Seeds You NEED to Start In February

Here are the garden seeds you should start in February regardless of your zone! Seed starting in February works best for people who have the proper lighting & space. Avoid starting seeds if you don't have the ability to keep them lit and spaced properly as larger plants.
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👩🏻‍🦰 A B O U T M E:
Ashley is a soil scientist who has had a passion for plants since she was a small child. In the long summers as a child, she would garden alongside her grandmother and it was then that she realized her love for greenery. With years of great studying, Ashley had begun her p
ost-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan.
At first, her second love, animals, was the career path she chose but while doing her undergrad she realized that her education would take her elsewhere. And with that, four years later she graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor’s degree in science and a major in Soil Science.
Some of Ashley’s interests are KZbin, in which she posts informative videos about plants and gardening. The focus of Ashley’s KZbin channel is to bring science to gardening in a way that is informative but also helpful to others learning to garden. She also talks about the importance of having your own garden and the joys of gardening indoors. Ashley continues to study plants in her free time and hopes to expand her KZbin channel as well as her reach to up-and-coming gardeners.
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This description or comments section may contain links to affiliate websites. I receive a commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such a link. This includes the gardening in Canada website. You should assume all links both on the gardening in Canada KZbin, Blog, and all other social media are affiliates and I will receive compensation.

[@GardeningInCanada]

The 2024 Planners are finally available! Different cover to make your collection of planners year-to-year beautiful! The planner works for any zone, any country, and has the at-home soil testing section still as well! geni.us/1Q7xaE F R E E Garden Guide! This is all the garden gear I use in a year, along with a curated list of videos you may want to check out if you want to master the seed starting process! chipper-originator-4877.ck.page/a073b6b263

[@ASolitaryHowl]

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your channel. So many gardening youtubers are based in the US / in much warmer climates and it's nice to see a fellow Canadian in a colder climate on youtube. That being said I'm going to try to start a few beefsteak tomatoes last week of Feb instead of mid-late March like I usually do. I have big enough pots, and enough grow lights I can steal from my houseplants. We will see it it goes!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Wow, thank you! Glad you are enjoying. Feel free to share the channel. Only 25% is Canadian subscriber wise haha

[@rsfraser007]

Alberta gardener here, love your channel!

[@outdoorsml]

I live in Quebec (zone 4a.. almost 3) and love this channel too! Been gardening for a couple years and starting was discouraging when I watched videos from people in much warmer zones!

[@monikaforster9060]

Yay, a Canadian KZbinr! So glad I found you tonight!

[@GardeningInCanada]

@monikaforster9060 win for the algorithm lol

[@OntarioGardener]

Southern Ontario here. I start my peppers in February. If you want large plants come June, pot up but make sure you have the room under lights as they grow. Keep them in small pots as long as they don't get root bound and they will grow slower rate. I don't bother topping anymore. I like the taller plants as the peppers don't drag on the ground as much. I do not plant in ground until June 1st but always watch night time temps. I harden off plants as soon as I can in May and bring them inside at night if temps are below 50 F. Even if I have them outside in May I do not put into the ground until a solid warm June is in the forecast. Those weird June cold nights can just ruin your months of efforts and stunt the growth process by a good couple of weeks.

[@EclecticMystic]

My aphid problems disappeared completely the year I got a Wormwood plant. Now I get a half dozen of them popping up in the yard as perennials, and the aphids just prefer eating the wormwood. They leave my tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, etc. completely alone. Zone 3, Edmonton

[@terrafirma75]

Great tip! I have wormwood growing around the property and harvest it for medicinal purposes. Now I have another excuse to grow more! Thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh, how interesting now you’ve completely tempted me. Did you get this as a sapling or seed?

[@terrafirma75]

@@GardeningInCanada I got it as seed from Salt Spring Seeds but it also grows wild around these parts (I’m between PA and S’toon)

[@rebeccawatson9284]

I always love your hair, but it looks really pretty today.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank you so much! Everyone loves it when I put it up in curlers haha ❤️❤️

[@robertavillella6485]

I would love a video on the "ridiculous" crops, lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

HAHA you and a few other people

[@courtneyh5908]

Another gardener making bad life choices checking in here, with 120 day pumpkins and watermelons in Zone 5b/May 15th frost date 🙃 Started 'em too late last year but it'll work this time, right? ....Right?

[@kittiew260]

No, it's 120 days after you transplant out. Unless final planting space starting early won't help. Not to mention, they are super fast growers.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahah oh man this is my brain monologue from now till June when it becomes obvious I failed once again.

[@corinne7126]

In zone 5 also, I start my winter squashes in mid March thru April in individual pots.

[@holeinmind]

I would start them directly in ground at the beginning of May. Just put a little milk jug green house over the spot to help heat it up.

[@a-k-jun-1]

Interior Alaskan here, ground is frozen until mid May early June. Starting seeds in mid March is often too early 😢

[@AngieRichmond]

Yes to bad choices video!! 💙

[@JS-jl1yj]

I read that lavender repels aphids. Two years ago, I planted a new rose and I immediately planted a few lavenders around it. I don't want to jinx it, but so far, no aphids on my rose. I don't grow celery, but I planted lovage about 10 years ago and love it. It's pretty much maintenance-free, except I cut off the stems that start blooming, so the seeds would not drop into my lawn. I dry the lovage leaves and add them to soups and stews all year.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh how interesting!

[@wrongwayconway]

I have lavender at the base of my roses...I still get aphids. 😮 I just squish them when I see them and blast the rose bush with soapy water.

[@BuddieChuck-in2zd]

Your laughter is a joy

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️

[@NewMexicoLife]

Last frost date for me in Southern New Mexico is March 3rd. This week I'm concentrating on cold weather plants, herbs and flowers. Living in a very hot climate, my "hope they make it, ridiculous plants" are always the ones not tolerant to heat. Thank you for the fabulous information. 🌱

[@Boosted0ne]

Zone 5B here I don't dare start tomatoes before 2nd to 3rd week March. They get way too big. I learned my lesson. No hurry on those maters!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea I’m holding off too. I despise dealing with massive plants

[@Boosted0ne]

@@GardeningInCanada Oh yeah for sure. I sure enjoy winter planting for the summer garden but that year I started my maters around right now...that was not fun having lots of 18"+ tomato plants. Not just indoor growing but digging the damn things in so deep come planting. Nope nope nope! :D

[@davec1117]

I found tomatoes just moped and looked pathetic doing nothing until the soil had reached ~20°c and that six - eight week old plants were at the size limits of what I could deal with inside. End result being I start tomatoes early-mid April, transplant latesh May, the plants take off don't miss a beat and we always have at least one variety with ripe tomatoes mid July. Last frost is usually in November so a good long season of tomatoes on the vine as long as blight doesn't pay a visit.

[@healthyfitmom]

​@@GardeningInCanadamicrodwarf tomatoes! Grew them last year and they actually produce a lot of cherry size maters!

[@beentheredonethat6584]

@@Boosted0ne I field plant my 18" tall tomato plants horizontally in a shallow (10cm) trench then cover with mulch. Tomato plants do not grow from deep roots and soil at depth is far too cool for them anyhow. From the buried stem I get a huge mass of roots that can withstand the excessive heat in July and keep production up all season.

[@reginaneufeld1092]

Hi..I am in Medicine Hat, Alberta and I don't have the sunniest backyard but I did try a cantaloupe. It was so sweet and amazing! Not the large size you get in grocery store but not tiny either. Hope yours works out

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you remember the variety I would love to know what it was!

[@mountainvalleysunshine7228]

​@@GardeningInCanada Minnesota Midget is the shortest growing days melon

[@dustyflats3832]

@@mountainvalleysunshine7228yes, I’m trying those this year.😊

[@reginaneufeld1092]

The name is 'Sarah's Choice' (Musk Melon)

[@rachelsmith2594]

Would love a video on the crazy 'not in my area' growing tutorial! Especially Luffa!

[@markcrichton3257]

Last frost is May 24 in my zone 3b. Have stared my hot peppers, onions, begonias, geraniums, lobelia, rosemary, celery, oregano. I will not start tomatoes until March due to how fast they grow and how easy it is to get overwhelmed by large plants. I have a greenhouse that I start to use mid-April (heat assisted for overnight temps). It’s great for the flowers and veggies that can handle lower temps.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Very nice!

[@italiyadivya227]

In which area you are

[@italiyadivya227]

In wich area you are in

[@PlantObsessed]

Yep ridiculous amounts of tomatoes and peppers lol that is me. 🍅🌶️😀

[@nicollekalivoda9454]

I’ve stepped up my gardening this year, growing more of everything even if my dining room turns into a jungle by April, here in zone 3, SW of Calgary. Trying some perennials and houseplants from seed in addition to the usual herbs and veg. Seed catalogues have inspired me, lol.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awesome!!!🤩

[@miriambartley6622]

I started pansies, snapdragons, english daisies and onions in January under lights. I started peer yesterday in paper towels. I will start celery and cilantro today and transplant the pansies today. I have several varieties of each thing. I also started lupine because i want it to bloom this year. I hope it doesnt get cranky from being inside too long. I also started apricot foxglove and hope it flowers this year. I have lights set up inside and a large greenhouse outside, which i heat with an electric fan heater. Its not really adequate so i partition off the are with the seedlings. Im still working on a heating system. Im looking for paprika seeds.

[@terrafirma75]

I found heirloom paprika seeds at Heritage Harvest Seeds out of Manitoba.

[@dreamlovermimi9458]

Paprika is basically red sweet peppers dried up and grounded into a powder just like Garlic powder. also i plan to grow Saffron Flower bulbs, for that spice.

[@GardeningInCanada]

They almost look like a mix between a hot pepper and a bell pepper to me. I’ve got like 10 of them started. Don’t ask me why. 🤣

[@miriambartley6622]

I germinate bigger seeds on damp paper towel on a plate in a plastic bag on a heat mat.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Love that method!

[@gabriellakadar]

Toilet paper is easier to deal with when the little roots get into the paper. I used to use paper towels but changed over a couple of years ago.

[@user-wc6zc5cu4p]

I would love to see the process and outcome of the fun plants this year

[@GardeningInCanada]

🔥🔥

[@ienekevanhouten4559]

For celery, I swear by Tango hybrid! I have grown it for years. No aphids and I had horrid aphids on the brassicas.

[@1polynation169]

love this channel!!! grow far , stay bright!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks so much!

[@shelleyhender8537]

Whenever we visited Lois and Ted Hole…Lois always said to try growing something you didn’t think could thrive here…or survive…for that matter! She had the sweetest, juiciest melons…and a wide variety that were more “exotic”…she always tried to break barriers and embrace new challenges! Sounds like you have a few challenges this year…to which I’m sure Lois is cheering you on, as are the rest of us! Cheers🇨🇦 P.S. Thanks for the power during the cold snap! Stay warm and safe!😊

[@annastory349]

I wonder how many of Lois Hole's books I've read over the years! A legend.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yay! Anytime.

[@shelleyhender8537]

@@GardeningInCanada ❤

[@shelleyhender8537]

@@annastory349 She had a BEAUTIFUL heart when thinking of her readers, gardeners, farmers, future generations, including future generations! She was always a dear heart , whether as a farmer/farmer’s wife, a Gardner and Nature Lover of everything big and small! Her gentle, loving, tender nature came through, even when she was Lieutenant Governor and delivered our degrees to personally…on stage for all to see…including these via international TV (Just before Social Media took off…and our lives and kids with it too! I can only imagine what her remedy would be….the GARDEN…Naturally!!☺) Anyhow - when we received our degrees on stage with Lois, she chose to stand there alone and delivered each graduate…a HUG…accompanying their diplomas! I knew her and her family personally, and she was ever

[@shelleyhender8537]

…KINDER and more generous when others were NOT watching her every move, and she could just be her…not some big dignitary! She was a tremendous person in public…but behind doors, where few watched…she was a “jokester”;- always enjoyed making others laugh! She was generous in a myriad of ways, including monetary means. But she enjoyed growing little gardens with children, plant trees, go on nature, hikes with them, take them through their greenhouses and garden/farm and let them pick up toads, frogs worms, anything and everything she tried to get children, interested and along with many of their friends and families! She was known to often sing in the choir, and during Christmas time she would bellow out the most marvelous Christmas carols prior to her more demanding jobs later in life. However, wherever CANADA’s darling ANGEL now resides…surely there are many tunes sung, as birds chirped along, and Natural in all its grandeur, along with all its splendiferous creatures…great and small…join her in celebration!!✨❤✨ Cheers🇨🇦 P.S. I apologize for the “break up” in messages, as there appears to be a problem with my Wi-Fi signal!

[@josdantas9739]

Thank you for these videos so helpful

[@jenc7612]

Zone 3 and I want to try luffa and birdhouse gourds so a video on the would be very helpful. Please

[@wrongwayconway]

I'm trying loofah too! Zone 5. I had one in the backyard garden, dug it up and now it's growing inside under grow lights with a small loofah!! January 11th was my start date for: loofah and it's 4 inches tall now. I hope to transplant it into the garden this summer. Fingers crossed I get a few loofah this fall. I'm also growing cantaloupe. I also started 4 plants...mistake!! They're growing really BIG and I don't know how I'm going to control it and transplant it this June. I started 2 varieties of tomatoes (San Marzano and Early Girl) they're doing GREAT. I started a third variety last week February 9th(Bodacious hybrid). Broccoli, basil, and canna. I've never grown canna from seed. I harvested the seeds last fall. So far they are doing really well. 😊

[@jayhutchinson6644]

In kamloops birdhouse gourds went crazy 40ft long vines tons gourds. Seed and go

[@thecakepopsistars]

Thank you so much for your guidance

[@GardeningInCanada]

thank you for your steady love and support

[@kyleor7]

Almost 100k subs! Congrats!

[@GardeningInCanada]

So close! Yet so far 😅

[@jeroid123]

4:15 love it! she knows her audience haha

[@coolnout3765]

I started Petunia's for Baskets on March 1st, last year. Never again! By the 2nd week in April, they were huge and by the time they went outside (MN) they were three times the size being sold in the stores.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes ahaha you need the space

[@GrowTimes420]

I brought in a small pot of small petunias from last year on January 6, 2024 that were barely hanging on. They're overflowing the pot and in full bloom now.

[@danakrueger7833]

Great information!!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NinoandLo]

Great info as always, I have to get my seeds going

[@kbjerke]

Just started my weed and onions today, Ashley! Holding off on starting the tomatoes, though. Happy Gardening! 😁 ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

Woohoo! I’m holding off on tomatoes as welk

[@KaysunEntertainment]

This is great! Thank you!

[@GardeningInCanada]

You're very welcome!

[@Miss1776-ic5ic]

May15 th , onions have been growing for 3 weeks.starting herbs and several hot peppers , cabbage and broccoli. High tunnels

[@leikamorgan865]

Lol yes please do the video. Every single year i try a 120 days pumpkin, with no luck but i try anyway. My best year though was when i started it in early march

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahaah k will do!

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

The lovage I grow here in Michigan zone 6A comes back every year, and the flavor is VERY strong compared to celery. I think I will use it to make my own seasoning salt at some point. I love the flavor of celery/celeriac/lovage.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Does the moisture/temp etc affect the flavour in your opinion?

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

@@GardeningInCanada No, I don't think so. It tastes pretty much the same from year to year. I had it growing in a container initially, then planted it in ground in several locations. I am really craving some cream of lovage soup now, but it will be quite a while before I have any on hand. Love your channel by the way!

[@terrafirma75]

@@keyphabenyisrael3219mmmm cream of lovage sounds delicious! You’ve just convinced me to try it this year.

[@beentheredonethat6584]

I grow lovage as a shade plant. It reaches 6-8 feet very quickly. It is home to lady beetles and other predators. I cut it down in the fall to about 3 feet to provide refuge for insects over winter. Immature seeds can be harvested and dried for seasoning.

[@shelleyrodanisky944]

Just found you! I had a lot of fun watching your video, and I truly love the info you give! Canada is Canada! Everything is so unpredictable!Lol!😊👍

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@alorastewart7091]

I'm in zone 6 in Washington state and our extended forecast for my city is looking like we will be ahead of our last frost date by several weeks. Obviously that can change but it's definitely tempting me. We only have a few nights below 0c on our 30 day forecast. Based on our frost date I should be planting cool weather crops next week but the forecast is making me feel like I'm a little late already.

[@kittiew260]

I don't start tomatoes until April. Plant middle of may. Outside flowers, cole crops, onions, and rosemary waiting. Will be doing super hot peppers in March outside that waiting. I followed others saying start now, plants overwhelming." The best advice journal for years makes mistakes, and then you don't need a video to tell you what and when to start.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Wonderful! What tomato variety’s do you normally deal with?

[@waynesell3681]

Like your channel! Joined today. In Michigan zone 5b with average last frost date of May 20th, but hold off on some until June 1st..

[@GardeningInCanada]

Welcome aboard! Let me know if you have anything specific you need.

[@itsallaboutthebiology]

This is perfect for people in Canada and around the world if they go through large temp swings like we do. lol. And if you grow your medical cannabis indoors, you can grow a lot of plants with them. I'm always telling people more roots in the soil is a key to healthy soil. :)) Ken

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh man the temperatures this year in particular are wild

[@itsallaboutthebiology]

@@GardeningInCanada@GardeningInCanada There is so much more to what is happening, as Mother Nature is bringing our planet back into balance; if you look up the Inuit open letter to NASA, you will find out the ice has not melted. It has moved, and they are getting more hours of daylight than they ever have before. Crazy to think that with every volcano going off, it sends out a vibration that is moving the surface of our planet. :))

[@GardeningInCanada]

@itsallaboutthebiology oh yes. I mean I’m confident we don’t understand larger cycles forsure

[@jacquiemarshall6843]

Great info! Thank you

[@tulsiramdagur9580]

आप बहुत सुन्दर प्रस्तुति देते हुए सामान्य भाषा में समझना बहुत बढ़िया है।

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laloops]

My favourite part of gardening is the ridiculous lol. I love planting stuff that definitely will not grow here 😂

[@GardeningInCanada]

So true!

[@sailorgirlk1]

Usually I try growing something in my backyard, but this year we got a plot in our local community garden. So now I’m contemplating what I should grow. It’ll just be in a raised bed.

[@Kdmanier]

Yes, make a video! Third year I’m trying Loofah. Beautiful plant so far but I’m reaching for the gourds!

[@Cookontherun7391]

Awesome video. New subscriber from Alberta; zone 4. Late to planting this year. Thank you for all the tips.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks for the sub!

[@gordsmith7708]

Great video , thanks for reminding me to stare all my hot peppers this week , i usually start them a bit late at the same time i start my pot . Which is a bit late for the peppers . Cheers from Carleton place ontario ,zone 5b . Have a great day 😊

[@GardeningInCanada]

Good luck! You got this.

[@kristag7208]

Haha, yes I have saved cantaloupe seeds that I want to try here in New Brunswick. Guess I should get them started inside soon. Thanks for the great content, as it's helpful to me just starting out at a new property that's never been worked before. Doing it on a tight budget should be interesting so content on this would be greatly appreciated 🙂

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes! Give it a shot. Try them in the biodegradable pots

[@soomroshabir7795]

Good looking

[@brianseybert192]

Utah celery grows good for me in WI, along with a pink plume variety. I used lacewing larva on my tomatoes last year and they totally wiped out the aphids. Tried direct sowing luffas last year, a definite no go. The year before I put the transplants in a wall of water in early May, they did fantastic, ended up with 15 or 20 luffas, great gifts and people see them growing have no idea what they are. I did start them in homemade paper pots. Nice series you have going, Stay Well!!!!

[@laurastewart8528]

I'm trying pink plume in WI this year. I've never grown celery before! Any tips?

[@dustyflats3832]

@@laurastewart8528Brian can give his ideas also, but I grew them in 10 gal grow bags filled a little more than half full and set them in a kiddie pool. I had 5 bags in the pool. You may want to use another tray. The pool needs a drain hole about 3” up. As you know we’ve had severe drought and celery loves water. The bags half full helps to blanch celery. They also are hungry plants. Celery is a bog plant.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Beauty! Good to know. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@nikkireigns]

WI here, too. My luffas didn’t come up when I direct sowed, will try to transplant this year!

[@brianseybert192]

@@nikkireigns Try sticking the transplants in a wall of water. The wall of water will protect from freezing temps so you can get them out earlier. The other thing I did was make some paper pots to cut down on transplant shock, this year I will start in 2" soil blocks, good luck! Stay Well!!!!

[@rtom675]

Another solid option for celery that is not as fussy is green cutting celery (apium graveolens?). I tried it from fedco last year and it has a wildly strong celery taste with no particular pest or disease pressure. It overwintered here in zone 8 (US), but I think most people treat it as an annual!

[@katiepuckett573]

I have started onions including bunching, and two types of Arctic strawberry so far. I'm in zone 8b WA. I had pink celery still growing and thriving from last year and we had a hard freeze that turned them to mush, I'm so disappointed. I will be starting new seed along with some green celery this week.

[@Sypherz]

I've grown cantaloupe directly seeded in my zone 4 garden. My non-frost season is end of May to end of September. I think the one that has done best so far is Hale's Best. I'm trying Honey Rock this year.

[@amandajoannehottie]

Last frost date of May 31st. I started wayyyyy to early last year so I'm resisting starting now but I want to soooo badly

[@melaniemcmanus8009]

I have hair envy! Haha ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

awe! its so simple - ponytail, threee curlers, bonnet, sleep, wake up and pull it all out done.

[@user-up8ui6nr7f]

I have picked up some loofah seeds and I would love it if you did a video on growing loofah in Canada. I am in zone 8a

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Just found ya! 💚🌱🇨🇦

[@GardeningInCanada]

Welcome aboard!

[@annelm369]

Great video!! 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 on the temp dif 👏🏼👏🏼 I have preached this forever. It's pointless to plant the sun worshipping plants before June with consistent double digits overnight... That you're setting yourself further behind from the stress... I would even include beans in the group... So thank you for mentioning it, I'll be putting the link to this video on my clipboard!! With tomatoes I do find that as long as you bury them, larger plants have always seemed fine

[@lweddle5]

FYI It would be great if your pop-ups for past videos were click & play or find down below. I couldn't find your harding off process or the hardwood herbs video. Little bummed and hope to go on a search later. I get a lot from your videos. 😊

[@Cherryparfait41]

I have one good sized pepper plant that volunteered itself while doing other early seed starting. Last year I ended up with early firecracker piquins. I’m a sucker for mystery surprise varieties along the way. I think I end up with more of them than the ridiculous type. Although, I’ve got some in the plans. 😅

[@elmartell5724]

I did not expect all this information about topping, here. 😳😳

[@7dwarfes103]

If you travel in the province or outside maybe you should consider doing a, I don't know, a provincial garden tour to expose' of what some gardners are doing. Just a thought. My backyard is open for viewing and doing a video take. The beer would have to be off camera. Edmonton area.

[@AvroChan]

Zone 4 here! I tried luffa watermelon and cantaloupe 2 years ago in my little 4X6 feet greenhouse in containers. Grew great! Only issue I failed drying the luffa. Had them over the wood stove to dry… I uhh cooked them instead lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

When did you start them?

[@AvroChan]

@@GardeningInCanadathis year in february. that time not until like june/july so i was harvesting in winter lol

[@lklc1219]

Thanks for all the great ideas and information. You said to leave a comment if we wanted a video on growing the ridiculous. Like you I would like to grow cantaloupe (zone 6b spokane, wa, usa) I have grown them before but it has been hit or miss. Last year I had several cantaloupes but they did not have time to ripen. So I would appreciate tips on how to start indoors and be able to plant them outdoors probably mid June. We live in the country and most nights in the summer get down to 50's- 60's F. I will probably plant varieties that mature from 75-90 days.

