January 31, 2012

Well its starting to hint at spring.  No really - the days are a little longer.  Here in Powell River it seems a little warmer - or that is just me wishing.

We have been teaching classes at the recreation comples in Powell River for three weeks now.  Folks seem to be having a great time in the classes and are signing up for more.  So thats good.  Our topic tomorrow is Ecological gardening.  All about gardening while preserving the earth.  Next week is 'Soil'

For those in our area - this is the time to reserve your fruit trees.  We have plums, apples, peaches, cherries, etc on order.  If you reserve now you are sure to get what you want.

Also - Seedy Saturdays are starting up.  This Saturday February 4 we will be in Qualicum Beach.  There is a really popular seedy event there and we are pleased that we got a spor.

See you in the garden!

January 21, 2012

Hi all.  It is time to start thinking about the spring garden.  If you are in Powell River, think about attending our gardening classes, held at the Complex every Wednesday at 630 pm.  You can find out the topic in the recreation calendar sent out a while ago or on-line at the Recreaion complex.

Soon it will be time for early planting.  Stay tuned

Jan 16

Time to get those seed orders going if you want to grow herbs, onions and leeks.  You will want to start those in February.  Perennial flowers can be started now for many varieties - see the link at the right for some good ones to try.

A great place to go for seeds and seedy information are the many Seedy Saturdays around the country.  We will be attending the following:

• Qualicum Beach - February 4
• Comox/Courtenay - March 3
• Powell River - March 10

These are great events.  There are workshops on various topics, lots of enthusiastic gardeners to talk to and, of course, seeds.  See you there!

January 5, 2012

What's up in the garden? Not much really.

Things are looking pretty brown. We have no snow here in Powell River but it is 8 degrees out today; I even saw the sun for 15 minutes or so.

We are past the shortest day of the year and heading into spring. Its time to start thinking about planning your garden. Map out your garden on paper and take a look at sun paths and yard conditions. If you are in Powell River you can join us at the Recreation Complex for our Wednesday evening workshops on gardening.

Take a look at the seed you have left over from last year. If you saved it in a cold dry place, it may be fine to plant. Seed does age wherever it is stored, but most does fine for a couple of years. Make a list of what you want to grow and compare. What do you need to buy to get going for the year? Our seed catalogues are nearly ready and you can shop on-line at www.eternalseed.ca at any time.

Things to start indoors in February – herbs, onions and leeks from seed. Perennials can be started from seed now too. Take a look at my article on Suite101 for some tips.

Here in Powell River you can dig in some spinach, lettuce and corn salad seed and they will pop up when it is warm enough for them. Elsewhere in the country – if your ground is frozen you will have to wait until it thaws out to plant these things. 

If you have been winter gardening take a look at your winter lettuce. Hopefully you have some nice salad greens. 

See more on Squidoo at my lens - http://www.squidoo.com/organic-seed

DECEMBER 15, 2011

Here we are, 10 days to Christmas. No tree yet!! Been busy getting things together for the classes we will be having this winter.
We will be partnering with the Powell River Complex (recreation guide) to offer 16 classes on various garden topics. We start with an intro to organic gardening at an intro price. Go to the Powell River recreation centre web site to check it out.
http://www.powellriver.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=114



They have just great programs and are very helpful. It will be fun. I will post the schedule here soon. We are busy writing ad spots for SUN FM so you can hear about it on the radio.

November 27 2011
Its the end of November and time to plant your spring colour pots  No doubt you have seen bulbs on sale at the garden centres and other stores. Snap them up and plant them up!!



Planting spring bulbs in pots is an excellent way to get early colour where you want it. As well, you can put the tulips where the deer won't eat them !!

Use well draining soil mix and plant the bulbs twice as deep as they are tall. So if its a 1 inch bulb, plant it so the top of the bulb is 2 inches down. Water well and put them outside in a protect spot, say against a wall. If you can throw leaves on them all the better. Another spot could be your garage – where it is just as cold as it is outside.

In the spring uncover and shoots will start. Place the pots where you want some colour. To save for next year, feed with a slow release organic fertilizer or dig in a lot of compost around the bulbs. Let the leaves die down naturally and store out of the way.