Location
Choose a bright, sunny spot; most
veggies require 6-8 hours of direct
sunlight. Soil is also very important. If
planting in the ground or raised beds,
ensure your soil base is a good garden
mix topped with some compost. Battling
heavy clay? Excavate a minimum of 8”
of clay and fill in the empty space with
good garden mix and compost. If growing
in containers, choose a mix that will retain moisture yet drain well during wet
periods. Mykes Potting Soil or Sea Soil Container Mix are both great choices.
Seeding
One of the most cost effective methods. The majority
of the veggies we plant in the garden can be started
from seed. This includes beets, carrots, leafy greens,
beans, peas and so many more. Your seed packet tells
you everything you need to know; when to seed, how
deep to seed and how many days until you see green
growth. Space your seed accordingly to avoid crowding
of crops and when available, try using seed tape. This
biodegradable paper has seed pre-spaced for easy planting.
Consistent moisture is crucial for seeding success, so be
sure to keep the area moist until all seeds have sprouted.
Transplants
Available as a single potted plant or
packs with multiple plants. This is a
great choice if you want to get a jump
start on the garden or don’t want to
seed an entire row of plants. They also
make an excellent choice for container
gardens. While transplants of leafy
greens, peas or beets could be planted quite early in spring, heat lovers such
as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash should not be planted until nighttime
temperatures are consistently 7ºC and warmer. When planting, water transplants
in with a solution of Plant Prod Root Booster; this assists in preventing transplant
shock and contains a hormone for root development.