Growing plants from seed

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Growing plants
frOM SEEd
BO-SEMI-ANN
Growing plants from seed successfully
TOP QUALITY SEEDS
Buy small quantities at a time, to avoid having to store them. Seeds
should be kept dry and cool, to ensure good germination at planting
time.
DISEASE-FREE GROWING ENVIRONMENT
In clean and shallow containers (5 cm/2“) that drain well, use artificial
soil. It contains peat moss, vermiculite and sand, is light and retains
dampness.
A seed flat with divisions reduces the risk of contamination.
Use peat pots or Jiffy pellets for larger seeds or for seedlings that do not
tolerate transplanting.
Apply NO-dAMP fungicide on the soil before sowing, in order to prevent
the seedlings from damping off.
TEMPERATURE AND DAMPNESS
for fast and regular germination, cover flat with a plastic dome that will
provide higher temperature and dampness.
remove the dome as soon as seedlings emerge.
Move to a sunny, well-ventilated area where the temperature is 20 – 22 °C.
LIGHT
Light is essential as soon as seedlings emerge. A shortage of light will
produce weedy plants.
12 to 14 hours of artificial light is beneficial every day, even before the
seedlings emerge. Use AgroLite, Grolux or Vita-Lite fluorescent lights and
keep them at a distance of 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6“) from the seedlings.
for beautiful seedlings,
keep these three words in mind:
LIGHT • WATER • FERTILIzER
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Plants that need light to germinate
ANNUALS:
• Ageratum • Antirrhinum (Snapdragon) • Begonia • Browallia • Coleus
• Coreopsis • flowering kale • Gerbera • Helichrysum • Impatiens •
Matthiola • Molucella • Nicotiana • Petunia • reseda • Salvia •
Sanvitalia • Tithonia
VEGETABLES: CELERY • CHICORY • LETTUCE
HERBS: DILL • SAVORY
PERENNIALS:
• Achillea • Alyssum montanum • Arabis • Campanula •
Chrysanthemum • doronicum • Gaillardia • Lychnis • Papaver orientale
• Platycodon grandiflorus • Primula
HOUSE PLANTS: CAPSICUM (ORNAMENTAL PEPPER)
Steps to follow
1.
FILLING THE SEED FLAT
dampen artificial soil before filling. fill the seed flat and tamp soil
lightly, to level the surface.
2.
SEEDLINGS
Large seeds often benefit from soaking in water for several hours or
until swollen. Spread seeds with a Minisem hand sower or the seed
packet.
Very tiny seeds must not be covered.
Cover other seeds with soil or vermiculite at about twice the
thickness of the seed.
Sprinkle with care, using a watering can with a fine spray.
Label, indicating packet number and sowing date.
3.
GERMINATION
Check our catalogue for germination period.
Cover with a plastic dome and place at a warm temperature (on
top of the refrigerator) or under artificial light.
remove the dome as soon as seedlings emerge and move to a
sunny, well-ventilated area.
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4.
TRANSPLANTING
Seedlings are ready for transplantation when 2 pairs of true leaves
are formed. At this stage, the plant shows 2 leaves, as well as
cotyledons.
Transplant seedlings in a K804 flat.
Transplant tomato, pepper and eggplant seedlings into 8 – 10 cm
(4“) biodegradable peat pots.
Handle small seedlings by their leaves because small thin stems
break easily.
Pack soil lightly around the plants and water.
Keep the newly transplanted seedlings in the shade for a few days.
5.
GROWING
Maintain temperature around 22 °C during the day and 18 °C at
night.
Water and fertilize regularly with 20-20-20 fertilizer.
Allow surface to dry between waterings, because a damp soil
produces disease.
Some plants, such as geraniums, will have to be transplanted to
larger pots before setting out in the garden.
Before transplanting in the garden, gradually put the plants in
cooler temperatures.
When moving plants outdoors, keep them in the shade and
gradually move them into sunlight for short periods each day.
Gradually increase the length of exposure.
If possible, transplant on cool cloudy days.
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Artificial Lighting
What a pleasure to watch a seed grow and become a beautiful, healthy
plant. Many gardeners prefer making their own seedlings indoors during
the winter and early spring.
Some species need light to germinate well, others need darkness, but for
many, light has no importance.
But one thing applies to every plant: they all need a lot of light to grow.
Artificial light is the ideal solution to grow young plants indoors.
It's not expensive and you can place it anywhere you want, even in
places with no windows.
ADVANTAGES OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
during the winter, sunlight is not sufficient for good plant growth.
The addition of artificial light:
• Improves plant quality
•
Improves blooming of many plants which tend to stay dormant if
light is low
•
Helps many seeds to germinate
•
Allows you to grow a larger selection of plants indoors
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BEST SOURCES OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
FOR PLANTS
FLUORESCENT TUBES
The most popular, because they cover a larger surface. Cool White,
Grolux and Vita-Lite PowerTwist are among the best.
Cool White:
standard tubes for indoor lighting. Not expensive.
Available in 2' and 4' lengths. Provide fast and
uniform germination.
Grolux:
more expensive, but their special spectrum
produces dark green, compact plants. Stems
lengthen more slowly, but foliage becomes very
dense. Blooming is later. Germination is fast, but
seedlings are shorter than those under Cool White.
Vita-Lite:
wide spectrum tubes. Very close to sunlight. for an
enlarged light spectrum, combine a Cool White
tube with a Grolux or Vita-Lite.
LIGHT BULBS
Plant-Lite:
the most commonly used. different intensities are
available.
Wonderlite:
with mercury gas. More efficient and last longer.
Both types of light bulbs absolutely require porcelain socket
HOW TO INSTALL ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS
With a photometer, you can determine if natural light is sufficient
or not.
Special fixtures with reflectors are more efficient.
12 to 16 hours of light are needed every day to maintain active
plant growth. Use a timer to keep even light periods.
Light intensity decreases rapidly as the light source is moved away.
The best distance between light and a plant is about 30 cm (12") but
for seed germination, it's 15 cm (6").
Telephone: 905.873.3037
Toll Free: 1.800.784.3037
Fax: 1.800.282.5746
P.O. Box 2500
Georgetown (Ontario) L7G 5L6
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PEANUT
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Plant three (3) seeds per mound in a warm and sandy
soil. The groundnut grows best when summers are long and hot. do not sow
too deeply. Harvest after the first frost and let them dry in their hulls. Before
eating cook the groundnut in the oven at 150 °C (300 °f).
ARTICHOKE
CULTURAL PRACTICES: A tender perennial grown as an annual. Sow in 8 cm
peat pots. Harden off in May. Plant in the ground, 4 to 6 cm deep, when all
danger of frost has passed. Mulch heavily. Harvest buds once they are large
and swollen, but before flowers appear.
ASPARAGUS
Asparagus is a perennial plant whose parts are edible. PLANTATION: Soak the
seeds in water 48 hours before planting. The first year, sow seeds directly in
the garden between mid-May and late May. SPACING: The first year, space
on the row is 10 cm and space between the rows is 45 cm. TIPS FOR CULTURE:
Weeding and keep the soil moist. The second year, harvest the claws and
place them to their final location, space on the row is 45 cm and space
between rows is 1.25 m. You will begin your harvest in the third year. This plant
has a life expectancy of 8 – 20 years.
EGGPLANT:
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Eggplant is grown like tomato plants. Start indoors,
then transplant in the garden 6 to 8 weeks later. Germination is slow, can take
up to 3 weeks, and warm temperatures (24 °C) are needed. Seedlings should
be hardened off, though not below a temperature of 15 °C. In the garden,
space the plants 61 cm apart, in rows that are 80 cm apart, in warm, rich soil.
The best tasting fruit is obtained by picking it before the seeds inside are fully
grown.
BEET
PLANTING TIME: Sow seeds directly in the garden from May to the beginning
of July, mid-June for a full harvest. The beets will have a better taste when
they grow quickly and steadily. SOIL: Light and slightly sandy soil with a pH of
6.0 or higher. Should be free of stones and clumps to allow the proper
development of the root system. Work the soil thoroughly with compost or
manure. SPACING: Sow 1 cm deep. Clear plants 8 cm apart on rows spaced
at least 30 – 40 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Heavy rains after a long period of
dry weather will result in poor root colour. These drought periods will also
cause tough or woody roots. Keep the beets well watered. A full sun
exposure is ideal. HARVEST: Beets are tender as soon as they reach half their
size, but harden when larger. When the plants are young the leaves make
delicious greens.
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SWISS CHARD
CULTURAL PRACTICES: for better germination plant early in the spring in a rich
well-prepared soil, as soon as it can be worked. Sow in rows 45 cm apart,
thinning seedlings to 30 cm apart. Cut the outer leaves first and continue
picking as needed. A great source rich in vitamins. Very similar to spinach
leaves in taste and appearance.
CORN SWEET
CULTIVATION: Sweet corn requires full sun exposure, a rich soil and heat.
Sowing should be done between mid-May and mid-June. Sweet corn seeds
are sown at a distance of 25 centimetres and at a depth of 1 to 3 centimetres
depending on the size of the seed. Spacing between rows is 90 centimetres.
