It’s Spring and time to plant!

Dear Gardener-Teacher,

Spring has come and it is time to start organizing your seeds. If you have bought seeds, you will see on the back of the package that there are instructions on when to start growing them. Typically there are “start inside” seeds and “direct-seeding” seeds.

Some seeds don’t even come as seeds! For instance, me, the potato. I can be purchased as a seed potato which means that I am found as a real potato that has been kept in a dark and cool place from last year’s crop. I can be planted in the middle of the Spring, and love lots of space (around 50cms). I also love being on a little loose hill, with lots of mulch (about 6 inches) because when I start to grow, I put out tubers into this loose soil. You can then tickle my tubers out to eat whenever you want! I am really easy to grow and like lots of sun and lots of water (especially when my green tops are showing). I really like being planted with some beneficial friends too (also known as companion planting). Curiously enough I like being planted with plants that taste good when I am cooked with them, like onions, chives, horseradish, and bush beans!

Other seeds need to be carefully started indoors in a little greenhouse- while some hardy plants can be put right into the soil early in the year. Almost all seeds require heat and water to get going. Refer to gardening books for the particular timing of when you put seeds in the ground. However, don’t take all gardening books for their word. Getting to know your garden is the most important thing. Remember the first and last permaculture principles: observe and interact and creatively use and respond to change!

Your friend,
Yukon Gold.