How To Grow

The succulent leaves of Swiss chard can be used much like spinach. You can even use the big ones to wrap “cabbage” rolls. The colourful stems can be cooked like asparagus. Enjoy the small leaves in salad. They grow easily and well in our climate and stand in the garden for many months, giving a long harvest from one planting.  Follow along with this handy How to Grow Swiss Chard from seeds Guide and grow food. Latin Beta vulgaris var. cicla Family: Amaranthaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Season: Cool season Exposure: Full sun Zone: 2-10 Timing Direct sow mid-April to early August....

The trick to growing spinach is to grow it fast and harvest it fast, and use the right varieties in the right season. Spinach bolts as the days get long and when the weather gets hot. That’s why spinach is usually grown in early spring and fall, in low temperatures and short days. Some varieties ddo a little better in long day, hot conditions. Pick them promptly in hot weather. For summer harvests, try New Zealand Spinach. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Spinach from Seed Guide and grow food. Latin Spinacia oleracea Family: Amaranthaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Season:...

Fresh Brussels sprouts are a superb fall and winter treat. Like broccoli, these little “cabbages” are full of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fibre. And after frost, they become sweet, as the plants create sugar for antifreeze. Keep your plants moist and well-mulched during the heat of summer, to ensure your supply of Brussels sprouts until the holidays. These big top-heavy plants are some of the easiest brassicas to grow. You should be able to expect a large harvest from only 4 or 5 plants. Follow along this handy How to Grow Brussels Sprouts and grow mini cabbages this season. Latin Brassica...

In mild climates, borage will bloom continuously nearly all year, so it’s a wonderful choice for attracting native pollinators – particularly bumblebees. The leaves and flowers are edible with a flavour reminiscent of cucumbers. Borage is an excellent all around companion plant. Borage deters tomato hornworm and cabbage worms, and is particularly good planted near tomatoes and strawberries. Very attractive to pollinators, and excellent for the soil and compost. Borage is deer-proof. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Borage Guide. Latin Borago officinalis Family: Boraginaceae Difficulty Easy Season & Zone Season: Cool season Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Zone: 2-12...

Quinoa greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, and have a nice, mild taste. The seeds can be ground into a flour that is gluten free, or simply cooked like rice. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Quinoa from seed Guide and grow some delicious, nutritious  grains this season for your family. Latin Chenopodium quinoa Family: Amaranthaceae Difficulty Easy We Recommend: Brightest Brilliant Rainbow (QN100) is one of the most attractive looking of all food crops – and then you get to eat it! We love this certified organic variety that is produced here in the Pacific Northwest. Season & Zone...