Discussions

Just wondering if there are any seed trading groups in Brandon. Also wondering about any different methods for gardening kills might use.  
 
I am going to try a self wicking container system next growing season. I also have three smaller raised beds.

i would like plant some vegetable heirloom seeds  
but where to find them

if any one ever prunes their roses bushes in spring I would like a green cane clipping or few with buds on please

Lindenbergs advertises some heirloom seeds and there are specialist seed companies offering these.

https://www.heritageharvestseed.com/

Yes, Heritage Harvest seeds are a great place to get seeds. I often order from her. I will occasionally pick up heirloom seeds at the regular store - pretty much all seed providers have at least a few heirloom varieties.  
 
I also save many of my seeds year to year. Some things are hard to save - anything from the curbit family, for example, unless you're hand-pollenating them - but tomatoes, beans and many herbs are easy to do yourself. There's a great book called How to Save Your Own Seeds by Seeds of Diversity Canada (I bought it off Heritage's website) that gives detailed instructions.  
 
In the past, there's been Seedy Saturday/Sunday hosted by the Garden Club, but I wouldn't rely on that happening in 2021. It's usually February? March? I've never gone, although I intend to every year.  
 
After rejigging my beds yet again, I will have at least 8 raised beds next year and a variety of large pots and the 5 gallon pails.

Purchased them many times from McKenzie seeds, but that was a few yrs ago. You could try them and see if they still sell them.  
 
Brian, I have a rose bush hedge that you are welcome to.  
Flowers are tiny red and abundant, low fragrant, grows to about 3/12 to 4feet tall.  
Plus have a pink rose bush that grows taller, maybe 6 ft. your welcome to this one also.

I bought heirloom seeds from William Dam Seeds & from Richters. I find that WD has great value for the money, great service, good shipping, and no seeds are treated (unlike Lindenbergs).  
 
I am not a fan of Heritage Harvest due to their lack of quality control.

If they do have Seedy Saturday/Sunday in 2021 you'll find some seeds there [some free and some for sale] and also people who are happy to chat about gardening.  
Most seed companies have at least some heritage/heirloom seeds.  
There are at least 2 Manitoba gardening groups on Facebook. Mostly someone in the group is going to answer any gardening questions that you might have.  
If you like watching videos on gardening methods you might try Maritime Gardening and OYR [one yard revolution]. I've found both of these to be very good.

https://www.terraedibles.ca/  
 
Edited by HammerHead, 2020-11-18 20:04:17

to start seeds. One trick I learned was to place the container, with the newly planted seeds, on top of an old electric blanket set on low temp. the germination ratio and time to germinate is speeded up. Happy Gardening!

I've started seeds for the past few years too, and invested in a heat mat last year. What a game changer!! I actually got peppers this year!  
 
I've had a grow light for a long time already, and it's useful in February/March, but once April hits nothing beats a good old-fashioned sunny window, in my experience.  
 
Also, we're pretty low-tech and cheap here, I often use repurposed plastic containers (yogurt, sour cream etc) to start seeds in. If I can find a deal on the peat pots I will use those too, but they often do better in the containers. Cut-down 1 & 2 L milk cartons also are good (I remember my grandmother using those).  
 
It's extremely satisfying starting your own seeds, saving them, and replanting them year after year. Not only are you going to get the best plants for your particular micro-climate, but it's just intriguing to work with the plants through their entire life-cycle.

I've had the opposite experience. I've only ever gotten excellent seeds with pretty much 100% true-to-type germination from her. Unlike some other heritage seeds from other places I've boughten - last year I had one package of cucumber seeds that had only a 10% germination rate. Very annoying and a waste of time and money.