The growth of seedlings may be earlier in a light, hot and rocky soil. Sowing
has to be done later in cold and humid soils, such as clay. In order to have
nice ears, it is preferable to plant six (6) small rows rather than one long one.
BROCCOLI AND MINI BROCCOLI
PLANTING TIME: Can be started indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost or
sown directly in the garden at the beginning of May. It is essential to rotate
your crops to prevent diseases. SOIL: Prepare the garden soil. It should be
loose and hold moisture well. Uses the same type of soil, as cabbage but
requires more watering because of its rapid development. SPACING: When
transplanting or clearing, leave 30 to 45 cm between the plants and 45 to
60 cm between the rows, depending on the chosen types. GROWING TIPS:
Use a nitrogen fertilizer. Keep well watered. HARVEST: Heads should be firm
and tight. At this point, cut down on stalk to encourage side shoots of smaller
heads for an extended harvest.
CARROT
PLANTING TIME: Sow at the beginning of May for an early crop, in mid-June
for a fall crop and even at the beginning of July for young, tender carrots at
the end of the season. SOIL: Carrots prefer fairly rich, deeply worked, stonefree soil with even moisture. Shorter varieties are suitable for shallow or heavy
soil; the longer types need deeper soil. SPACING: Sow 6 mm deep, in rows
40 cm apart. Space carrots to 5 cm. Sow seeds thinly, cover with soil. Hill the
soil well up around the plants to prevent burning of the plants. GROWING
TIPS: Keep soil moist for good formation of the root. Plant in full sun or light
shade. Light feeders. Hoe the soil over any exposed root crowns to prevent
greening. HARVEST: root shapes may vary significantly under different
environments and growing conditions. Lift carrots when their size is in
accordance to the variety and when they have a good orange colour. Baby
carrots should be picked at the young stage or they will continue to grow.
Can be kept in cool storage.
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CELERY
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow indoors, in light sandy soil, at the beginning of
March. Cover the seeds with 3 mm of earth. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
Mulch will help keep moisture and reduce weed growth. Seeds germinate in
approximately 3 weeks at a temperature of 18 °C. Transfer the seedlings to
pots when about 2.5 cm. When plants are 7 to 13 cm tall, around the end of
May, transplant in the garden in rich soil. Leave about 20 to 30 cm between
the plants on rows that are at least 60 cm apart.
CELERIAC
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Grow as you would celery in a rich well- drained soil.
The soil should be warm (over 17 °C) and maintained adequately moist. A
lack of boron in the soil will cause heart rot and hollow roots. Pick when at
least 10 to 15 cm in diameter, between the end of the summer into the fall.
Good for winter storage in a cool basement.
ITALIAN CHICORY
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Same growing practice as for head lettuce.
CURLY ENDIVE
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow directly in the garden in mid-May. Plant seeds
6 mm deep and 10 cm apart. When the plants are large, tie the outer leaves
together to let the centre blanch.
ENDIVE (ESCAROLLE TYPE)
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow directly in the garden in mid-May. Plant seeds
6 mm deep and 10 cm apart. When the plants are large, tie the outer leaves
together to let the centre blanch.
CHINESE CABBAGE
Sow in July. Before this, plants have a tendency to go to seed. restrained
vegetation. Leave 30 cm between plants in rows spaced at least 45 cm
apart.
SOYA EDAMAME
requires a well-drained soil at 15 °C when seeding and full sun. do not soak
the seeds before planting. Heat and drought tolerant. No need to fertilize.
Harvest when the pods are plump and still bright green.
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ORIENTAL VEGETABLES
Typical Oriental varieties that have the texture and appearance of spinach.
Plants reach 10 to 25 cm in height. deep green colour, very rich in vitamins.
Thick oval to elongated leaves. Varieties offered have a compact to ultracompact rapid growth habit. Ideal for limited spaces. The leaves and stems
are edible. Can be steamed or cooked in a wok. Best for Chinese cooking
preparations and vegetarian meals. They enhance the quality of your meals.
Sow in May in a rich soil at 1 cm in depth. Space at 15 to 20 cm in all directions after full plant growth.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
CULTURAL PRATICES: Same as broccoli. full sun or slight shade and lots of
moisture are necessary. It is essential to rotate the crop. To help the upper
sprouts develop, pinch out the tip of the plant in late summer. Pick sprouts
from bottom of the stalk when they reach 2.5 – 3 cm in diameter. flavour is
enhanced when subjected to light frost.
SAVOY CABBAGE AND KALE
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow in early spring, or June to July, in fertile soil with a
pH of 6.5, 6 mm deep and 2.5 cm apart. Seedlings should be thinned out to
space 50 cm apart. The plant will mature in about 60 days, with best growth
in cool conditions. do not plant where Cole crops have been planted during
the two previous years in order to avoid disease.
