As grocery prices continue to climb, many people are finding it more cost-effective and satisfying to grow their own fresh produce in small gardens.
Now is the perfect time to start many of your favorite vegetables indoors, giving them a head start on the growing season and ensuring a bountiful harvest later on
By starting a small garden and growing your own fresh produce, you can not only enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating your own food but also save money on grocery bills!
Spring Planting Begins Indoors Now!
To ensure a flourishing spring garden, it's essential to start planning and preparing now. Most seeds need to be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, so begin by deciding which plants you want to grow and gathering all the necessary supplies for successful germination and growth.
Starting is Easy!
To start seeds indoors, you'll need a few basic supplies, including seed trays or pots, a seed-starting mix, and grow lights. Fill your trays or pots with the seed-starting mix, and follow the instructions on your seed packets for planting depth and spacing. Water the seeds gently, and keep them in a warm, well-lit area.
Once the seeds germinate, provide them with plenty of light, either through a sunny windowsill or with grow lights. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize the seedlings with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once they develop their first set of true leaves.
As the seedlings grow, you may need to thin them out or transplant them into larger pots. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in your garden. By following these steps, you can start your seeds indoors and enjoy a bountiful harvest later in the season.
Sustainable AND Affordable!
Starting seeds indoors doesn't have to be expensive or wasteful. With a little creativity, you can reuse common household items as seedling pots and containers. For example, empty toilet paper rolls can be cut in half and filled with seed-starting mix to create small seedling pots. Similarly, egg cartons make excellent seedling trays, with each compartment providing enough space for a single seed. Plastic containers, such as yogurt cups or plastic takeout containers, can also be reused as seedling pots after being thoroughly cleaned. By reusing these items, you not only save money but also reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact. So, the next time you're about to throw away a potential seedling pot, think twice and give it a new life in your garden!
Reusing household items for seedling pots is a great way to be resourceful and sustainable in your gardening practice. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also allows you to save money and be creative with your gardening materials. So, don't be afraid to experiment and think outside the box when it comes to starting seeds indoors!
Garden Like a Pro: Using the Old Farmer's Almanac's Planting Calendar for Red Deer
https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/AB/Red%20Deer provides a personalized planting calendar for gardeners in Red Deer, Alberta, based on the local climate and the lunar cycle. It offers planting dates for various vegetables and herbs, as well as tips on gardening by the moon phases. The site aims to help gardeners optimize their planting schedule for the best possible results, whether they are growing in the spring or fall. The Old Farmer's Almanac, which hosts the website, has been providing gardening advice and information for over two centuries, making it a trusted resource for gardeners of all levels.
No Room? No Problem! Red Deer Community has Community Gardens!
If you're in Red Deer and don't have space for a garden, don't worry! The city offers several community gardens where you can grow your own vegetables, herbs, and flowers alongside other gardening enthusiasts. These gardens provide a great opportunity to connect with your community, learn from experienced gardeners, and enjoy the beauty of nature in an urban setting. So, even if you don't have room for a garden of your own, you can still experience the joys of gardening and reap the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce. Check with the City of Red Deer or local community organizations to find a community garden near you and start growing!
These websites provide information about community garden plots, gardening opportunities, and resources for gardeners in Red Deer. You may also want to check with local community centers or organizations to see if they have any additional information about community gardens in the area. Happy gardening!
City of Red Deer Garden Plot Program:
Unity Baptist Church "Growing Together" Community Gardens:
Common Ground Garden Project: https://rethinkreddeer.ca/commonground
Red Deer Food Bank Community Gardens: