“How To” Gardening

At the Tait Farm Greenhouse, it is our pleasure to offer to our customers both inspiration and information whether your garden is asleep under a blanket of snow; just starting to push up through its spring mulch; dancing in the summer breeze; or starting its autumn transition to colors of unimaginaeable richness. We offer you our collective experience and knowledge to ensure your success, whatever the season.

The Happy Valley Gardener

Answers to your gardening questions

“I am anxiously waiting for spring when I can begin to plant in my flower beds. What can I do now?”

You can do a number of things right now! First, wait until your soil is dry enough so that you don’t inadvertently compact it.

• Remove any debris such as dead foliage, branches, leaves - compost or dispose of.
• Prune roses and appropriate woody shrubs.
• Weed!
• Work in fresh compost.
• Apply new layer of mulch.
• Plant early vegetable seedlings and flowers, including pansies, primrose, violas.

"Is there anything I can plant outside in my garden right now?"

From mid-March through the end of April, you can direct seed (but only when your soil is no longer water saturated): spinach, lettuces, greens, arugula, radishes and carrots. Peas can also be planted and to get them off to a quicker start you can soak them to begin germination. Now is also the time to plant hardened off lettuces, Asian greens, cabbages, kales and broccoli seedlings, as well as seed potatoes and onion sets.

Pansies and primroses can also be planted mid-March through April; pansies like SUN but don't like heat, so find a suitable location with 6 - 12 hours of sunlight per day. Happy gardening!

Feel free to submit your gardening questions to office@TaitFarmFoods.com.