KOHLRABI
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Plant seeds 1 cm deep in a rich soil, in early spring. Soil
should have a pH around 6.5. Space the rows 30 to 45 cm apart and thin
seedlings to 13 cm apart. Harvest when young, 5 cm diameter after approximately 60 days.
CABBAGE
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Necessitates crop rotation. Cabbage grows well in
cool weather. Sow directly in the garden in the end of May only or start your
seedling indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost. If the seedlings are hardened off before transplanting, they will withstand a mild frost. SOIL: fertile,
well irrigated, humus-rich loams with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. SPACING: Sow seeds
6 mm deep and as thinly as possible. Thin the seedlings to 30 to 45 cm apart,
in rows 61 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Plants require moisture especially after
transplanting or during dry spells. Plant in full sun to light shade. HARVEST:
Better conservation if harvested towards the end of October, or just prior to a
major frost. Harvest when the heads are firm. Store in a cold storage room.
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CAULIFLOWER
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Cauliflower does very well in cool weather and it will
be affected by the weather more than other vegetables. Sow in a greenhouse from february 1st to mid-March for early crops. In this case, young
seedlings will need to be hardened off. Or, you can also sow directly in the
garden as soon as the soil can be worked. for a fall crop, sow outdoors
between the beginning and the middle of June. SOIL: fertile soil with an
abundant supply of moisture. SPACING: Sow the seeds thinly about 6 to
13 mm deep. When the seedlings are about 10 cm high, thin them out to 45
to 50 cm apart in rows of 60 to 90 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Apply boron, as
a foliage spray, on small plants. Plants require moisture and full sun with light
shade. HARVEST: To prevent sunburn on the plant, tie the leaves over the
centre of the head. Pick when firm and the size is as required.
PUMPKIN
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Plant when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is
warm. SOIL: A nice, fertile soil and adequate moisture are necessary. Protect
from the wind. SPACING: Plant 4 to 5 seeds 2.5 cm deep in hills 2 m apart.
Thin out seedlings leaving 2 to 3 plants. GROWING TIPS: Pumpkins need
generous amounts of organic matter in the soil. Watering should be slow and
deep. HARVEST: What would autumn be without the presence of pumpkins in
the garden! And what a treat is pumpkin pie! Seeds make the ideal nutritious
snack. And of course, pumpkins are also for Halloween. The cooked flesh is
used for preserves and for freezing. rich in vitamin A. Harvest when the colour
of the pumpkin is dark orange. Storage should be in a cool dry place.
CUCUMBER
CULTURAL PRACTICES: The cucumber is a climbing vine which will do well on
a trellis if you have limited space or wish to produce straighter fruit. It can also
be grown on the ground. Germination will begin only when planted in a
warm soil, around 16 °C but not below 10 °C, and when there is no longer
any risk of frost, which cucumber plants cannot survive. Start seeds indoors at
least 3 weeks before transplanting. reduce planting stock by using Jiffy Pots
(see Gardening Aids). SOIL: Light, well-drained soil. SPACING: Put 5 to 6 seeds
per mound and space them 1.5 to 3 metres apart all around. GROWING TIPS:
full sun and moisture are necessary. Before transplanting, the soil must be well
watered. Use black mulch to protect seeds and to increase soil temperature.
HARVEST: Pick slicing cucumbers when their size has reached about 15 to
20 cm in length. Pickling cucumbers should be picked when they are 2.5 to
7 cm long.
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PICKLING CUCUMBER
CULTURAL PRACTICES: The cucumber is a climbing vine which will do well on
a trellis if you have limited space or wish to produce straighter fruit. It can also
be grown on the ground. Germination will begin only when planted in a
warm soil, around 16 °C but not below 10 °C, and when there is no longer any
risk of frost, which cucumber plants cannot survive. Start seeds indoors at
least 3 weeks before transplanting. reduce planting stock by using Jiffy Pots
(see Gardening Aids). SOIL: Light, well-drained soil. SPACING: Put 5 to 6 seeds
per mound and space them 1.5 to 3 metres apart all around. GROWING TIPS:
full sun and moisture are necessary. Before transplanting, the soil must be well
watered. Use black mulch to protect seeds and to increase soil temperature.
HARVEST: Pick slicing cucumbers when their size has reached about 15 to
20 cm in length. Pickling cucumbers should be picked when they are 2.5 to
7 cm long.