[@saskcan958]

This video has very helpful info As a new gardener the timing of seed starting was always a bit of a mystery Thank you

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Let us know if you have anything specific you want to learn.

[@insearchofspacedabs506]

I love that meme haha 😄 my 'ridiculous' this year is ube. Dioscoria alata. It's a true yam from the Philippines. My wife and step daughter are from there and are missing it so I will try to grow it. I can't find hardly any info on how to grow it especially because I was only able to buy actual seeds rather than the tuber itself

[@kellyzent2415]

I start my seeds, which are large enough to pick up, in-between wet paper towels in a plastic bag. I have onion seeds that are 4 years old that was stored in the refrigerator, about 20% did not sprout. This way I have minimal empty pots with dead plants or no sprout. Yes, babies must be handled very carefully.

[@christinehelmus8461]

I am in zone 5 but I plant below that because we have late frosts. I have been growing luffa for 5 years. Start your luffa immediately. I move them into a large container and when appropriate then I plant that large container into my raised beds. I tried everything else and this system has been extremely successful.

[@suebar5177]

I only have success with celery when I grow it in my little greenhouse...even though I'm in the BC Lower Mainland😊

[@BoothbyGardens]

I've been growing utah celery in my grow tent over winter. Doing really well. Planted some outside last year, tasted bitter but it did grow well. Speaking of life choices, i've been growing a purple sprouting broccoli indoors since November...those buggers take a long time.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Ooo purple! Lovely. Do you think it was a heat that made the celery, taste awkward or something else?

[@BoothbyGardens]

I suspect heat, East Ontario last year got to the mid 40's on some days. Wonder if the fires all over the country might have impacted? @@GardeningInCanada

[@Cherryparfait41]

Might be smart on the broccoli. I’ve been really interested in the purple sprouting broccoli. I have the seeds, but unsure on its timing. Seems that it does best if it is over wintered and then ready to sprout early in the season (?) at least that’s how I see the Brits having success. I’m at the line of upper south and lower north…not sure it would successfully overwinter for me either. Bound to be a way for me to grow it 😂

[@Cherryparfait41]

I’m out on the tomato shuffle of spring. lol, ran me ragged! 😭Although I never attempted super large ones, they get to be more than I can handle. I did have good success taking cuttings from some that could no longer fit under the lights in early April year before last. It was a last ditch effort on seeds that I had tested germination on from seed that was 10yrs old. A yellow favorite of my MIL’s who had passed. So surprised that they germinated-I couldn’t toss them. 😅 If I had a greenhouse…oh, I definitely would go for early tomatoes! ??? Do you think there is any added maturity to these plants that were taken from cuttings, over one from the initial roots?

[@tulsiramdagur9580]

Hello friends how are you ❤

[@New-Hat-Gardening]

Good day!

[@NordeggSonya]

Zone 3 Rocky Mtn House Alberta. Have started melons and 3 kinds of super hot peppers. (I don't want them but I can sell them) I have some hoop houses in my backyard and a garage type structure that I threw plastic over. My concern right now is my fruits and berries (and a sour cherry tree) are all rated for our zone 3 but that cold snap we had where we went down to -50 C for many days has me a bit worried. I guess its a waiting game.

[@miriambartley6622]

I have had great luck with celery 3 years in a row. I dehydrated a lot of celery. It never occured to me that i might have pests. I didnt have pests. But i did plant it near lavender in my flower garden. My flower garden is about 60×30 feet.2 years ago I planted it near the rhubarb.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks for sharing

[@meandmysunshine1]

I have started Ranunculus seeds, and Ranunculus corms. The corms I am rooting, the allowing them to grow. I hope to get them out by about Apri. 1 - 15. Likely under a plastic hoop - unless it is super warm here in ON. Also, I tried to grow Rosemary and my seeds did not germinate. I will check you your video. My Utah Celery, Amsterdam Celery seed, and my potato seeds (Not sets - are also on the way.) (I think the Amsterdam Celery is like the Lovage. I remember as a very little girl, my Mom putting leaves in the soup - this is about 60 yrs ago. I thought I would try. I am also taking cuttings of my large bloom Chrysanthemums, and I need to get my winter sowing (plastic jugs) still started. Still enough winter left.

[@spiritfree5050]

planted my Garlic in November (Holland) maybe i will do some Leeks not gonna bother with tomatoes or Bell peppers gonna take my time this year

[@jenniferthrossell8831]

I have been overwintering my celery for the last couple years. It works really well!

[@GardeningInCanada]

That is nice! How do you do that? What zone?

