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Love the rich, full flavour of the produce from your neighbourhood farmers' market? Or perhaps you’re always coming from the grocer with a bouquet of flowers for your dining room table? A green thumb isn’t as uncommon as you think: with the right soil, a few gardening tools and some patience, you can nurture a garden that will yield both beautiful floral arrangements and food to feed you and yours. The benefits of an organic garden go beyond just your home: growing a garden without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers is also a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here is everything you need to start your farm-to-table journey right in your own backyard.
Outdoors
Organic Gardening: What and When to Plant
May 2, 2019
Love the rich, full flavour of the produce from your neighbourhood farmers' market? Or perhaps you’re always coming from the grocer with a bouquet of flowers for your dining room table? A green thumb isn’t as uncommon as you think: with the right soil, a few gardening tools and some patience, you can nurture a garden that will yield both beautiful floral arrangements and food to feed you and yours. The benefits of an organic garden go beyond just your home: growing a garden without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers is also a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here is everything you need to start your farm-to-table journey right in your own backyard.
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Supplies
1/15Supplies
1/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Before you decide what to plant, you’ll need to make sure your seeds are given the best environment to succeed: a spot with a decent amount of light and good soil conditions. To get started, you’re going to need to get your hands on some mulch, which serves as a protective covering for the soil. The mulch also allows soil to keep its moisture and improves the soil’s fertility. You can grab a <a href="https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/scotts-nature-scapes-mulch-sierra-red-56-6-l-0594968p.html#srp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">whopping 56.6 litre bag of it from Canadian Tire for $7</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/best-outdoor-furniture-under-100-1927401/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Outdoor Furnishings for Under $100</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantSupplies
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Before you decide what to plant, you’ll need to make sure your seeds are given the best environment to succeed: a spot with a decent amount of light and good soil conditions. To get started, you’re going to need to get your hands on some mulch, which serves as a protective covering for the soil. The mulch also allows soil to keep its moisture and improves the soil’s fertility. You can grab a <a href="https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/scotts-nature-scapes-mulch-sierra-red-56-6-l-0594968p.html#srp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">whopping 56.6 litre bag of it from Canadian Tire for $7</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/best-outdoor-furniture-under-100-1927401/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Best Outdoor Furnishings for Under $100</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Supplies
2/15Supplies
2/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
You’ll also want to ensure your planting ground is clear of weeds — these uninvited guests have a bad habit of smothering gardens and will vie with your plants for nutrients, light and water. You’ll have an easier time keeping the weeds at bay once you have your mulch down — but, if you need to deal with them before then, try picking up a <a href="https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/yardworks-stainless-steel-hand-weeder-0592788p.html#srp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">handheld weeder from your neighbourhood hardware store for $8</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-makeover-your-backyard-for-spring-less-than-100-1925274/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Makeover Your Backyard for Spring for Less Than $100</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantSupplies
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -You’ll also want to ensure your planting ground is clear of weeds — these uninvited guests have a bad habit of smothering gardens and will vie with your plants for nutrients, light and water. You’ll have an easier time keeping the weeds at bay once you have your mulch down — but, if you need to deal with them before then, try picking up a <a href="https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/yardworks-stainless-steel-hand-weeder-0592788p.html#srp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">handheld weeder from your neighbourhood hardware store for $8</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-makeover-your-backyard-for-spring-less-than-100-1925274/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How to Makeover Your Backyard for Spring for Less Than $100</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Black-Eyed Susan
3/15Black-Eyed Susan
3/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
The black-eyed Susan is one of the most visually arresting summer flowering plants: their lemon-coloured petals encircle their dark pistils, swathing your garden in a resplendent mass of gold and black. This perennial flower comes to blossom when summer wanes and will last for several weeks once fully bloomed. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/the-easiest-shade-loving-plants-to-grow-in-your-yard-1914381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Easiest Shade-Loving Plants to Grow in Your Yard</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantBlack-Eyed Susan
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -The black-eyed Susan is one of the most visually arresting summer flowering plants: their lemon-coloured petals encircle their dark pistils, swathing your garden in a resplendent mass of gold and black. This perennial flower comes to blossom when summer wanes and will last for several weeks once fully bloomed. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/the-easiest-shade-loving-plants-to-grow-in-your-yard-1914381/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Easiest Shade-Loving Plants to Grow in Your Yard</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Black-Eyed Susan
4/15Black-Eyed Susan
4/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Black-eyed Susans prefer direct sunlight and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. You’ll want to plant them close together in soil that is loosely packed. These flowers are quite demanding on the soil and do best when planted in their own section of the garden. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/johnsons-seeds-black-eyed-susan-sunset-shades-seeds/1000766463" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can get a pack of black-eyed Susan seeds for just $5.</a> You should plant black-eyed Susans between March and May, they will flower between June and September.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantBlack-Eyed Susan