SQUASH
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Squash are a warm-season crop that needs temperatures of 18 to 27 °C. You can start them indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Transplant only when there no longer is a risk of frost. SOIL: Use a
warm, fertile and well-drained soil. SPACING: Place each seed about 2.5 cm
deep in hills that are 1.5 to 2 meters apart. Later thin to 2 or 3 of the best
plants. GROWING TIPS: In cool areas, protect young plants with cloches or
floating row covers. Add mulch after planting. Trailing types may be grown
up on strong supports. Plants need plenty of water. To conserve moisture work
organic matter into soil. Plant in full sun. HARVEST (summer): Pick the fruit
when the blossom end has fallen off the end of the fruit. HARVEST (winter):
Must be entirely ripe and the shell quite hard. HARVEST (zucchini): Cut the
zucchini when they are 10 cm long, with a short stalk. Handle the fruit
carefully to avoid bruising them. regular harvesting will encourage the
production of more fruit.
ORNAMENTAL GOURD
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Squash are a warm-season crop that needs temperatures of 18 to 27 °C. You can start them indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Transplant only when there no longer is a risk of frost. SOIL: Use a
warm, fertile and well-drained soil. SPACING: Place each seed about 2.5 cm
deep in hills that are 1.5 to 2 meters apart. Later thin to 2 or 3 of the best
plants. GROWING TIPS: In cool areas, protect young plants with cloches or
floating row covers. Add mulch after planting. Trailing types may be grown
up on strong supports. Plants need plenty of water. To conserve moisture work
organic matter into soil. Plant in full sun. HARVEST: Must be entirely ripe and
the shell quite hard. DRYING: pick them when the stems turn brownish. Punch
the end close to the stem with a long needle to let air inside; then hang for
several months in a well-ventilated area. The seeds will rattle when the gourds
are fully dry. Clean thoroughly with a strong disinfectant to remove any fungi
or dirt. Let dry and apply polish.
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CRESS
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Watercress is an aquatic plant that must be sown near
calm water or anywhere there is an artificial flow of pure water. rapid
growth. Others cress are sown directly from April to September. All cress
requires very moist soil that is rich in humus and they prefer shade. Very rich
in minerals and vitamins, they should be picked before the blooming period.
WATERCRESS
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Watercress is an aquatic plant that must be sown near
calm water or anywhere there is an artificial flow of pure water. rapid
growth. Others cress are sown directly from April to September. All cress
requires very moist soil that is rich in humus and they prefer shade. Very rich
in minerals and vitamins, they should be picked before the blooming period.
SPINACH
PLANTING TIME: May be planted as soon as the soil can be worked and again
at the end of August or beginning of September for fall crops. SOIL: Welldrained and highly fertile soil. SPACING: Space rows 60 cm apart with seed
2 cm deep. GROWING TIPS: Enrich soil with high nitrogen organic matter. full
sun. Tolerates light shade. HARVEST: Cut young terminal shoots about 15 to
20 cm long; this encourages further shoots to develop over several weeks.
Eat leaves within two days of picking or refrigerate them for a few days.
Good source of iron and vitamins.
BUSH BEAN
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow when all danger of frost has passed, as the seed
is tender. Start around mid-May until the end of July. SOIL: Beans require a soil
temperature of at least 18 °C but no more than 24 °C. Poor germination will
occur if planted too early or if the soil is too wet. The beans prefer a light, welldrained soil. SPACING: Space seeds 5 to 8 cm apart in rows 50 cm apart. Sow
every two weeks until July for a continuous harvest. All our Bush Bean varieties
are string less. GROWING TIPS: Keep well fertilized but do not allow seeds to
touch concentrated fertilizer. An excess of nitrogen will cause too much
foliage and fewer pods. full sun is needed. Keep surface of soil moist until the
beans start showing. HARVESTING: do not allow over-maturing. Beans should
feel firm and crisp. Pick regularly to encourage the production of new pods.
do not pick beans after a rain or in the early morning as this may cause
diseases.
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POLE BEAN
PLANTING TIME: Same as Bush Beans. SOIL: Should be rich and worked well.
Mulch with peat moss. SPACING: Pole beans are grown on stakes, fences or
trellises and can reach 3 metres in height. They are perfect for gardeners who
have limited space as they are great savers of space. Plant 2.5 to 3 metre
long stakes, 1 metre apart. Sow 5 to 8 seeds so as to leave only 4 plants per
stake after thinning. On a trellis, clear plants to 15 cm apart. 1 package for 4
metres, 125 g for 15 metres. Use a sheltered spot in your garden or against the
house. GROWING TIPS: Water well in dry weather. full sun. Keep weeds under
control. HARVESTING: Same as Bush Beans
BROADBEAN
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Broad beans grow well in cool soil and must be sown
as early as possible, late April or early May, as plants need to mature in early
summer when nights and days are still cool. The soil should be moist and well
drained. Sow seeds 5 cm deep, in rows 75 to 90 cm apart, leaving 20 to
30 cm between plants. The beans should be picked when they have the
appearance of being swollen. Beans are used for soups or various hot dishes.
