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The weather is changing and for some that means they’re starting to plan for their garden by starting to grow their seeds indoors.
A big tip from Guelph master gardener Robert Pavlis is that lots of light is needed to get plants to grow. That means either putting seeds in pots and keeping them near a window with lots of natural light or investing in indoor grow lamps to see those seeds thrive.
“I think the biggest problem people have is getting enough light to the plants. You need to get a really sunny window or you need to have some grow lights indoors,” Pavlis said.
“And now is the perfect time to start most of your vegetable seeds and even some of your annuals. There’s still time for those and there are lots of products to get seeds started.”
While there are many gimmicks and products available to growing seeds, Pavlis says he simply uses regular pots with a bit of soil.
When they’re ready, some of the plants he’ll transplant outdoors on his 2.5-hectare property in the south-end of Guelph, Ont., the largest privately owned botanical garden in the city, where Pavlis has about 6,000 plants.
Source locally harvested seeds
Nancy Hainsworth of Nancy’s Creations and Seeds in Waterloo says she’s preparing for the gardening season with her own locally harvested seeds.
She says the harvested seeds for vegetables, fruits and herbs have an advantage with the local soil.
“Mostly because it’s adapted to the current climate conditions that we’re living in and our soil base,” she said.
“A lot of seeds that you get in the store, they could be grown anywhere in the world, even if it’s a Canadian company, which means they may not be as resilient to what’s happening here.”
Hainsworth says she’s one of a few local businesses that sells seeds for vegetables, herbs and fruits.
When to take plants outside
Robert Pavlis at his private botanical garden in Guelph. He grows 6,000 different plants on his property. (Submitted by Robert Pavlis)When to take plants outside
Pavlis says “it’s really important that you harden them off” before moving plans from the controlled temperatures inside a house to the outdoor elements.
“Even though you’ve given them bright light, they are basically growing in a cave. It’s very dark compared to the sun. They’re also not getting any wind and they’re not getting the cold night temperatures and the temperature fluctuations,” Pavlis said.
“What I like to do is take them outside and put them on like the north side of the house where they’re not getting a lot of direct sun and then they’re right next to the building, so they are shaded by the wind. And then every couple days you move them a little farther away from the house.”
Pavlis says eventually they’ll be sitting out in full sun and exposed to the wind and other conditions.
He also suggests people keep an eye on the weather and if the temperatures start to be a consistent 5 C every night, it’s time for the plants to go outside.
Gardens for indoor small spaces
Both Pavlis and Hainsworth say people living in condos and apartments can also have a successful indoor growing season.
Both say they have had success growing vegetables and fruits indoors.
Nancy Hainsworth of Nancy’s Creations and Seeds sells mostly locally harvested food-related seeds and pollinator friendly plants. (Submitted by Nancy Hainsworth)
“I have a tomato plant that’s the smallest tomato plant that exists. And I don’t even recommend you grow it outside because it’s so tiny that as soon as any of the diseases come, it’s dead,” said Hainsworth.
“But it’s perfect in the house because it’s so small. All you need is a desk lamp to give it the light it needs.”
LISTEN | CBC K-W’s Craig Norris interviews master gardener Robert Pavlis:
The Morning Edition – K-W7:07It’s still a little frosty but now is the time to start thinking about your outdoor garden
If you’re planning to start an outdoor garden, now is a good time to start planting seeds and growing the plant inside before taking it out. Robert Pavlis, a garden expert from Guelph, talks about getting a jump on growing vegetables and flowers inside.
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