Inspire The Next Generation of Growers

This month’s Spring equinox means longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, and if you’re a gardener, that is the signal you’ve been waiting for: time to start seeding and planting!! Even if you’ve never watered a houseplant before, this is your chance at a new beginning. March is the perfect month to start planning your garden, and for the youngsters in your life, it is an incredible opportunity to introduce different ways to play, connect with nature, and learn about food. Sowing seeds gives the whole family something to look forward to. And shopping for seeds is an exciting activity no matter what age! I am always surprised at how long a seed catalogue can keep a child (or adult, for that matter) occupied, if you give them permission to choose any one item they want… oh, decisions, decisions!

To avoid shipping delays and keep your little ones excited throughout the planning process, try scrolling together through the seed and transplants offerings on Cowop.ca. There are lots of lovely, colourful pictures to look at, a wide range of species and varieties to choose from, and once you’ve confirmed an order, your seeds and plants will be delivered or ready for pick-up in less than a week! You’ll be teaching the kiddos by example to participate in a community economy, grow regionally adapted seeds, and support their small-farmin’ neighbours. Suggestions of easy plants for children and beginning gardeners to grow, which can be directly sown or planted in the ground at the end of March. Almost everything else can be seeded outside in late April, after the risk of frost has passed. (the following are available on Cow-op.ca):

- Purple Snow Peas - Sugar Snap Peas - Orca beans (AKA ‘Calypso’ beans, kids will love the black and white seeds, they really do look like tiny Orca whales) - Fava/ Broad beans - Rosemary or sage plants

Providing the Cowichan Valley with Raw Cold Press 100% Organic Juices & Nut Mylks NEW Bone Broths with Medicinal Mushrooms!

Available EVERY DAY at The Community Farm Store or WEEKLY online at cow-op.ca. Direct orders can be placed to hello@euphoricjuicery.com

Laura is a market gardener, gardening teacher, and an active member of Cow-op.