1 package for 4 metres.
BEAN-SHELL
CULTURAL PRACTICES: A true gourmet item! Grow like a bush snap bean.
These beans are picked when plants are very dry and beans sound in the
pods. dry beans are used for soups or baked beans. Great for winter use, as
they are easy to freeze or to can.
BEAN-LIMA
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow at the end of May or beginning of June, not
before. The temperature of the soil should be very warm (minimum 18 °C).
Space rows 75 cm apart, leaving 30 cm between plants. Sow 5 cm deep.
Beans are eaten once pods are full. 1 package for 4 metres.
LETTUCE
PLANTING TIME: Lettuce is the first crop of spring. Good resistance t° Cold
allows it to be sown as soon as the earth can be worked. for an early harvest,
sow in a cold or hot bed and transplant directly in May. Germination will be
quicker and more uniform if the temperature is between 10 and 15 °C. SOIL:
A rich, well-drained soil is best. SPACING: for the main harvest, sow directly in
rows spaced 40 to 45 cm apart. Leave 20 – 25 cm between plants according
to their varieties. GROWING TIPS: It is helpful to add fertilizer high in nitrogen,
decomposed manure or compost to the soil. full sun. Needs constant
moisture. To reduce weeds and keep soil cool, mulch it. HARVESTING: Pick
lettuce early in the morning. firmness is an indication of readiness.
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CORN SALAD
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow in early spring. Germination is slow. Thin, allowing
small rosettes to be formed by the dark green leaves. Pick when about 6 cm
high, without separating the leaves. Popular in Europe, its flavour is enhanced
by frost but lessened if too mature.
CANTALOUPE AND WATERMELON
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Start seeds indoors in early spring. After about 6 weeks
and when all risk of frost has passed, the seedlings should be hardened off
and planted in the garden. SOIL: Melons need a well-drained, fertile soil with
a pH of 6.5 to 7, high humus content and a high level of nitrogen. SPACING:
Plant each seedling in slight mounds spaced 1 meter apart with 1 to
1.5 meters between rows. Make sure to protect young plants from wind and
cold weather with cloches or plastic tunnels until they are well established.
GROWING TIPS: Soil should be rich in organic matter and kept moist. Choose
a warm site in full sun. Pinch end of stems for faster ripening. HARVESTING:
Cantaloupe and muskmelon are sweet smelling when mature and fruit stalks
crack.
TURNIP
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Turnips grow well under cool conditions. A first planting
can be done from April 15th to May 15th. Sow in July or August for a 2nd harvest
in the fall. Turn the soil carefully. Space the rows 30 – 45 cm apart. Clear plants
to 8 – 10 cm. 1 seed package for 5 metres. Harvest after the first frost, which
enhances their sweetness. Store as you would potatoes. Turnip leaves
contain 3 times more vitamin A than Soya beans and are the only known
vegetable with vitamin B12. Crop rotation is a must.
SPANISH ONION
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Must be sown very early, as soon as the ground can be
properly worked. Spanish onions must be sown indoors, between the beginning and the end of february. SOIL: A rich and fertile soil of mineral or organic
matter. Soil must be kept moist but not wet. SPACING: Space rows 35 to
38 cm apart. for larger bulbs, clear the plants 7 to 8 cm apart. 1 seed package for 5 meters. Thinned plants taste great in a salad. GROWING TIPS:
Applying a fertilizer is recommended and should be repeated when the
bulbs begin to swell. HARVESTING: Storage onions: when the onion tops begin
to fall over, turn brown and wither. drying may be accelerated by bending
down some of the tops. Pick the onions then place them in a warm, dry,
ventilated area to preserve. When dried, store the onions in a cool, dry
location. Bunching Onions: it is best to harvest them when they are young
and green.
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ONION
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Must be sown very early, as soon as the ground can be
properly worked. Spanish onions must be sown indoors, between the beginning and the end of february. SOIL: A rich and fertile soil of mineral or organic
matter. Soil must be kept moist but not wet. SPACING: Space rows 35 to
38 cm apart. for larger bulbs, clear the plants 7 to 8 cm apart. 1 seed package for 5 meters. Thinned plants taste great in a salad. GROWING TIPS:
Applying a fertilizer is recommended and should be repeated when the
bulbs begin to swell. HARVESTING: Storage onions: when the onion tops begin
to fall over, turn brown and wither. drying may be accelerated by bending
down some of the tops. Pick the onions then place them in a warm, dry,
ventilated area to preserve. When dried, store the onions in a cool, dry
location. Bunching Onions: it is best to harvest them when they are young
and green.