[@jenniferthrossell8831]

@@GardeningInCanadaI’m in southern Saskatchewan. So, zone 3a or whatever the new zone is.😆 at the end of the season I just pot them individually into larger pots and put them into our old farmhouse that we keep around 8 degrees and water whenever they get dry. ’ll end up planting them around the beginning of June. This is the second year I’ve done this and they’ve done really well. I’m actually still harvesting from them! I actually do this with some of my pepper plants as well.

[@dropthedigibomb]

After almost 5 years of veg gardening, I have never hardened off my plants. I start most of my seeds indoors under lights in late March, because we have snow on the ground sometimes in June lol. Then I transplant everything outside late May. Never had an issue.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Lol I don’t either 😅 bucket buckets and more buckets

[@LeslieSpeights]

I watched the temp differential vid! By collaring my seedlings, I had great success transplanting. My LFD is 5/29, but we didn't reach reliable overnight temps of 10C until mid-June. Our FFD is 9/12! The woes of high altitude gardening.😢We had four hail storms that decimated the garden last year. Fingers crossed for a harvest this year. I have 3 loofah seeds left to try.

[@dustyflats3832]

Gardener Scott has video of netting he uses to protect from frequent hailstorms in Colorado you might find interesting.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Omph that’s never nice

[@LeslieSpeights]

@@dustyflats3832 cool beans, thanks for the recommendation! I'll check it out.

[@user-qw7nf8nq7g]

Great info- thanks!!! My ridiculous plant here in Ohio USA is always artichoke. It's worked only one year, but I keep trying. Lol

[@GardeningInCanada]

You can do it!

[@miriambartley6622]

I try a ridiculous every year too. I started a banana tree from seed one year. 2 years ago it was king papyrus. I like a challenge.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Love that ambition 🎉

[@terrafirma75]

How did your banana tree make out? Did you overwinter it; Is it still growing?

[@miriambartley6622]

I want cantalope too.

[@rschafer8684]

I appreciate all your guidance and advice. I have a question that might be a bit off this topic. I have seen a few videos of late that recommend making solvable calcium from egg shells and vinegar, what are your thoughts on this? For a few years now, I have been saving egg shells and grinding them up to add to the soil.

[@andydroid9782]

Wow! 26 seconds into the video and I got to say you're looking good today. A little devilish look to it too! Lol.

[@GardeningInCanada]

🤣

[@CWorgen5732]

I'm moving to Southern Oregon, but out in the hills. Our property gets 1-2 feet of snow when town- or even the main road! -gets 1-2 inches. So I'm guessing our zone isn't actually 8a because they don't chart it that precisely outside town 🙄 But I'm going to start my lavender and rosemary tonight if I can find a milk jug! Peppers next month ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

Omph love it. I’m in a blizzard right now 🤣

[@tanyakilbane7636]

Zone 5b, now 6 , For me the coldest part of the day is 5 am, the longest time away from the sun, and when the frost kills. I have started snapdragons Statice Strawflower Cabbage Lettuce I would love to start more, I just don’t have space inside anymore. I intent to keep inside for another few weeks, and am gently hardening off this week in prep for the transition to dirt outside in a cold frame.

[@nunyabizness9104]

Dirt?

[@DragonflyenAmber]

My last frost date seems to vary, anywhere between April 11 to May 4th. I'm a total slacker this year, I need to get my hot peppers and other stuff started. I've got heat mats and lights I just need to get my butt moving LOL I'm in East York

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh man! Yours comes nice and early! The years I start late I just simple hit up the greenhouse 🙄

[@DJChirpzTV]

i live in zone 8. el paso, TX to be precise. i started scotch bonnet, bell peppers and okra indoor on 12/20/23. they are doing well. my last frost date is April 1 but it gets very hot down here in the summer months so i’m trying to get them out in the garden late march early April. I need suggestions on vegetables to plant down here in this desert that’ll survive 100° dry heat.

[@GardeningInCanada]

oo scotch bonnet! never tried those before. Is that a staple for you?

[@janw491]

Last frost date is June 1 because we are on open windy fields by Lake Ontario. 2k up the road it’s a few days earlier!! Mmm going to try Lovage this year, under a rambling rose! My biggest issue is with Japanese beetles on my young fruit trees

[@GardeningInCanada]

My last frost date is June 10th 🥹 which is insanity lol

[@gabriellakadar]

You need to encourage birds to come to your garden. If you hang a suet feeder from you fruit trees the Redwing Blackbirds will come. They won't swoop your head because they know you are feeding them. They just complain really loudly when the suet feeder is empty. They eat the beetles as do Cardinals and Robins. I usually have Robins and Blackbirds and no Japanese beetles except one or two.

