Okanagan gardening season digs in with seed swaps and shares

Published 2:00 pm Friday, March 6, 2026

The sun is getting warmer and only a few patches of snow left at higher elevations but within a few days, I will be able to start some early cleanup as it gets a bit warmer.

I have to open the greenhouse and the cold frames on sunny days.

The growth on some of the perennials is already showing through the mulch of leaves covering them.

The tulips are up and the foliage of blue grape hyacinths have survived the winter very well.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 32nd annual Shuswap Seed Swap, Saturday, March 7, at the Splatsin Centre, 5767 Old Vernon Rd., Enderby, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission by donation. For more info: https://shuswapseedsavers.ca.

The last time I participated in the event as a vendor was March 2020 just before COVID killed everything. Vernon was ready for the plant and seed sales and had to be cancelled one week or so before the event.

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Free Seed Share and Garden Talk: March 26 at Vernon library‘s meeting room. Seed and plant sharing, 7-7:30 p.m., SENS Annual General Meeting 7:30-7:35 p.m., then Janice Hodge of Green Acres Permaculture will speak on the importance of birds and bees as pollinators. Bring seeds/plants, pens and envelopes. The new seeds are already on display in many stores and if you are like me, you are eager to start something growing for the new season.

More and more people are starting to grow from seeds. This way you have access to more interesting plants and have more control over what you really want to have in your garden.

However, starting your seeds too early will only get you leggy and overgrown plants unless you have the right amount of light. Annuals and vegetables are easy to grow.

You can find everything you need to start your seeds at garden centres and many other locations.

When growing seedlings, it is important to use sterile potting soil and pots. Never use soil from your garden or old potting soil. If you are reusing containers, wash with soapy water and a little bleach. This will save you a lot of trouble. Also don’t forget to clean your tools (do as I say, not as I do).

Seedlings need warmth to germinate but as soon as they come up, they will appreciate a cooler temperature. Most of the seed packets have the information required.

Some seeds need light to germinate but most of them like to be covered. Seeds should be covered about three times their sizes. If you sow too deep, they will struggle to come up and if not deep enough they might dry up before having a chance to sprout.

Some flats come with a plastic dome lid or you can put them in a plastic bag but never sit them in a sunny window with the top on as they might cook inside.

At the first signs of germination, uncover or remove the plastic bag.

Avoid too much water. When the top of the soil looks dry, water your trays with a fine spray. Too much force will push your seeds together and you will end up with a whole bunch of seedlings together.

Avoid soggy soil and poor air circulation.

This could be a cause for fungal disease called damping off that can kill your seedlings overnight. A light dusting of cinnamon might help.

For more info: 250-558-4556 or jocelynesewell@gmail.com