Get a Head Start on Your Garden: Tips for Starting Seedlings and Best Seeds to Plant in March in Canada

Starting seedlings is a great way to get a head start on your gardening season, especially in colder climates like Canada. By starting your seeds indoors, you can ensure that your plants are well-established and ready to thrive once the warmer weather arrives. Here are some tips for starting seedlings and the best seeds to plant in March in Canada.

1. Choose the right container When starting your seedlings, it's important to choose the right container. Seed-starting trays with individual cells are a great option, as they provide each seed with its own space to grow. You can also use small pots or even recycled containers like yogurt cups or egg cartons.

2. Use good quality soil Using good quality soil is essential for starting healthy seedlings. Seed-starting mixes are available at most garden centers and are specifically formulated for starting seeds. These mixes are light, sterile, and provide the right balance of nutrients for your seedlings.

3. Provide adequate light Seedlings need a lot of light to grow. If you don't have access to natural light, you can use artificial light sources like grow lights (e.g. the Full Spectrum Grow Light from our catalogue). Place the lights a few inches above the seedlings and keep them on for 12-16 hours per day.

4. Water carefully Seedlings need to be watered carefully. Overwatering can lead to damping-off, a fungal disease that can kill seedlings. Water your seedlings only when the soil is dry to the touch, and water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.

5. Harden off before planting Before planting your seedlings outside, it's important to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions like wind and sun over the course of a week or two. This will help them adjust to their new environment and avoid transplant shock.

Now that you know how to start seedlings, let's take a look at some of the best seeds to plant in March in Canada.

1. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a popular choice for starting seedlings in March. They require a long growing season, so starting them indoors will give them a head start. Cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes are all good options.

2. Peppers: Peppers are another great choice for starting seedlings in March. They prefer warm temperatures and can take up to three months to mature, so starting them early is essential. Bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and habanero peppers are all good options.

3. Herbs: Many herbs can be started from seed in March. Basil, parsley, and cilantro are all great choices. Herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors and will provide fresh, flavorful additions to your cooking throughout the summer.

4. Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be started indoors in March. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be harvested in as little as four weeks. Butter lettuce, romaine lettuce, and leaf lettuce are all good options.

5. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a warm-season crop that can be started indoors in March. They prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, so starting them indoors will give them a head start. English cucumbers and pickling cucumbers are both good choices.

Starting seedlings can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following these tips and planting the right seeds, you'll be on your way to a successful gardening season in no time! For any of your need to choose a greenhouse, feel free to browse our catalogue here.