Gardening
S eed packets hold the promise of colourful and beautiful flow- ers but they can also offer a gar- den brimming with fresh vegetables, which come with all kinds of health benefits. Sowing seeds indoors and planning a dream garden can be a reality for anyone with an interest and a little dedicated time and space. It’s never too early to get growing. Jordan Hiebert, president of Lacoste Garden Centre, has been one of the owners of the family business since 2004. He got into the industry at a young age, and he still finds it energizing and rewarding. With rising food costs these days, there’s an increasing interest in growing one’s own food. “This business changes so read- ily, week to week. You get to invent what you think a garden centre can be and take inspiration from other places,” he says. “It’s a close-knit industry. We share ideas readily. I love my staff, how they exercise their creativity and share ideas.” With rising food costs these days, Hiebert says there’s an increasing interest in growing one’s own food. “We are hearing it and see- ing it. With food, our seed sales for doing indoor and direct seeding have gone up considerably. For many years, even pre-COVID, that was growing. There’s more signifi- cant growth in finished herbs and vegetables. Some people do find
seeding a little intimidating or they may not have the space.” But Hiebert says it’s not as com- plicated as it might seem, and he encourages aspiring gardeners to get to it and try out different plants. “Seeds are relatively affordable. It’s easy and not time-consuming, and you don’t need a ton of space,” he says. “Some people are afraid they’re going to screw up. Some things don’t work out. That’s why experienced gardeners have all made mistakes.” Gardening is a learning experi- ence and should be fun, he adds. The staff at Lacoste is happy to answer questions. “We try to be accessible, not intimidating. We are passionate about making sure people are successful.” Hiebert offered a few important tips for sowing seeds indoors. “Grow what you eat if you want a big bountiful garden. Do you really eat eggplants? If not, then that’s not what you want to plant. And grow what is expensive in the grocery stores. I don’t grow onions or pota- toes. They’re relatively cheap when they’re abundant. Try growing some things that are unique — like squash can be very expensive — toma- toes, peppers and chilies,” he says. “For the most part in Manitoba, we do have a long-enough season. Some things that can be a little chal- lenging are some of the hot chilies — the ghost peppers, the scorpion, the reaper — the really popular peppers. They’re the hottest in the world. If you’re starting those from seed, start them very early in a small pot or row seedlings before being transplanted up into larger pots, just as you would do with other plants.”
MHBA | SPRING 2026 PARADE of HOMES 45
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