Spring planting: choose seeds and plan your garden now

The column offers a step-by-step seed-starting plan — from sketching garden space and checking frost dates to counting back on a calendar — and notes Canadian seed suppliers and a regional tree seedling program with orders due Jan. 21.

Snow may still be on the ground, but the column encourages using the quieter months to plan this year's garden and choose seeds. The author stresses planning before sowing so seedlings and garden spaces are ready at the same time. Readers are reminded to check Canada's Plant Hardiness Zone Map when selecting varieties. The piece also points to Canadian seed suppliers and a local tree seedling distribution program. Key points: - The seed-starting approach prioritizes planning: map available garden space and match plants to light, height and spread. - Practical steps include sketching the garden on graph paper, making a sun map, finding local last-frost dates and counting back on a calendar to set sowing dates. - For each plant the author records whether to start seeds indoors or outdoors, weeks before last frost to sow, time to bloom, and space requirements using seed-packet details. - The article lists Canadian seed sellers such as William Dam Seeds, Wildflower Farm (Coldwater), McKenzie Seeds, Veseys and West Coast Seeds. - The Severn Sound Environmental Association’s 2026 Tree Seedling Distribution Program is open to residents of Midland, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene, Severn, Springwater, Tay and Tiny; seedlings are sold in bundles of ten as bare-root stock (typically 15–30 cm tall) and orders are due Wednesday, January 21. Summary: Planning now is presented as a way to ensure seedlings are ready for their outdoor locations and to avoid common problems like leggy or root-bound plants. The column highlights local seed sources and a community tree-seedling program with a clear order deadline for those interested.