OKRA
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Plant after last frost when the ground is warm. To help
seeds sprout, soak in water for a few hours before planting. Pick every 2 or
3 days. rich in proteins. Add to your favourite salad, soup, stew, etc.
PARSNIP
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow very early, as soon as the soil is ready
(temperature of 16 °C). A sandy soil, in which there is not too much fertilizer,
is ideal. The seeds must be sown closely enough because germination is
difficult. Pull up roots at the end of October or leave outside, covered with
mulch, to be pulled up the next spring. 1 seed package covers 5 metres.
PEPPER
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Start the seedlings indoors in hot beds or greenhouses.
Transplant into Jiffy Pots to begin hardening off at a temperature of 21 °C. do
not plant out until all risk of frost has passed and nights are warm (over 12 –
13 °C) or the flowers will drop. SOIL: Moderately deep, fertile, well-drained
soil with medium nitrogen levels. SPACING: Sow approximately 30 – 45 cm
apart in rows 60 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Stake cultivars over 60 cm tall.
Water regularly. Plant in a sunny location. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a
month. HARVESTING: Peppers are best harvested when green; others may be
left to turn red or yellow. Cut the stalk about 2.5 cm from the fruit. Once
picked, keep the fruit in a cool area. Use 'Kozy-Coats' for earlier crops (see
Gardening Accessories).
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LEEK
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Slow vegetative development. Sow indoors in March
and transplant as soon as the soil can be worked. Clear if too dense. When
leaves of young leek are 6 to 8 cm long, it is recommended to cut the
extremities so plants will grow bigger. Then transplant, leaving 15 cm between each plant. Weed and draw earth up against plant base. 1 seed
packet for 5 metres.
PEA
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Peas prefer cool weather conditions to grow. Early
varieties can be sown as soon as the ground can be worked. depending on
the regions and the varieties, you may be able to start in late March until midMay. for fall crops, sow in July or August. SOIL: A rich, well-drained, sandy soil
is best. for larger yields and better quality peas, use Garden Seed Inoculants.
To ensure proper germination, the temperature of the soil should be between
10 and 16 °C. However, if it is hot (30 °C), the rate of germination will fall.
SPACING: Peas are natural climbers and can tolerate crowding. If you have
limited space, use high wire fencing between double rows. Sow seeds in
double rows 7 – 10 cm apart, with seed spacing 5 cm apart and cover the
seed with 5 mm of soil. Make successive sowings (watch out for hot
temperatures). for best results, provide support such as our trellis (see
Gardening Aids Section). do not thin plants. GROWING TIPS: Maintain even
moisture. Plant in full sun. Give the protection of a mild fungicide in prolonged
wet spells. HARVESTING: In order to encourage continuous production, pick
peas regularly. The most flavourful peas are young and tender.
PEA-SNAP
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Growing conditions are like those of peas, with the only
difference being that the very fibrous pod of the garden pea cannot be
eaten. However, the snap/snow peas are eaten entirely, peas and pods.
Harvest when you can see the peas rising slightly inside the pod. They are
more tenders when they are younger.
RADISH
PLANTING TIME: Sowing may be done early in the spring, with successive ones
every week afterwards. May be forced in greenhouses. Prefers cooler
temperatures. SOIL: Ideal growing temperature is from 10 to 18 °C in a good,
fertile soil. SPACING: Sow in rows spaced 45 to 50 cm apart and cleared 2.5 –
5 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Keep moist. The faster they grow, the better the
taste. Semi-shade. radishes may be sown in wide rows (2 or 3 rows planted
together). May also be sown with slower growing vegetables to mark rows.
HARVESTING: When they have reached the size you wish. However, do not let
them grow too large as this will affect the taste (tough or woody).
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SALSIFY
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow very early, as soon as the soil is ready (temperature of 16 °C). A sandy soil, in which there is not too much fertilizer, is ideal.
1 seed package for 5 metres. Store in moist sand, in the basement.
TOMATO
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Sow indoors under grow lights, approximately 6 –
8 weeks before last frost in your region. Harden off before planting outdoors.
Grow best at 21-24 °C or higher. SOIL: Prepare the ground by working in
plenty of well-rotted manure or compost at least 30 cm deep. Apply a
general fertilizer before planting. PACING: Set out 45 to 60 cm apart in rows
90 cm apart. Plant indeterminate types on stakes with 38 – 45 cm between
plants in single rows 45 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Tomatoes tolerate a wide
range of fertile and well-drained soils. They require even moisture. Be careful
however not to over-water as this will reduce their flavour. Grow in a warm,
sunny spot. HARVESTING: Pick fruits as they ripen. Before frost, pull the plants
up by the roots and hang them upside down indoors to help the fruits ripen.
