Gear Up for Spring Planting With These Toronto Gardening Events

Over the coming weeks, the Toronto area plays host to several events that are geared to the

gardening community.

This weekend, the Toronto Botanical Garden is hosting their annual open house called “Get the

Jump on Spring”.  This show brings together garden and horticultural societies from the GTA,

along with vendors selling seeds and other garden-related supplies, a flower competition, talks

and demonstrations.  The Toronto Master Gardeners will also be on hand to answer any

questions you may have.  Admission to the event is free of charge although a $2 donation is

appreciated.

Seedy Saturdays are also starting up in the next few weeks.  For those of you that have never

heard of Seedy Saturdays, you’ll wish you had a long time ago.

Originating in Toronto in the 1990s, Seedy Saturdays are a seed exchange that takes place in

locations around Toronto and the GTA where you have the opportunity to borrow donate, or

return seeds to the Toronto Seed Library, or purchase seeds from a host of local seed farmers.

At the end of March, Canada Blooms rolls into Toronto.  As Canada’s largest flower and garden

festival, it is a must attend show for anyone interested in gardening.  I will likely write a couple of

blogs about this year’s festival including one on the event itself just prior to its opening day and

one reflecting on my visit.

To find out more about these events, check out my Events page.

5 Simple Tips to Select and Care for Indoor Plants

When adding plants to an indoor space, it is important to remember a few time-tested tips to make sure it not only survives, but thrives.

Below are 5 simple tips to help you with selecting and caring for an indoor plant:

1. Choose Plants for Location, Not Appearance

When selecting indoor plants, decide where you plan to put them first before heading out to purchase them.  There are important things to consider when purchasing a plant such as light, water requirements, space, temperature, and traffic.  There is always that temptation to go out and purchase what is in bloom or for its appearance but remember that over time, plants will have needs such as lighting a temperature and space when they grow.

A quick checklist of things to consider include are:

• How much light will the plant receive?  Plants that thrive in bright locations will need windows a low light will not do well beside a window.
• How much space to have for the pot?  If space is limited, choose a compact, slow-growing plant that fits your space.
• What is average temperature where you are planning to put your plant?   Cactuses may not be a suitable space for a cold basement.
• How much foot traffic exists?  A larger plant that takes up lots of space may not be appropriate for a narrow hallway.
• Do you have pets?  Children?  Some plants are poisonous to animals and humans so you will want to keep them out of reach or choose different ones altogether.
• How much time do you want to spend caring for your plants?  Some are low-maintenance while others require a big time commitment.

Write yourself a note with your requirements so that you know what types of plants to look for when you get to the store.

2. Find a Store With Quality Stock and Knowledgeable Staff

The next step is to find a find a store with knowledgeable staff that can help you make appropriate selections.  Tell the staff your requirements and they will often be more than happy to help you make the right selections.

3. Purchase Healthy, Quality Plants

Although there will always be stores (particularly grocery and big box stores) that will advertise cheaper stock, remember that you get what you pay for in most cases and unless they have experts on staff, will not be able to help with plant selection.

Plants are an investment in your environment that last for decades if properly cared for and over time, the cost difference is minimal.

4. Buy the Right Pot and Soil for Your Plants

Now that you have your plant, it is important to choose the right pot for its home.  Make sure the pot you choose gives roots the space they need and fill it with quality soil for them to flourish.

5. Provide Proper Care

Once your plant is hope and in its pot, it is important to follow the care instructions to ensure it continues to thrive, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

Japanese Asplenium Nidus Ferns

Also known as the Crispy Wave fern, this houseplant is nothing short of a horticultural treasure.  Extremely easy to care for, this plant grows endlessly, looks great and is pretty affordable (I’ve seen them as low as $5.00 a plant at Metro).

I purchased my plant last year at Canada Blooms and has say in my kitchen, Admittedly, after seeing some pictures of plants at around the 9′ mark,  I am tempted to put it into a larger pot to see how big I get it to grow, but then I’d have to find somewhere else to put it.

Why Blog About Gardening?

For gardeners in Southern Ontario, it is not surprising to me that so many of us have turned to the internet to help us through the long winter months when we look out the window at what either was or will be our escape from the everyday; our gardens.

In my case, my hope for this blog is to not only share my trials and tribulations in the garden, but to also share some of my favourite garden centres, parks, and other things garden with those who choose to follow me or just pay a short visit.

With so many gardening blogs on the web (including many by Torontonians), some may ask, why start another blog?  My response is simply, why wouldn’t I?