Contributed by Jennifer Peachey

What is smaller than a dime, weighs less than an ounce and can feed a family all summer? Hint: a little water, some sunshine, soil and tender loving care are essential. Yes, I’m referring to seeds. It might be hard to get excited about summer planting during this cold, snowy weather but it’s not too early to start thinking about the upcoming season.

If you were one of the many who visited the Urban Harvest Warehouse this weekend you may have purchased some seed packs from Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farms. I’m most excited about the Thai Dragon Pepper seeds I picked up! You won’t see these peppers at your local garden centre because they are part of the heirloom collection.

Generally it is agreed that an heirloom, or heritage, seed is from a plant that has been cultivated for at least 50 years. These plants have never been genetically modified and are not hybrids. Many farms offering heirloom seeds grow their plants organically and do not treat the seeds with fungicides. These plants are also naturally pollinated – by animals not people. The variety available through heirloom seeds is incredible. You can pick up Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce that was introduced prior to 1888 or Styrian Pumpkins that produce hull-less seeds, or Stuttgarter Onions and Amish Snap Peas.

Once you have your seeds you need to decide when to start them indoors or sow them outside. Plants started indoors too early will produce spindly plants that will not stand up to the spring weather. Sowing too late can delay your harvest. According to Organic Gardener these are the general rules to follow if we consider May 24th as the last frost:

Peppers: start indoors between March 29th and April 26th, plant outside June 7th.

Tomatoes: start indoors between April 12th and April 26th, plant outside between May 31st and June 7th.

Chard: start indoors March 29th and April 12th, plant outside between May 10th and 24th

Radishes, Spinach, Lettuce & Kale: sow directly in the garden between April 12th and May 3rd (I planted my radishes on March 18th last year!)

Although they’re calling for a wet, cool spring we know the promise of summer is not far behind. If you’re a gardener, or want to be one, now is the time to start planning. This weekend’s seed swap and sale in Enderby is another chance to get involved in preserving heirloom seeds.

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