HUCKLEBERRY-GARDEN:
CULTURAL PRACTICES: Start seedlings indoors at the beginning of April.
Transplant at the end of May. Similar to the tomato in CULTURAL PRACTICES.
Likes a rich, well-drained soil and lots of sun. Harvest when berries turn very
black. Should be eaten cooked.
SPROUTS
To sprout seeds, moisten them and leave them out at room temperature. It is
important to not let the seed soak in water. Cooling the seed will slow or even
stop the sprouting process.
CUCUMBER-GREEHOUSE EUROPEAN
CULTURE: European style cucumbers that require no pollination. The plants
are completely gynoecious (100% female flowers) and parthenocarpic
(development of fruit without pollination). Not to be grown outdoors and
Must be isolated from all foreign pollination sources that might be carried by
plants of another type or by outdoor insects (their pollination would cause
deformity in the fruit). Sow in individual peat pots. In 4 to 5 weeks, transplant
pot and all, leaving 60 cm between plants in the row and space rows 1.5 to
2 metres apart. Pruning will improve normal development of fruits.
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GREENHOUSE PEPPER
PLANTING TIME: Start seeds indoors in hot beds or in a greenhouse. Transplant
into Jiffy Pots to begin hardening off at a temperature of 21 °C. don’t plant
outdoors until all risk of frost has passed and nights are warm (over 12 to
13 °C) or flowers will drop. SOIL: Moderately deep, fertile, well-drained soil
with medium nitrogen levels. SPACING: Sow approximately 30 to 45 cm apart
in rows 60 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Stake cultivars over 60 cm tall. Water
regularly. Need a sunny location. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month.
HARVESTING: Peppers are best harvested when green; others may be left to
turn red or yellow. Cut the stalk about 2.5 cm from the fruit. Once picked,
keep in a cool area. Use 'Kozy-Coats' for earlier crops (see Gardening
Accessories).
GREENHOUSE TOMATO
CULTURE: The varieties of tomatoes recommended for growing in greenhouses are more resistant to a greater number of diseases. All varieties are of
indeterminate growth. Harvest tasty tomatoes almost all year long.
developed specifically for greenhouse or garden tunnel cultivation. In the
greenhouse, sow in mid-January for a spring crop and/or in mid-June for a
fall harvest.
STRAWBERRY:
CULTURE: Start indoors for best results. Start under glass or plastic and keep
moist. Germination will occur after 3 – 4 weeks at 18 °C. Lightly cover the
seeds with vermiculite. Once sprouted, maintain at cool temperatures (night
temperatures at 10 °C). Transplant outside using a greenhouse tunnel or
plastic non-heated tunnels. requires lots of light.
GARLIC:
CULTURE: follow the same guidelines as for onions, because garlic is grown
much the same way. Plant early in the spring. Barely cover the cloves leaving
10 cm between each.
ONION SET:
PLANTING TIME: Sow in the spring when the soil is workable, on a firm seedbed. To extend the growing season, start under cover in seed trays or cell
packs in early spring. SOIL: Grow them in an open area, on fertile medium to
light soil that is well drained. Prepare soil by digging in a good quantity of
well-rotted manure. do not plant in fresh manure. An all-purpose feed may
be worked into the seedbed before sowing. Onions have low nitrogen
requirements. SPACING: Press bulbs in the soil about 4 cm apart: for larger
onions, thin out to 12 cm apart. GROWING TIPS: Keep site free of weeds.
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Onions have fairly small roots and need small quantities of water once well
established. Plant in full sun. HARVESTING: Tops of onions will turn brown and
wilt. for fresh use, pull or lift as needed. for storage, make sure that the outer
skins are thoroughly dry before putting in storage. Handle carefully to prevent
storage rot. Store in a dry, cool area.
HOW TO PRESERVE SEEDS
AFTER SOWING, return any excess seeds to their packet, fold over the top two
or three times and seal the packet with tape. PLACE THE PACKET IN A jAR.
Prepare a small pack of powdered milk with the corner of an envelope,
place it in the jar as well and close the jar.The powdered milk will absorb any
excess moisture inside the jar, that could shorten the life of your seeds.
replace the powdered milk once a year. PLACE THE jAR IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
You have just created a little seed preservation device, that is very efficient
and easy to make. Generally, you can estimate that any type of annual seed
will be good until the 3rd year.
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