the time to plant veggie seeds outdoors is almost here!

Ack!  Considering I just had the first 4 days of decent gardening weather so far this year, it is hard to believe it's amost time to start direct-seeding certain vegetables outside. (Actually I probably could have done it this past week-end if I'd been ready but I wasn't.)

Feeling slightly panicked, I just turned in 180L of vermiculite into my raised veggie beds on Monday, and then ordered some good quality "garden mix" from Western Canada Compost to top them up with this week-end so they are ready to plant.  I really should have done this last fall.

I hope to be planting beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach and chard outdoors next week.  How 'bout you?

For tips on growing vegetables in Calgary, see my previous posts:

• When to start planting vegetable seeds in Calgary
• Vegetable gardening in Calgary 101
• Vegetable gardening tips - notes from Square Foot Gardening
• What you need to know about building raised bed vegetable gardens
• resources specific to growing vegetables in Calgary
• preparing and amending vegetable garden soil

If you would like a beautiful and successful vegetable garden that nourishes your body and soul, view My Services for consultation details.

Comments

[Christian]

Hi Janice,

How much do they charge for compost delivery? I chatted with the guy before and I was told their site is in Okotoks, deliver charge is $95. I think it is too expensive.

[Janice Miller-Young]

Yes, that is the delivery charge.  But the total price works out to be the same as all the places that deliver in a big plastic bag IF you buy one cubic yard.  If you buy more than that (I always do) then Western Canada Compost is cheaper and the more you buy the better the deal so you could ask your neighbours if they want to split.  You can also pick up your own if you have a truck and that is the most reasonable cost, of course!  Their stuff is very good quality.

Cheers,
Janice

[SJ]

I did my planting on Easter Sunday and hope it will pay off with early crops. I have looked for Kale seeds everywhere, but can't find them. Do you know where I could get them without ordering? I want them now!

[SJ]

PS I should add I planted all of those things, except the kale.

[Janice Miller-Young]

Congratulations Sarah and I hope your early start pays off!  If you are using raised beds the soil is definitely warm enough already for planting.
Sorry, I havent shopped around recently for seeds.  Good luck with finding kale seeds!
Janice

[Christina]

I did my veggie planting today in my new garden planter boxes: lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, green onion and red potatoes. I can hardly wait to see them grow!
Thanks for your help last summer!!

[Christian]

Thanks, Janice.

I saw red leaf kale seeds in Golden Acre the other day (McFayden). They should be available.

Christian

[Calgary Garden Coach]

Hi Christina,
Great to hear and you are so welcome! I got some seeds in today too. For lettuce and spinach I usually plant more every week or so to make sure they don't all mature at the same time - although last year was so cool that my lettuce lasted all summer...!
And thanks for the update on kale seeds Christian!
Janice