In The Garden — root vegetables

Download | How to Grow Swiss Chard in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) Swiss chard is one of the easiest and most productive leafy vegetables to grow in Canada. With its colourful stems, tender green leaves, and ability to tolerate both cool spring weather and summer heat, it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Unlike spinach, which often bolts as temperatures rise, Swiss chard can continue producing fresh leaves throughout summer and into autumn. Its cut-and-come-again growing habit means that a small planting can provide repeated harvests for months. Whether you're growing Swiss chard in...

Download | How to Grow Radishes in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) Radishes are among the easiest and fastest-growing vegetables Canadian gardeners can grow from seed. With their crisp texture, refreshing peppery flavour, and colourful roots, they are a wonderful addition to spring and fall vegetable gardens. Many traditional spring varieties mature in just 25–35 days, making radishes especially rewarding for beginners and gardeners who enjoy quick harvests. These cool-season root vegetables thrive during the mild temperatures of spring and autumn. They grow well in traditional garden beds, raised beds, and containers, and their short growing period makes them...

How to Grow Beets in Canada Growing beets from seed is straightforward when the soil is properly prepared, seeds are sown at the right depth, and seedlings are thinned before they become overcrowded. With succession planting, gardeners can enjoy fresh beets from early summer well into autumn. This complete guide explains how to grow beets from seed in Canada, including planting dates, germination, direct sowing, spacing, thinning, watering, fertilizing, container growing, common problems, harvesting, and storage. It also highlights Babybeat, a compact beet variety available from Caribou Seed Company. Download | How to Grow Beets in Canada | Complete Growing...

Carrots are one of the most rewarding cool-season vegetables to grow from seed in Canada. They take up relatively little garden space, tolerate cool spring weather, and can provide harvests from early summer through late autumn. Download | How to Grow Carrots in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) The secret to growing great carrots begins below the surface. Loose, well-drained soil allows roots to develop properly, while consistent moisture is particularly important during germination. Seedlings also need enough room to grow, making thinning an essential part of producing healthy, well-shaped carrots. Unlike tomatoes and peppers, carrots do not need...

Many vegetables grow perfectly well when started indoors, but others are direct-sowing specialists. In fact, for certain crops, a change of address is more than just inconvenient—it can be critical. The most common reason for this preference is root sensitivity. Crops with long taproots (like carrots) or very delicate, branching roots (like beans and squash) despise being moved. When transplanted, these sensitive systems often cannot re-establish themselves, leading to stunted growth, misshapen harvests, or complete plant failure. This effect is known as Transplant Shock. By direct sowing, you ensure your vegetables never experience this setback. 🌱 Read More | When...