Yes, it’s already time to think about our summer garden! Indeed, March-April is the seed planting season! In the Quebec gardener’s jargon, the preparation of seedlings consists of sowing the vegetable seeds that need more time to grow at the end of winter, and this, within the shelter of the home. The Quebec climate only allows a very short growth period. Starting the planting indoors is therefore essential to ensure that your vegetables have time to go from seed to vegetable. Once the warmer weather arrives, the seedlings will have become small plants ready to be transplanted outdoors.
Seedlings: an added ingredient to your food supply
Starting a vegetable garden this summer can help you eat more fresh produce. So, to get you ready for summer, here are 4 reasons why you should start gardening now by seeding indoors.
1. Good for the body, good for the mind
Gardening is an excellent physical activity to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also good for your morale. Getting your hands dirty helps to clear your mind and reduce stress. Starting seedlings indoors in March or April allows you to enjoy this activity for an extended period!
2. We increase our vegetable consumption
The choice of seed varieties for planting is infinite compared to the selection of plants in the garden center. Preparing your own seedlings is therefore an excellent opportunity to discover new vegetable varieties and to integrate them into your diet. Moreover, a gardener’s pride in his harvest does not allow him to let the fruit of his hard labor go to waste. You will have no choice but to eat them and this will encourage you to eat more vegetables!
In addition, it is at the time of harvest that the vegetable has its maximum concentration of vitamins and minerals. So, by eating the vegetables in a timely manner, you will fill up on vitamins and minerals!
Seed planting calendar
Vegetables and herbs | Recommended seed planting period |
Basil | March |
Swiss chard | April |
Celery root | March |
Cucumber | April/May |
Kale | April |
Lettuce | April |
Bell pepper | March |
Tomato | March/April |
3. A budget-friendly ally
By starting seedlings at the recommended time (March-April), you can ensure that your harvest will be available earlier in the season. These harvests allow you to reduce the quantity of vegetables purchased at the store and thus reduce your grocery bill. Be warned, the required investment to start seedlings could delay real savings for one or two years.
4. We’re saving the planet!
By buying less store-bought vegetables, you reduce the use of packaging. Plus, vegetables harvested from the yard don’t need to be shipped to you. So, planting and gardening help reduce your environmental footprint.
Remember, seedling preparation is an enjoyable hobby with many benefits. It can lead to an opportunity to increase your vegetable intake, reduce your grocery bill, or reduce your ecological footprint. Don’t hesitate to consult a nutritionist for more tips on how to reduce your grocery bill or for recipe ideas on how to cook your backyard harvest. She can even guide you in making better choices to reduce your ecological footprint!
Now it’s time for you to get started. Check out the Laidback Gardener’s article on how to get your seedlings right.
What will you be cultivating this year?
You reap what you sow: it’s time to plant your seeds! is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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