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Black-eyed Susans prefer direct sunlight and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. You’ll want to plant them close together in soil that is loosely packed. These flowers are quite demanding on the soil and do best when planted in their own section of the garden. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/johnsons-seeds-black-eyed-susan-sunset-shades-seeds/1000766463" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can get a pack of black-eyed Susan seeds for just $5.</a> You should plant black-eyed Susans between March and May, they will flower between June and September.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Oregano
5/15Oregano
5/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Oregano is a plant with great culinary range and adds flavour and depth to many Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Oregano is a great addition to vegetables, pastas and meats, especially lamb.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantOregano
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Oregano is a plant with great culinary range and adds flavour and depth to many Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Oregano is a great addition to vegetables, pastas and meats, especially lamb.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Oregano
6/15Oregano
6/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
This summer plant needs a fair bit of heat and sunlight to germinate and should be planted eight to 10 inches apart. Oregano does best when watered sparingly, so only water it when the soil is completely dry to the touch. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-oregano-seeds/1000767410">Oregano seeds are only $2 a pack.</a> If you're planting a seedling, you'll want to plant after the last spring frost. If you're starting from seeds, it's best to get them in the ground six to 10 weeks before the last frost.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantOregano
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -This summer plant needs a fair bit of heat and sunlight to germinate and should be planted eight to 10 inches apart. Oregano does best when watered sparingly, so only water it when the soil is completely dry to the touch. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-oregano-seeds/1000767410">Oregano seeds are only $2 a pack.</a> If you're planting a seedling, you'll want to plant after the last spring frost. If you're starting from seeds, it's best to get them in the ground six to 10 weeks before the last frost.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Spinach
7/15Spinach
7/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Spinach has gained a lot of clout as a staple in the health food scene. Rich in Vitamins K, A and C, this vegetable is extremely versatile in that it can be eaten raw or cooked and adds a great dose of greenery and fibre to your meals. It’s one of the best summer garden plants to include in your crop rotation if you’re trying to get a lot of vegetables into your diet. Spinach can serve as a great base for summer salads like this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spinach-salad-with-raspberry-vinaigrette-and-candied-walnuts/7967/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts.</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantSpinach
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Spinach has gained a lot of clout as a staple in the health food scene. Rich in Vitamins K, A and C, this vegetable is extremely versatile in that it can be eaten raw or cooked and adds a great dose of greenery and fibre to your meals. It’s one of the best summer garden plants to include in your crop rotation if you’re trying to get a lot of vegetables into your diet. Spinach can serve as a great base for summer salads like this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spinach-salad-with-raspberry-vinaigrette-and-candied-walnuts/7967/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Spinach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts.</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Spinach
8/15Spinach
8/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some people choose to soak their spinach seeds for 24 hours one week before they get into the soil; this gives the seeds all the moisture they need to speed through some of their germination. In areas with a long, cold spring, you can plant right up until mid-May. You’ll want to plant the seeds about an inch apart and leave 14 inches between rows as the leaves need room to reach their full size. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-spinach-america-seeds/1000766529">A pack of spinach seeds will set you back just $2.</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantSpinach
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Some people choose to soak their spinach seeds for 24 hours one week before they get into the soil; this gives the seeds all the moisture they need to speed through some of their germination. In areas with a long, cold spring, you can plant right up until mid-May. You’ll want to plant the seeds about an inch apart and leave 14 inches between rows as the leaves need room to reach their full size. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-spinach-america-seeds/1000766529">A pack of spinach seeds will set you back just $2.</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Strawberries
9/15Strawberries
9/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
It’s hard not to love strawberries: the tart, succulent fruit always finds a way to make a creative appearance. This spring plant can show up on the rim of your cocktail glass as a garnish or on your chocolate drizzled sundae as a topping. It’s also a great ingredient in both fruit and vegetable salads and is a low-calorie option to blend into a smoothie as well.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantStrawberries
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -It’s hard not to love strawberries: the tart, succulent fruit always finds a way to make a creative appearance. This spring plant can show up on the rim of your cocktail glass as a garnish or on your chocolate drizzled sundae as a topping. It’s also a great ingredient in both fruit and vegetable salads and is a low-calorie option to blend into a smoothie as well.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Strawberries
10/15Strawberries
