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How to Master Companion Planting in Containers

How to Master Companion Planting in Containers

Offering a variety of benefits to small-space gardens, urban farms and even larger growing operations, “Companion Planting” is a technique well worth exploring. The benefits of companion planting in containers are not limited to simply maximizing the amount of produce that can be grown in a small space, but also extend to soil and plant health, yield and even natural pest control. It is a simple technique that can be easily mastered by the beginner gardener, helping you to make the most out of your garden.

The companion planting technique is nothing new. In fact, there is evidence of this technique being used as far back as Ancient China - where growers followed old traditions of including garlic bulbs among their other vegetable crops to help deter potential pests. Perhaps one of the best known examples of companion planting is the “Three Sisters” garden, a technique used by Indigenous tribes throughout North America that combines specific crops known to support and benefit each other to maximize space, efficiency and yield.

The Basics of Companion Planting in Containers

Different plants have different needs, and so understanding the way each plant grows, how much space and drainage each one requires are important considerations when choosing the right container. There are also different ways that plants support one another - some may help deter pests, while others can help enhance the growth of their neighboring plants.

Smaller containers, window boxes and round plant pots can be used to companion plant smaller herbs and flowers, while fabric planters like GardenSoxx® can offer more companion planting flexibility and potential for a wider variety of plants. While raised beds offer a larger area, they are still contained and the right companion plant pairings can help to truly maximize their potential.

When companion planting in containers, you will want to consider the main goal of your companion planting technique which will help you decide which plants should be paired together.

If your goal is to do your own pest control without the use of chemicals, you will want to think about the Trap Cropping method. This means planting specific crops that will lure pests in, thereby distracting and deterring them away from your main crops. Alternatively, you can also companion plant your crops with strong-scented herbs that help to deter pests altogether. Consider including plants that attract pollinators and other beneficial insects that will help to control pest populations and create a balanced garden ecosystem.

If plant health and protection is your main concern, you will want to choose crops that can support and nurture one another - either by giving each other shade, physical support, or enhancing specific nutrients in the soil that other crops can benefit from. Try combining plants that grow up along a trellis with crops that create deeper root systems and prefer to be in the shade. Certain plants have the capability of producing and fixing nitrogen in the soil - and they are best planted with crops that require higher levels of nitrogen to thrive.

If you are ultimately trying to save space, you will want to focus mainly on plants that grow well together and will not compete for nutrients or resources. You can also use companion planting as an opportunity to combine edibles and ornamentals to maximize functionality without compromising the beauty of your space. With companion planting, you can get creative with your landscape without the need to have a dedicated space for a separate vegetable garden.

Best Companion Plant Pairings for Gardening Containers

A common strategy when planting for pest control is to include aromatic herbs among your vegetable crops. Herbs like Rosemary, Lavender, Chives and Lemongrass have strong scents that deter a variety of garden pests, keeping them away from your vegetables. Mint is another common pest deterrent, but due to its invasive nature, keeping it contained to its own pot is strongly recommended. The strong scent of garlic and onions, combined with the small space they take up, make them excellent companion plants to put in between other vegetable crops.

If you are trying out the Trap Crop method for pest control, Nasturtium companion plants are a top contender. This pretty (and edible) flowering plant can bring a pop of color to your garden, while drawing pests away from your more valuable vegetable crops. Sunflowers, Calendula and Marigold companion plants are also effective at attracting the insects that you do not want feeding on your edible crops. Plus, they draw in beneficial bugs and pollinators that can help boost garden biodiversity.

Pairing plants together strategically to enhance plant health and yield is another popular companion planting strategy. As seen in the “Three Sisters” method, each plant plays a role that helps to support the other. The corn stalks provide a trellis for the beans, keeping them up and away from the squash. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil to help nourish the root systems of all plants, while the squash provides shade over the ground to hold moisture in the soil and also repels insects due to its prickly vines. 

The nitrogen-fixing quality of beans and other legumes can be used to benefit a variety of other crops. Planting these alongside nitrogen-loving plants like Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage), Nightshade (Tomatoes, eggplant and peppers) or near cucumbers will offer a beneficial boost during the developmental stages of these vegetable crops. 

The shade provided by climbing or creeping crops (like squash, pole beans, melon and okra) can be beneficial for plants that are more susceptible to heat stress. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, herbs like cilantro and parsley, or root vegetables like radish and carrots will benefit from being planted next to crops that can provide shade for them as they grow. 

Other companion plant pairings with known benefits:

  • Basil & Tomato: Companion planting tomatoes with basil is a winning combination. These plants not only work well when combined together in a recipe, but when grown next to each other, they can actually improve their flavor and enhance their growth. Basil helps to deter pests from tomatoes, and also helps to suppress weeds.
  • Carrots & Onion: Because they have complementary growth habits (with onions growing upward and carrots burrowing down into the soil), these crops make a perfect pair. Onions can repel potential pests like carrot flies, and carrots help to aerate the soil which benefits the onion crop.
  • Marigold & Peppers: Marigolds make excellent companion plants for peppers in containers. As a crop that is often susceptible to nematode damage, peppers will benefit from being planted next to nematode-repelling marigolds. The pollinators that the marigold attracts will also help to improve yield and fruiting on the peppers.
  • Cabbage & Dill: A known deterrent for pests, dill is excellent at keeping cabbage free of the dreaded cabbage worm, which can cause much damage to a crop. The large sprawling cabbage leaves offer shade for the dill plant, which can easily go to seed in high heat. There is also anecdotal evidence that dill can improve the growth and flavor of cabbage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Companion Planting in Containers

While companion planting in containers can be a fun way to experiment and try different combinations and plant pairings, there are a few things to be mindful of before jumping in. The most common mistake that is made is overcrowding the containers with too many plants. While the combination of plants may be known to be beneficial, the ideal space required for each separate plant variety should still be adhered to. Always ensure the container you are using is large enough to accommodate the plants you place in it.

Although we discussed how certain crops can provide shade for others, do keep in mind that even crops that enjoy shade still require some sun in order to grow. Make sure the plants are positioned in a way that allows sun to reach the shaded plant at various times throughout the day. The last thing you want is for the plants to be competing for resources - so also make sure that companion-planted containers are getting enough water and nutrients for all plants to thrive.

Recognize the fact that certain plants simply do not pair well together, and avoid combining them in the same container. Plants that require high levels of the same type of nutrients, or are susceptible to the same types of disease, should not be paired as companion plants. Oftentimes (but not always), crops in the same plant family should be kept separately, as they will compete for resources and risk being damaged by the same pests or plant disease.

Plants like Mint, Lemon Balm, Oregano, Jerusalem Artichoke and Raspberry are not the best contenders for companion planting in containers as they can grow to be quite invasive. Plant them in a dedicated container to allow them the space to grow and thrive on their own.

When using a companion planting method in containers, an important technique to consider is crop rotation each year. Using the same containers year after year for the same crops can lead to depleted soil and potential risks for pest and plant disease. Switching up your crops into different containers year after year will help the soil to replenish lost nutrients and allow plants the best possible chance to survive.

Companion planting in containers can be a highly effective way to grow higher yields and healthier plants in areas where space needs to be used wisely. Not only can well-paired plants offer mutual benefits to one another, they can also create a welcoming atmosphere that is visually pleasant and full of helpful biodiversity. Especially in urban settings, companion planting can be a very positive step toward sustainable gardening that helps to maximize output while minimizing any potentially harmful inputs - allowing nature to do the work.

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Best Growing Medium Options for a Thriving Garden

Best Growing Medium Options for a Thriving Garden

Whether growing in-ground, in containers or in raised garden beds, the quality of your growing medium is arguably the most important factor in your quest for a thriving garden. The growing medium provides the necessary foundation for plant health, and must be able to support the nutrient needs, water needs and drainage needs required for plants to grow strong and robust. This means that before even starting a garden, our main focus should be on building up the soil, or preferred growing medium to be used, to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements for what is going to be grown. There are many types of growing mediums available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages; depending on your location or climate, certain growing mediums may be more readily available than others. The right growing medium will provide optimum drainage for plant roots, efficient nutrient cycling and nutrient availability, while being able to hold an adequate amount of water to ensure plant roots are hydrated without being waterlogged. Growing mediums also go well beyond just soil - there are a number of very effective soilless mediums that some growers use with much success. We will explore the various growing medium options below, listing the pros and cons associated with each one, allowing you to make an informed choice when starting your first garden. Common Soil Based Growing Mediums Topsoil Probably the most commonly used growing medium for beginners is simple topsoil. This refers to the first few inches of ground soil that is readily available in our backyards. Top soil contains important organic matter, from fallen leaves and other plant materials that have been decomposed by the variety of microorganisms that are living within the ground. While topsoil can definitely support plant growth, it is not always the most ideal growing medium as it can also contain weed seeds and other pathogens that can lead to plant disease. While it does contain nutrients, it may not have an adequate balance of what is needed to support your plants throughout all stages of life. Store-bought topsoil may be slightly better than what is already in your backyard, as it has typically been filtered of larger debris and has an adequate structure that will provide aeration and drainage. However, even store-bought topsoil can contain low amount of nutrients and weed seeds that can become a nuisance in your garden during the growing season. Loam With an ideal texture and structure for holding moisture while allowing for adequate drainage, loam soil is a popular choice among gardeners. It contains a balanced amount of sand, silt and clay, as well as organic matter that allows for nutrients to be properly cycled and available for plant uptake. Loam is usually a high-quality soil that is rich in nutrients and works very well for the home garden. The drawback of loam is that it can be expensive, and if you are filling large raised beds, this may make it inaccessible for some growers. The quality of loam soil can also greatly vary depending on where it is sourced from, and the cheaper brands may not have the right balance of organic materials. Common Soilless Growing Mediums Peat Moss An popular growing medium for seed-starting, peat moss is naturally harvested from bogs primarily found in Canada and in Russia. Due to its sterile nature, peat moss is not vulnerable to common parasites or disease, which make it an excellent growing medium for establishing young plant roots. It boasts excellent water-retention, while remaining lightweight and has a slight acidity that can be beneficial for certain types of plants. It is also a low-cost option, but generally should be combined with other growing mediums for best results. The disadvantage of growing in only peat moss is that nutrients may be limited and the acidic pH may not be beneficial for all types of growing. Balancing this growing medium out with Vermiculite or Compost can help to improve its aeration and better cycle nutrients. While peat is generally sustainable, as most harvesting is done while following strict environmental guidelines, there is also the possibility of sourcing peat that is harvested in a more destructive way. It is important to know where the product is coming from and the standards that are being met during harvesting. Peat can also be used in smaller quantities, as an amendment that can add important structure and organic matter to a soil that is lacking in those things. Coco Coir Coco coir substrate is often pushed as an alternative peat moss, as they share similar water-retention and drainage abilities. It is generally thought to be sustainable, as it is a waste product from the coconut industry and entirely natural to process and manufacture. Due to its neutral pH, it provides a balanced environment for plants and is also sterile and free of weed seeds. In most cases, coco coir will need to be supplemented with nutrients, as it does not contain enough to sustain plants past their initial stages of growth as small seedlings. Depending on your location, coco coir can be pricey, and so mixing it with other growing mediums is often recommended. Commonly sold as coco coir bricks, the coir must be properly soaked and broken up into a loamy texture before planting, otherwise it can become waterlogged. Perlite Often seen included in potting soil mixes, perlite is a white, lightweight and sterile growing medium that can be used for propagation and seed starting. It has a texture similar to styrofoam, but offers excellent aeration for early root development while also retaining some water. It is a popular growing medium for hydroponic systems, is easily accessible and reasonably-priced. Perlite on its own will not contain or hold onto adequate nutrients needed for optimal plant growth. As such, it requires the addition of nutrients or needs to be mixed with another substrate that can keep nutrients near the plant root zone. Perlite can create dust when it becomes too dry, and this can be an irritant for certain growers. Vermiculite Some gardeners will use a coarse vermiculite as an addition to their soil mixes in order to provide more aeration and drainage for tender plant roots. Like other soilless growing mediums, it can also be used for seed starting and has better water retention than perlite. Vermiculite is a great option for plants that require a bit more moisture to grow. While there has been controversy in regards to vermiculite insulation and its association with possible asbestos, vermiculite growing medium is generally considered to be safe when supplied from a trusted source. Its disadvantages are that it may be slightly less effective when it comes to drainage, sometimes holding onto more water than necessary. It also tends to slowly break down over time and eventually may need to be replenished or mixed with another growing medium. Organic Growing Mediums Compost While it may seem surprising, pure compost can be used on its own as an extremely effective growing medium. It is a nutrient-rich substrate with excellent structure, that provides optimum drainage and aeration, while promoting healthy microbial activity to ensure that nutrients are readily available for plant uptake. In a fabric planter growing system, like GardenSoxx, compost is actually one of the recommended options as it contains all the nutrition that plants need to grow healthy and vigorous. The main consideration that must be made is to ensure that the compost is fully decomposed, and does not contain any weed seeds or has not been compromised by any pathogens. Provided your compost comes from a reputable source, or better yet, is your own homemade mixture that you have had full control over - it is safe to use and can be highly effective for a thriving garden. Compost can also be mixed in with other growing mediums to improve their structure, organic matter content and nutrient availability. Worm Castings While you may not want to just use them on their own, worm castings can be a highly effective addition to any existing growing medium as they are extremely nutrient-dense and give a significant boost to beneficial microbes. Worm castings can also improve soil structure, and can significantly increase yield and overall plant health. Worm castings can be expensive when purchased in large quantities. Thankfully, even just a small amount of worm castings can go quite a long way in the garden. So adding them to your growing medium of choice is a great option to boost your garden health. Choosing the right growing medium for your garden needs To make an informed choice for your garden growing medium, you will need to consider the types of plants that you will be growing. For a herb and vegetable garden, it is best to choose a growing medium that is nutrient-rich, and allows for moisture-retention while also providing aeration and drainage. The key here is using a growing medium that provides a balanced structure and can also be amended over time when needed, to ensure it can continue supporting plant health. Growing other plants like succulents or other types of ornamentals may require a different balance of nutrients, drainage needs or specific soil pH levels. Other factors to consider are the climate you are growing in and weather patterns that can affect plant growth and water levels in the soil. In hotter climates with little rain, choose a growing medium that holds onto moisture to ensure plants do not get dried out. In areas with more precipitation, a growing medium with optimal drainage is key. When growing in large raised beds, the cost of high-quality growing mediums can be a major factor that can quickly add up. Some gardeners will fill the bottom of the raised beds with chopped up wood logs, or another bulky organic material to reduce the amount of actual growing medium needed to fill the raised bed to the top. If there is already workable soil in the area being used for a garden, doing a soil test before planting is a great way to know what you are working with. Adding a top dressing of quality compost, worm castings or other quality growing medium can quickly transform a pile of “dirt” into an ideal area for a thriving garden! Why quality matters MOST when choosing a growing medium Starting with a high-quality growing medium in your garden is comparable to building a home on  a strong and well-structured foundation. When care is put into the foundation of a home, there is less need to put more time and money into making changes over time. Quality growing mediums will lead to stronger plant root systems, which ultimately lead to healthier plants that produce a higher and more nutritious yield. When plants are healthy, there is also much less need to worry about plant disease or pest problems. At the end of each season, plants can be cut at their base, leaving the healthy root systems in the soil to break down over time, adding back important organic matter that will continue to feed microbes and replenish the soil for the following growing season. Some growers also choose to plant cover crops during the off-season, to keep soil protected and keep soil microbiology active. The right growing medium will offer the ideal balance between water retention and proper drainage, which will greatly reduce watering needs and allow for proper airflow to bring much-needed oxygen to developing root systems. A quality growing medium that produces healthy, resilient plants will actually continue to improve over time, as the active microbiology in the soil allows it to regenerate through the natural cycle of life. The choice is yours, and will depend on what is available in your region, as well as what your budget and garden plan allow for. Keep in mind that combining more than one type of growing medium is also a very effective option that can help to cut costs while still providing optimal growing conditions for your crops.

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Gardening Made Easy: Tips for the First Time Gardener

Gardening Made Easy: Tips for the First Time Gardener

Is gardening something you have always dreamed of doing, but are not sure where to begin? Or maybe you did not give it much thought before, but rising food costs have inspired you to start growing your own produce. Maybe you are just trying to get outdoors a bit more often and this seems like a productive solution… Whatever the case may be for a budding First Time Gardener, we are here to reassure you that it really does not need to be complicated or difficult. In fact, gardening can be low-maintenance, relaxing and downright EASY. It has a ton of benefits, from boosting your mental health, incorporating more movement into your day-to-day, to fostering a connection to nature that most of us lack in our modern lifestyles. So let go of your expectations, and release the need to have an instagram-worthy, picture-perfect garden (especially in your first year). The key is keeping  it simple and stress-free - and really embodying the fact that gardening can be a fun, easy hobby for just about anyone, no matter your experience, schedule or physical ability! Simple Steps for Starting Small When planning your first garden, the first thing to look at is location - an outdoor space that gets lots of sunlight is most ideal. Whether it's a small space or larger area, you can adapt your growing style to your needs. Keep in mind that any outdoor space can be a potential growing space - from a balcony to a windowsill, a patio, a back or even a front yard. You do not even need to have workable soil, as containers and fabric planters can be a convenient and effective way to grow on any surface. The next most important consideration is access to water for irrigation. If you are only growing in a few containers, watering by hand may be the easiest option. However, if you have access to an outdoor faucet or hose, hooking up a simple drip-irrigation system is an easy solution that will save you lots of time and effort throughout the growing season. Choosing plants based on your personal preferences is advisable - you want to be able to actually use what you grow. There are many low-maintenance crops that are perfect for beginners. Start by finding out your growing zone and frost dates to have a better idea about how long your growing season lasts. This will help to determine what you can grow, and if you need to start seeds indoors or opt for buying pre-established seedlings in the spring.  If you prefer to grow edible plants, consider that even just growing a simple herb garden in pots can be a fun way to get your feet wet in the gardening world. Fresh herbs can add a significant amount of flavor and nutrition to your cooking, making it worth your while to grow them yourself. Many herbs require little maintenance and grow well in a variety of conditions. Mint, Basil and Parsley are all excellent choices for beginners (just be sure to contain your mint to a garden bed or container so that it does not take over your yard!). Some easy-to-grow vegetables perfect for beginners are: lettuce, radish, zucchini, green beans. For a more ornamental style garden, blooms like Marigold, Cosmos, Violas and Impatiens are easy, low-maintenance flower choices. Time-Saving Techniques for Easy Gardening Start small. Remember that it is much easier to expand a garden slowly, year after year, rather than get overly ambitious and potentially overwhelmed in your first growing season. Choose some key crops and focus on those to start - learning as you go. Once you gain more confidence and knowledge, slowly add more to your garden every year. Think Low-Maintenance. There are ways to set up your garden so that it works for you, instead of you having to work too hard for it. Adding a layer of mulch to reduce watering and weeding can be an excellent way to cut back on those time-consuming tasks. Choosing plants that are tolerant to drought or native to your region will give you a greater chance at succeeding even if you are not tending to them every day. Plant only once. Consider adding perennial garden plants into your landscape that come back year after year - this way you can plant once and do minimal maintenance at the beginning and end of each season. There are some lovely flowering, herbal and even fruiting perennial garden plants that can elevate your landscape with vibrant colors, edible flowers, or delicious berries, while also drawing in pollinators. Aside from occasional pruning and cleaning up, many of these plants do not require a lot of maintenance to thrive. Water Efficiently. Setting up an efficient watering system can not only save you time, but can make your garden more eco-friendly. Drip irrigation feeds water directly to plant roots, giving them just what they need to grow, without over watering and without water drops landing on plant leaves that can cause leaves to burn or lead to plant disease. Collecting rainwater, or reusing household water can also maximize efficiency and add extra nutrients and minerals to the soil. Ergonomic Gardening Solutions for Improved Accessibility If you have physical limitations, there are gardening solutions that require much less effort and labor and can significantly reduce the strain on your body. Ergonomic gardening tools can make things like digging, planting and weeding much easier tasks to accomplish. Using raised beds, or placing garden containers on a higher surface like a table can reduce the need to bend and kneel, even making your garden wheelchair accessible if necessary. Ergonomic gardening can also mean choosing the right plants for minimal care and maintenance. Choosing low-maintenance plants that require minimal care, or slower growing plants that need not be tended to often can allow you to enjoy the look of the garden without having to put in a lot of labor. Flowering perennials (like coneflowers, daylilies, and hostas), hardy herbs (like mint, chives, and sage), or vegetables that grow slowly and do not require a continuous harvest (like cabbage, onions, and leeks) are all good choices. On the other hand, fast-growing vegetables that offer quicker gratification and less effort can also be smart choices depending on your preference. Radish or Carrot seeds can be planted and harvested within a few weeks. Leafy greens like lettuce, kale and swiss chard can yield a continuous harvest for minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce all season from just a few easy-to-maintain plants. Set realistic goals for yourself and remember to take breaks when gardening - only do what you are capable of, focusing more on the enjoyment of gardening over the need to be productive. Gardening for pleasure, and approaching it with a relaxed mindset from the start will take away the expectation and pressure of having to excel at the task. Avoiding Common Gardening Mistakes & Troubleshooting Having an understanding of the basic needs of plants is essential for ensuring these needs are met, and sets your garden up to thrive. Light, water and soil are the 3 essential components for plant health. Starting with quality soil or pure compost sets a solid foundation for plant health, and making sure plants are getting adequate water and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day will create optimal conditions for a healthy garden. Learn to recognize the signs of overwatering (continuously wet soil, wilting or yellow leaves), underwatering (curling or crisping leaves, hard & dry soil) and poor light conditions (leggy stems that are reaching for light, slow growth or lack of flowers/fruit). Paying attention to these signs can help you to correct issues early on and keep your garden on a productive path.  Keep it simple by starting with easy plants, and only grow produce or herbs that you actually consume. Putting time and effort into growing items you will not use can quickly cause you to become discouraged or lose interest. Resist the temptation to take on too much, too soon. Even if it means starting with only a few herbs in a window-box - learning to succeed with that will pave the way for more complex gardening experiments in future growing seasons. Know where to go for support when things do not go as planned. Finding online resources, or joining local community gardening groups can often help you to resolve common gardening mistakes quickly and efficiently. Local garden centers often employ workers who genuinely love to garden - do not be afraid to ask them for advice. Keeping a gardening journal is also a helpful tool that can allow you to learn from past mistakes and not make them again in future growing seasons. It is important to remember that there is not one “right” way to garden, and that success will look different for each one of us. Focus on what works for you, and what you are capable of within your space, physical abilities or time constraints. Celebrate your victories, however big or small, and enjoy the journey of learning how to grow your own garden. Our final piece of advice for the First Time Gardener: Just get started! Get yourself a plant, or a packet of seeds and start growing - with the intention to learn as you go. Do not get hung up on having all the tools or all the knowledge. Many of the best gardeners out there are still experiencing plenty of failures alongside their successes. We encourage you to follow along with our blog, and share your gardening experiences in the comments below to help encourage others who may be on the same path as you!

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How to Plant Seeds of Self-Sufficiency: From Seed Starting to Seed Saving

How to Plant Seeds of Self-Sufficiency: From Seed Starting to Seed Saving

While many home gardeners opt for planting plugs or seedlings from their local nursery, there is much benefit in learning how to start seedlings of your own or plant seeds directly outdoors. In addition, learning the basics of seed saving at the end of the growing season is a practical way to save money, and can help growers become much more self-sufficient and sustainable in their practice. One of the top benefits of saving seeds for future growing seasons is having control over the varieties grown, and being able to choose the most productive and healthiest plant options for your home garden. Saving seeds from plants that have grown well in your climate will provide you with seedlings that are already well-adapted to your growing zone, greatly increasing the chance of having a healthy plant with a higher yield. While the absolute beginner may opt for getting a seed starting kit to make the process easier, starting your own seedlings at home can also be simple. In fact, it is even more frugal and sustainable to use items you already have available in your home, and this can be done fairly easily. So before investing in fancy trays, heating pads or grow lights for seed starting, read on to discover some simple tips and tricks to get started without having to spend too much money. Indoor Seed Starting Basics When starting seeds for the first time, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing seed packets at your local garden center or from seed companies online. Choose seeds that are best adapted to your growing zone, and that have a seed-to-harvest time that makes sense for the length of the growing season where you live. It is also important to ensure that there is enough space in your garden for the seeds to grow to their full size. When planning on growing vegetables or other edible plants, it is recommended to start with organic seeds if possible. If your intention is to also save seeds from the plants you grow, opt for an heirloom seed variety instead of a hybrid seed. What are heirloom seeds? Heirloom seeds are reliable, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds that are typically passed down from generation to generation, producing nutritious and consistent crops that return high yields. Open-pollinated plants will self-pollinate and require less effort from the gardener in this regard.  Creating the ideal environment for seedlings to thrive is crucial to set them up for healthy and optimal growth. Seeds require warmth, moisture, and oxygen to germinate. At the germination stage, it is often recommended to keep seeds in a dark space, depending on the plant being grown.  Once seeds have germinated, they should be planted in a light and sterile growing medium that can support them at the early stages of growth. It is recommended to use a tray to separate the seeds into their own small space - an egg carton works very well for this, as do little paper or biodegradable cups that can be easily found in store or online. Placing your seed tray in a bright window that gets sun most of the day is usually sufficient for the seeds to start growing. If this is not possible, then investing in grow lights for seed starting may be a better option. It is also important to monitor the ambient temperature and be sure that seeds are receiving warmth and have no chance of freezing. If seedlings are being started in winter, they can be covered with plastic wrap or placed in a plastic lettuce container to create a humid “greenhouse” effect, while still allowing for air to flow. Be sure to check on the seeds daily to ensure they are not drying out or burning. Always ensure that seeds are being given enough water, but are not being drowned. Watering with a small watering can or with a spray bottle is recommended at the very early stages, giving the seeds just enough water for the soil to stay moist, but not saturated. Giving seeds smaller amounts of water, a few times per day will ensure that soil does not dry out, especially if seeds are covered with a plastic dome for a greenhouse effect. If seedling stems start growing very long and skinny - this is a sign that they are not receiving enough light. Leggy seedlings can be corrected by bringing the light source as close as possible above the growing seedlings so that they can strengthen their stem and start growing more robust. Leggy seedlings risk falling over from the weight of the growing leaves. Before starting seeds indoors, check the last frost date for your growing zone. It is important not to start seeds too early or too late - giving them enough time to establish and harden off before it is time to move them outdoors. Before moving seedlings outdoors, it is recommended to harden them off. This means that seedlings must be acclimatized to outdoor temperatures and conditions before being planted in the ground or in outdoor planters. As the days get a bit warmer, gradually move seedlings outdoors for a few hours during the day, in a spot that gets both sun and wind. Alternatively, a fan can be placed in the greenhouse or area that seedlings are being kept, and left on facing toward the seedlings. This will create wind resistance on the seedling stems and allow them to thicken and become stronger for outdoor planting. Tips for Direct Sowing Seeds Outdoors Some seeds are best sown directly outdoors, for example root vegetables and other quick-growing, cold-hardy crops. In most cases, it is still best to ensure that risk of frost has passed and the ground soil is workable. If using a fabric planter system like GardenSoxx, planting can be done before the ground thaws, and if frost is still a potential risk, we recommend having plant cover fabric on hand to protect seedlings from the elements in their early stages. When direct sowing seeds outdoors, especially with root crops, it can be beneficial to sow seeds closer together than recommended, and then thin them as they sprout. This will ensure that the strongest and most viable plants are the ones that remain, and that they all have enough space to adequately grow.  