[@robertjones6272]

Man that cantaloupe looks delicious 😋🤦🏿❤ i would still try it😂its not rediculous start them inside and finish them inside 🍂

[@GardeningInCanada]

Right!! Lol desperate for that moment 😅

[@kathryngarven7171]

I started sweet peppers in February (Keystone variety). I have re-potted once. They are now strong plants, 4" to 5" tall, 7 sets of leaves, growing under lights. They have many flower buds on them. I am not sure if I should remove the flowers, it will be several weeks before I can harden them off, let alone transplant to their final growing spot. Advice please - top or just re-pot into bigger containers?

[@wildfirewulf]

Ashley, you are glorious. Thank you for everything you do. I'm in Hinton AB - wondering what you recommend for min/max thermometer? I bought 2 digitals that had different readings, so I averaged them🤪 But I need one I can trust. Thoughts?❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh no haha. I just use the mechanical ones geni.us/np7FbTf

[@thelazynortherngardener7607]

Hi - you mentioned we are going into a drought year. Can you tell me more about where to confirm this?

[@beentheredonethat6584]

I am surprised that nobody has mentioned season extenders like black landscape fabric or wall-o-waters to permit early field planting. My last frost date is May 15 (central BC) but the soil is often too cold for tomatoes until June. By covering the planting area with black fabric and placing the w-o-w, any deep frozen soil is dispersed and I can field plant tomatoes in mid April. By June the w-o-w are re-used for peppers and kept on until the plants grow out the top. The w-o-w helps prevent sun scald on delicate transplants. A large container of water in your cold frame or greenhouse will help with minor frost issues and concrete pavers located close to the roots of your peppers will provide overnight heat to their roots while providing impermeable mulch for weed control. This is not new technology. I've been doing this for at least 30 years and consider it essential in northern growing conditions.

[@christineelsey3104]

❤❤ Yes PLEASE do a video about LOOFAH !!.. I have seeds I got late last spring.. way too late to plant to grow summer of 2023.. So... I do want to try them this year.. I have seen a couple of videos so I know there's something you are recommended to do to the seeds before you plant, but I can't remember details know.. 😢

[@GardeningInCanada]

Noted!

[@alizaterrell7607]

I'm in Wisconsin Zone 4. I started luffa three years ago in late March... It really wasn't a huge problem in my grow area, as I only started four plants. Put out two, thought they weren't going to do anything. Waited and waited until I forgot about them... I had them right next to each, within 6", with an arch over. Boy when they took off, it was crazy town... Flowers were BEAUTIFUL. Vines over took everything. And I had at least 20 full grown luffas. I let about ten stay on the vine way past frost because they were still "green". Harvested them when the vine dried out. All were useable as sponges. It was really fun for me. The cukes that were growing next to them, didn't think it was that great but I would do it again just for the flowers. Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

[@kimberlyivarie4756]

I love your channel! How do you know, "We are guaranteed to have a drought year"?

[@79PoisonBreaker]

herbs and celery started this week as well as rosemary cuttings to root. peppers will be starting in a week, then tomatoes a week later. when the tomatoes pop on the heat mat I will start going crazy with everything else like kales. I start my Glass Gem Corn in trays with squash just before may and goes in ground with some beans(scarlet runner) starting may long if weather allows. Trying to put them together for 3 sisters garden this year, I love the popcorn from Glass Gem corn.

[@miriambartley6622]

I love glass gem too.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Oh yes! So beautiful

[@terrafirma75]

This may be a silly question, but when you pop the gem corn, is the popcorn tinted or is it white like a standard popcorn? I’ve been admiring the different coloured corns for a couple years and decided to try one this year but never thought of it in terms of popping corn.

[@79PoisonBreaker]

@terrafirma75 after it pops it looks like normal but small popcorn. The colors all get dark brown , different shades of brown for each color but just brown kernel and white fluff.

[@kristinpothast]

What kind of peppers are you doing for paprika? I tried a couple last year and really enjoy using them but I'm always looking to up my paprika game. It's one of my favorite spices and I can no longer stand store bought paprika powder. Growing my own has been a culinary game changer! I started lettuce, kale, arugala, spinach, tons of broccoli and two kinds of celery a couple of weeks ago, plus some onions I already had on hand and some herbs. I tried celery last year. One kind (I think d'elne?) didn't grow at all and the other kind (I think utah) grew great and was delicious until I didn't water it through a heat spell. It was really a delightful surprise in my garden. I love celery but had never grown it before. Since I can't be sure which worked well I seeded both again and will be a better mom to them during the hot periods. Plus I'm starting them WAY sooner this year so they will be ready during cooler months. I'm in zone 5 in Northern Iowa. OH! I almost forgot. I planted some calendula around my fruit tree as a permaculture area and the aphids were all over that but left the rest of my garden completely alone. It was very interesting! It kept them busy until the lady beetles arrived.

[@raielenekirby4930]

Im from Newfoundland (central, zone 4-5). Have struggled to get a harvest of butternut squash but not ready to give up! anyone have seed suggestions and when to start?!