When winter stretches well into spring across Manitoba, gardening looks different than it does in warmer regions. Snow often lingers into April, frost remains a threat through May, and the outdoor growing window is short. That reality is why many local gardeners begin their growing season long before the soil can be worked, starting seeds indoors while it is still cold outside.
For Tiffany Hemphill, co-owner of Hemphill Seeds, indoor seed starting is not optional in this climate. “We grow all of our seeds right here on the heavy clay soils of the Red River Valley,” she said, adding that those conditions shape how and when gardeners need to plan ahead.
Before the ground thaws
In communities like Winkler and Morden, gardeners typically operate in Zone 3B, where the last frost often lands around the May long weekend or even later. Hemphill says that timing is critical. “Your last frost date is around May long, or if you want to be really safe, June 1st is usually the best,” she explained.
Starting seeds indoors gives plants like tomatoes, peppers, and many flowers a necessary head start. Without it, they simply would not have enough time to mature. Hemphill says indoor seeding is about preparation more than perfection. “I think it’s a learning experience,” she said. “You get better every single year that you do it.”
Starting too early can backfire
One of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is starting seeds too early. Hemphill says enthusiasm often gets the best of people as soon as seed packets arrive. “The best thing is not to start your seeds too early,” she said. “If you plant too early, they’re going to grow too big, they’re going to get leggy and stretchy, and they’re not going to do so well.”
She encourages gardeners to work backwards from their planting date and trust the timelines on seed packets. “Do not go earlier than that,” Hemphill said, noting that weaker seedlings struggle once they are transplanted outside.
Yolanda Friesen, owner of Prairie Harvest Flowers, says plant type also matters. “It depends on the plant,” she said. “There are a lot of flowers you can plant well before the last frost date and they can handle it.”
Simple ingredients help seeds thrive
While seed starting can feel intimidating, Hemphill says the basics are straightforward. “All you really need to grow seeds is light, water, warmth, and air,” she said.
Using the right soil is one of the most important steps. Hemphill cautions against using garden soil indoors. “That’s too heavy for starting seeds,” she said. “You want a really light soil and it needs to be low on fertilizer, because if it’s too high, it’ll burn your seedlings.”
She also recommends containers with proper drainage and says recycled containers can work just as well as store bought ones.
Warmth can be a game changer, especially for slow germinating plants. “Some plants, especially peppers, really like to have that warmth to be able to germinate,” Hemphill said, adding that heating mats and humidity covers have helped many gardeners see better results.
Water less?
Watering is another area where many gardeners struggle. Hemphill recommends restraint. “If you’re going to do anything, underwater a little bit,” she said. Overwatering can lead to mold, root issues, and seedlings that collapse shortly after emerging.
At the earliest stages, soil should stay moist but never soggy. “It’s really important to keep your soil moist, but you don’t want it soaking,” Hemphill said, noting that watering needs change as plants grow.
Friesen also emphasizes how watering is done. “Bottom watering is really important when they’re seeding,” she said. “You put your tray in a pan of water instead of watering from the top, so you don’t wash the seed away.”
Preparing the soil
Indoor seed starting is only part of the process. How gardeners care for their soil outside, even during winter, plays a major role in spring success.
Hemphill encourages heavy mulching in the fall using materials already available in most yards. “Mulch, mulch, mulch,” she said. Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic material help protect soil, prevent erosion, and reduce weeds the following year.
She says gardens with good cover also require less work later on. “You have to water less, you have to weed less, and you have to add fewer nutrients,” Hemphill said. “It’s just better overall.”
Seedy Saturday
For gardeners looking to learn more, ask questions, or connect with others, events like Seedy Saturday help bridge the gap between winter and planting season.
Friesen, who helps organize the local event, says the goal is to make gardening knowledge accessible. “There’s just so much excitement,” she said. “It’s people who want to learn, swap seeds, and share what’s worked for them.”
Hemphill says events like Seedy Saturday are especially valuable for beginners. “It’s such a cool event,” she said, noting that it gives people a chance to learn seed starting basics long before they ever step outside with a shovel.
Starting seeds indoors is not just about vegetables and flowers. In Manitoba, it is about patience, preparation, and optimism. Long before the ground thaws, gardeners are already laying the groundwork for the growing season ahead.
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