In The Garden — seed starting

Download | How to Grow Asparagus in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) Asparagus is one of the most rewarding perennial vegetables to grow in a Canadian garden. Unlike annual vegetables that must be replanted each spring, a well-established asparagus bed can provide delicious, tender spears for 15–20 years or longer. Although asparagus requires patience during its first few growing seasons, the reward is an early spring harvest that arrives before many other garden vegetables are ready. Once established, asparagus is remarkably cold hardy and well suited to Canadian climates. Growing asparagus from seed is an economical way to establish...

Download | How to Grow Cauliflower in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) Cauliflower is one of the most rewarding cool-season vegetables to grow in Canada, producing beautiful, tightly packed heads that can be roasted, steamed, added to curries, or preserved for later use. However, cauliflower requires more careful timing than many other garden vegetables. Temperature fluctuations, dry soil, root restriction, and interrupted growth can all affect the quality of the developing head. When should you plant cauliflower in Canada? For a spring harvest, start seeds indoors approximately 4–6 weeks before transplanting into the garden. For a fall harvest, start...

Download | How to Grow Eggplant in Canada | Complete Growing Guide (PDF) Eggplant is one of the most beautiful warm-season vegetables you can grow in a Canadian garden. From the glossy, deep purple fruits of Black Beauty to the lavender-and-white marbling of Rosa Bianca, homegrown eggplant offers wonderful flavour and versatility for grilling, roasting, baking, and preparing Mediterranean and Asian dishes. Although eggplant is naturally a heat-loving crop, it can be grown successfully throughout many parts of Canada. The key is to start seeds indoors early enough, wait for genuinely warm weather before transplanting, and provide consistent moisture, fertile...

Download | How to Grow Broccoli in Canada | Complete Guide (PDF) Want to grow fresh, flavourful broccoli in your Canadian garden? Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that grows best when temperatures are mild, making spring and fall ideal growing seasons across much of Canada. With the right planting schedule, fertile soil, and consistent moisture, you can grow firm, healthy broccoli heads from seed in raised beds, traditional vegetable gardens, or large containers. When should you plant broccoli in Canada? For a spring harvest, start seeds indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before your planned outdoor transplanting date, then move...

Leggy seedlings are one of the most common problems for new gardeners. They grow tall, thin, and weak—often leaning toward the light and struggling to support themselves. It’s frustrating, especially when everything else seems to be going right. The good news is that leggy seedlings can usually be fixed—and prevented—with a few simple adjustments. This guide will show you exactly what causes leggy growth, how to fix it quickly, and how to prevent it from happening again. What Are Leggy Seedlings? Leggy seedlings are plants that have stretched too far in search of light. They typically have: Long, thin stems...