Garden Wisdom Blog — Other

The first two weeks of May is the ideal time window for starting squash seeds (including zucchini and pumpkin) indoors. By starting the seeds indoors, there is less risk of the seedlings being damaged during their most vulnerable early weeks. These plants transplant well, so it may be easier to achieve perfect spacing by starting seedlings indoors. I recommend starting one seed per cell in the fairly large 12-Cell Plug Inserts, using sterilized Seed Starting Soil. Provide optional bottom heat by using a Seed Heating Mat for faster and more even germination. As soon as the seedlings germinate (in 7...

This sharp dressing brings out the essence of aromatic rosemary, and blends it divinely with pungent citrus and garlic that suits nearly any salad. The recipe below makes enough Rosemary & Lemon Vinaigrette to top around four spring and summer salads, with two tablespoons to dress each one. Make it ahead of time and let it store covered in the fridge for up to five days. It also makes an incredible marinade for grilled meats from lamb to chicken. Fresh rosemary has so many uses — we always make sure our woody rosemary hedge is in good health. The key...

With the arrival of warm weather comes the barbecue season. Coriander Root Paste is a kind of all purpose barbecue rub or marinade that takes its flavours from the southeast Asian cuisines of Thailand and Vietnam. It makes use of cilantro (coriander) plants that might otherwise be wasted due to bolting. This paste enhances chicken and fish particularly well, and there’s even a complimentary dipping sauce to go with it. As the soil warms up in late spring and early summer, cilantro responds by bolting, or going to seed. From the plant’s perspective, the time for growing new leaves is...

A hands down favourite of the West Coast Seeds staff, Sungold Cherry Tomatoes are one of our most popular tomato seeds. The beautiful tangerine-coloured cherry tomatoes have a rich, fruity and unique tropical flavor when left on the vine to ripen. We found this interesting recipe for a tomato jam from blogger Linda Hoye who writes on her blog A Slice of Simple Life,“I always thought that the words “tomato” and “jam” didn’t belong in the same sentence but I was wrong. This stuff is dee-licious! It will be good served on a cheese tray, as a condiment on sandwiches or burgers, and I might even try...

The best thing about Thanksgiving isn’t the turkey – it’s the dressing! This vegan,Butternut Squash and Quinoa Dressing gluten free recipe is packed with protein and features all of the delicious seasonings that you expect from your Thanksgiving meal. 5 cups (1250 mL) uncooked butternut squash, chopping into 1-2 cm cubes 3 cups (750 mL) cooked quinoa 1 ½ cups (375 ml) yellow onions, chopped fine 5 tablespoons fresh chopped sage or 2 ½ tablespoons dried sage 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary 3 cloves of garlic 2 T butter, oil, or margarine Sea salt and pepper to taste Getting dressed for Thanksgiving...