10/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Strawberry plants can be planted between late April and the end of May. If you want a bit more of a challenge, the strawberry seed requires a bit more attention than some of the other plants in your garden. You’ll need to put the seeds in your freezer for a few weeks near the end of February: this is to simulate winter. After this, you can keep them indoors in a seed tray in direct sunlight until they grow three or four leaves. This should take you to April or May, which is the best time to plant strawberries.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantStrawberries
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Strawberry plants can be planted between late April and the end of May. If you want a bit more of a challenge, the strawberry seed requires a bit more attention than some of the other plants in your garden. You’ll need to put the seeds in your freezer for a few weeks near the end of February: this is to simulate winter. After this, you can keep them indoors in a seed tray in direct sunlight until they grow three or four leaves. This should take you to April or May, which is the best time to plant strawberries.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Strawberries
11/15Strawberries
11/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
When they reach this stage, they are ready to be outside in the shade for a few hours each day to adjust to the climate outdoors. Once you’re able to leave the strawberries out overnight, feel free to transfer them to your garden, where they will take four to six weeks to bear fruit. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/johnsons-seeds-strawberry-delician-seeds/1000767224" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can get a pack strawberry seeds for $5.</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantStrawberries
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -When they reach this stage, they are ready to be outside in the shade for a few hours each day to adjust to the climate outdoors. Once you’re able to leave the strawberries out overnight, feel free to transfer them to your garden, where they will take four to six weeks to bear fruit. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/johnsons-seeds-strawberry-delician-seeds/1000767224" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can get a pack strawberry seeds for $5.</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Red-Hot Poker Flowers
12/15Red-Hot Poker Flowers
12/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
The red-hot poker is a fitting moniker for this lanky, alluring plant. This plant, hailing from the lily family, has a slender stalk which balances a brambly, blaze-coloured bulb. It is one of the best flowers to plant in spring if you want to attract the wildlife the season has to offer: the red-hot poker’s nectar can summon hummingbirds and butterflies to your own backyard.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantRed-Hot Poker Flowers
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -The red-hot poker is a fitting moniker for this lanky, alluring plant. This plant, hailing from the lily family, has a slender stalk which balances a brambly, blaze-coloured bulb. It is one of the best flowers to plant in spring if you want to attract the wildlife the season has to offer: the red-hot poker’s nectar can summon hummingbirds and butterflies to your own backyard.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Red Hot Poker Flowers
13/15Red Hot Poker Flowers
13/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Red-hot pokers do best in early spring and need a fair bit of space to reach their remarkable height. They need to be planted in a spot where they will be able to soak up a full day’s worth of sunlight and also thrive in soil that drains well. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/239024752/red-hot-poker-flower-seeds-kniphofia?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_ca_en_ca_d-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=aa30fc3b-cedf-4d70-ba78-27e8fa4e0f57&utm_content=go_319635765_19423125765_75224182365_aud-537409439212:pla-106551294035_c__239024752enca&gclid=CjwKCAjwwZrmBRA7EiwA4iMzBKhe2N-oETqt2njMtfdxk_uBvrNhTNSiw5tt05Ra0nLI4gmqewlLzBoCb6IQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can pick up a pack of seeds for $5</a>.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantRed Hot Poker Flowers
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Red-hot pokers do best in early spring and need a fair bit of space to reach their remarkable height. They need to be planted in a spot where they will be able to soak up a full day’s worth of sunlight and also thrive in soil that drains well. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/239024752/red-hot-poker-flower-seeds-kniphofia?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_ca_en_ca_d-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=aa30fc3b-cedf-4d70-ba78-27e8fa4e0f57&utm_content=go_319635765_19423125765_75224182365_aud-537409439212:pla-106551294035_c__239024752enca&gclid=CjwKCAjwwZrmBRA7EiwA4iMzBKhe2N-oETqt2njMtfdxk_uBvrNhTNSiw5tt05Ra0nLI4gmqewlLzBoCb6IQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You can pick up a pack of seeds for $5</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Primrose
14/15Primrose
14/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
The primrose is a gorgeous, butter-coloured spring perennial with a profuse bloom. They are a great springtime feature for your garden. They retire gracefully with summer’s arrival and will go dormant in your soil until the following spring.OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantPrimrose
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -The primrose is a gorgeous, butter-coloured spring perennial with a profuse bloom. They are a great springtime feature for your garden. They retire gracefully with summer’s arrival and will go dormant in your soil until the following spring.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Primrose
15/15Primrose
15/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
You’ll want to plant them in an area with a bit of shade and water them about an inch a week. They are best planted in springtime and should be sown six to 12 inches apart and planted four to six inches deep. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-evening-primrose-seeds/1000766979" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A pack of seeds will run you $2.</a> <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>OutdoorsOrganic Gardening: What and When to PlantPrimrose
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -You’ll want to plant them in an area with a bit of shade and water them about an inch a week. They are best planted in springtime and should be sown six to 12 inches apart and planted four to six inches deep. <a href="https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mr-fothergill-s-seeds-evening-primrose-seeds/1000766979" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A pack of seeds will run you $2.</a> <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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