Community members gathered at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre this week to learn the basics of gardening during a hands-on workshop focused on Manitoba’s short and unpredictable growing season.
The “From Seed to Soil” session, presented in partnership with a Manitoba Master Gardener, walked participants through the early stages of gardening, from seed germination to transplanting plants outdoors. Attendees also left with free vegetable plants to begin their own gardens at home.
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PLLC communications and events coordinator Clyde Tagalog says the workshop was designed to help people feel more confident about getting started.
“It’s really a good info session so that you will be educated on when to plant and how to plant properly in the season that we have here in Manitoba,” says Tagalog.
Learning to work with Manitoba weather
Master gardener Igor Kaftan led the session, sharing advice gathered from decades of gardening experience.
Kaftan says Manitoba’s climate can be difficult for gardeners, especially in spring when temperatures can still drop below freezing well into May.
“Because we have very challenging weather, our growing season is very short. It’s approximately 100 days,” says Kaftan.
He encouraged participants not to rush out planting too early, explaining that some cold-sensitive plants are often better off staying indoors until late May or even early June.
Master gardener Igor Kaftan shared planting and germination tips during the “From Seed to Soil” workshop hosted at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre. Submitted photo by: Clyde Tagalog
The workshop also highlighted ways gardeners can still grow food without large outdoor spaces by using pots and containers.
Both say many first-time gardeners simply need encouragement and practical guidance before getting started.
Kaftan explains beginner gardeners often struggle with watering, planting depth and understanding Manitoba’s seasonal conditions, but adds those skills come with experience.
“They are actually afraid of gardening and they need the encouragement,” says Kaftan.
Tagalog says he hoped the session would help people discover the enjoyment that comes from growing something themselves.
“So, it feels like you have a joy in planting something that you really put your work in,” says Tagalog.
A lifelong passion for gardening
Kaftan says his own passion for gardening began as a child growing up in what is now Ukraine, where families often depended heavily on what they could grow and preserve themselves.
He recalls planting beans in his family’s garden when he was around five years old, an early memory that helped spark a lifelong interest in gardening.
Kaftan now enjoys teaching others and sharing lessons learned throughout his years of experience, including mistakes he made along the way.
“Don’t be afraid, go on the internet, do some investigation, learn something, listen to people who have more advice,” adds Kaftan.
Free plants handed out to participants
Participants also received free tomato and pepper plants grown by Kaftan himself, including a unique New Zealand tomato variety with potato-shaped leaves.
Tagalog says many attendees were excited to take home their very first plant.
“Some of the participants had fun because it’s their first time having a plant,” says Tagalog.
The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre hopes to offer similar gardening sessions again in the future as interest in growing food and gardening continues to increase within the community.
Before the workshop wrapped up, Kaftan shared one final thought with attendees.
“A dream of each seedling is to become a seed again,” notes Kaftan.
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