Starting Seeds

Start seeds in the spring before the first frost is an inexpensive way to get your garden started.  However, you can purchase seedlings (Superstore, Canadian Tire, local nursery) and bypass this step altogether.  Make sure your seedlings are organic! Usually, you would reuse trays from previous years to start your seedlings (wash out trays and containers with soap, water and a little bleach), however if you are just starting, head to the dollar store.  For one dollar you can purchase 26 “jiffy pots” (any peat moss pot will do). No need to transplant , as these pots can be planted directly into the soil. You can also use egg cartons or yoghurt containers that have been cleaned (punch holes in bottom of containers for drainage). 

Each gardener is responsible for starting seeds and purchasing their own pots, soil (an organic seed starting mix is the best) and trays.  The veggies you will start indoors are: tomatoes, lettuces, onions, squash and cucumbers. The dates the seedlings are planted in-doors is in relation to the last average frost.  We will use the May long weekend as the average last frost and count the weeks back to see when to seed the veggies.  Plant the tomato seeds between March 21 and April 1.  Plant the onions and lettuce between April 11 and April 25.  Plant the cukes between May 4 and 11.  Plant the squash between April 20 and 27.  Put the seedlings in the sun (if you don’t have the room, you may have to get friends or family to “adopt” some of the plants).  Water the plants with a mister or a watering can with fine holes in the spout.  Do not over water.  The plants need tons of sun so a combination of grow lights and sunlight works best, however before you invest in artificial lighting, try the natural way first.  Now, sit back and watch your babies grow!