Some gardeners prefer seedlings so they have more heirloom or specific varieties to choose from. Others simply want to see their plants grow! Know that garden centers offer a wide selection of healthy plants from local producers.
Read our magazine on seedling:
When to start indoor seedlings
February is a good time to start planning your sowing and get essential material. But before you put the seeds in the soil, make sure the timing is right for when you will be able to transplant to the garden.
- Determine when the last frost should be in your area
- Check the seed packet to know when you can sow
- Choose the right seeds for your hardiness zone
Indoor seedling
Certain slower-growing fruits and vegetables must be started from seed indoors a number of weeks before being transplanted outside into the vegetable garden.
Mid-March
- Chives
- Parsley
- Onions, Green onions, Leeks
- Hot and Sweet
- Peppers
- Thyme
Mid-April
- Basil
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Cabbages
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Direct seeding and transplanting
Other can be seeded directly into the garden once all risk of frost has passed.
End of May
- Beets
- Carrots
- Coriander
- Turnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
Beginning of June
- Cucumbers
- Squash and melons
- Beans
- Zucchinis
Seed selection
Ideally, opt for untreated, organic seeds:
- without phytosanitary treatment
- untouched by chemical or synthetic products
- for delicious results!
Plants to buy
For some varieties of berries and herbs, it is better and easier to get plants from your garden center.
Berries:
- Blueberry
- Haskap
- Blackcurrant
- Strawberry
- Raspberry
- Gooseberry
Herbs:
- Mint
- Oregano
- Rosemary