It is important to keep the soil moist once seeds have been sown. This means watering regularly, and in some cases adding a layer of mulch to keep moisture in the soil and prevent the top layer of soil to dry out and form a crust that some seed will have a hard time breaking through. Tips for Seed-Saving from Homegrown Crops Saving seeds from your own garden is yet another step toward complete self-sufficiency, and especially makes sense if your garden is producing high-quality crops. If you are putting time and energy into your garden to ensure healthy plants, saving seeds will help to preserve heirloom plant varieties that are already well-adapted to your growing zone and environmental conditions. Seed-saving also saves money in the long run, allowing you to grow produce year after year without having to purchase more seeds. Having a seed library filled with home-grown heirloom seeds can also allow you to swap and exchange seeds with neighbors for other plant varieties that might be missing from your inventory. Most plants will produce an abundance of seeds each season, typically much more than is needed for the following season. Learning how to save and preserve seeds properly is a valuable skill for any gardener or homesteader interested in being more self-sufficient. When saving seeds from any crop, it is best to choose the healthiest, most productive plants. Choosing seeds from strong, healthy plants will ensure that those seeds will produce healthy plants the following year.  When saving seeds, it is important to know the difference between open-pollinated, hybrid and heirloom seeds. Focusing your seed-saving efforts on open-pollinated and heirloom varieties is highly recommended, as hybrid seeds tend to have a lower yield, smaller blooms and do not typically grow as vigorously. Starting your own seedlings at the beginning of the season will give you more control over knowing what type of seeds you are sowing. If you do purchase seedlings from a garden center, make sure to check the plant label which will normally indicate if it is a hybrid plant (look for F1 on the label) - in which case it is best to not save seeds from this particular plant. If you plan to save seeds from your fruiting vegetable crops (like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other crops that produce their fruit above-ground), allow some of the fruit to over-ripen on the plant itself. Do not wait so long that the fruit is starting to rot, but ensure that it is very ripe (beyond the ripeness at which you would consume it). Once the fruit is picked, it can be cut open and the seeds can be carefully removed and washed to remove any of the pulp that is stuck to the seeds. Seed should then be spread out in a thin layer on a paper or tea towel and left to dry completely before being stored in an air-tight container or envelope. Crops like beans and peas are excellent for easy seed-saving. Allow some pods to remain on the plant until they are completely dried up. The outer pod should be brown and paper-like, and the seeds inside should rattle slightly when the pod is shaken. The seeds can then be simply removed and stored in a seed saving envelope. Saving flowers seeds or herb seeds is typically a simpler process. Allow herbs to bolt (produce flowers) and leave those flowers to dry on the plant before collecting them and place in a paper bag to hang and finish drying. Flower seeds are much the same as blooms can be left on the plant to become dried and brown, and seeds will be fairly easy to remove and store. Breaking up the seeds from the bloom and separating them from the petals and other dried flower material reduces the risk of seeds going moldy once they are stored. It may be tedious, as some seeds are quite tiny, but this extra step is recommended to keep seeds clean and viable for following seasons. Always label seed saving envelopes, so not to forget what seeds you have saved come next season. Keep dried seeds stored in a cool, dark place until they are ready to be germinated - many seeds will remain viable for several years if stored properly. Garden Planning from Saved Seeds During the winter months, take inventory of the seeds that have been saved from the previous growing season. Based on your growing zone and last spring frost, you can assess which seeds should be started early indoors and create a seed-starting schedule to stay on track. It is highly recommended to rotate garden crops year after year, and avoid planting the same crop family in the same soil two years in a row. Keeping a garden journal can help with this planning. If starting seeds in advance, always start more seedlings than you expect to plant, and choose from the healthiest and most vigorous seedlings when planting time comes. Becoming self-sufficient is a process that can take time, and often involves some trial and error to learn lessons along the way. If seed-starting and seed-saving are skills you are interested in learning, start small with the crops you are currently growing. Invest in high-quality, organic heirloom seeds from reputable suppliers in order to set yourself up for success when it comes time to save those seeds for future growing seasons. While it can help to invest in seed starting kits, trays or lighting equipment, it is also very possible to simply use items that are readily available to you. Remember that success comes with practice and even the smallest efforts can pay off greatly as these types of skills are highly valuable and can be passed down for generations to come.

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