Gardening
Hiebert says when growing seeds indoors, the season can span sev- eral months with chili peppers in late February or early March, broccoli and tomatoes in April and cucumbers in early May. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all. We sched- ule for the Prairies from late February into May.” Plants with a long growing period, like tomatoes and chilies, as well as tender annuals like cosmos, are sown indoors in early spring to protect them from frosts and then planted outside when the weather is warmer. Many seeds will also germinate in pots on a sunny windowsill from mid-spring onward. Lacoste lists some seeds that can be sown indoors in spring and planted outside once the frosts are over: • Nasturtiums — the edible flowers are high in vitamin C and help support the The mint family includes various types of sage as well as rosemary, basil and lavender. The aromatic salvia can be used to flavour a variety of dishes or to create teas.
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immune system. They make perfect additions to salads or as a garnish to just about any dish. • The mint family, which includes vari- ous types of sage as well as rosemary, basil and lavender — the aromatic salvia can be used to flavour a variety of dishes or to create teas. • Tomatoes, eggplant and squash are also commonly sown indoors. The Lacoste Garden Centre website contains invaluable resources that are updated over time. On seeding indoors, here are a few of their tips: “Seeds are not all the same, and what works for one won’t necessarily work for all. Some need light to germinate, while others won’t start growing below a cer- tain temperature. Before sowing, check your seed packet for the seeds’ require- ments. Although seeds can some- times germinate in the most surprising
circumstances, you’ll have much more success if you give your seeds the envi- ronment they prefer.” Overall, Hiebert says it’s pretty simple. “You need a big window, a grow light, a seeding mix and some very loose, finely filtered soil that’s peat-based.” Lacoste stocks a range of grow lights for seedlings, including more elaborate bar lights that hook up and hang above the plants. Lacoste Garden Centre is open year- round and offers both commercial and residential landscaping, as well as a wide range of plants and garden supplies. The full-service centre features a bou- tique and coffee shop. Hiebert encour- ages people to come visit, talk to staff about gardening goals and enjoy the space, which changes every season and can serve to inspire growers with their own gardening plans.
46 SPRING 2026 PARADE of HOMES | homebuilders.mb.ca
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