believe it’s crucial to keep the weather forecasts in mind while planting seeds. That said, root crops and leafy greens like garlic, potatoes, carrots, kale, Swiss chard, and lettuce are a good bet in Calgary.
“The best option for a new gardener would be to lower your expectations and choose things that already will be tolerant of our cold nights and our windy weather and maybe even our wildlife,” Tschudy said.
For amateur gardeners who don’t know where to begin, working with a friend or signing up for classes may be a good option.
“Everybody fails, even expert gardeners,” Tschudy said. “There’s fails or learning curves every year and then that’s how we learn the most.”
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
