This winter has been a long one and we’re patiently waiting for spring to get sprung already. In the meantime, we thought we’d get a head start on some spring planting to ensure our gardens are in full swing by the time the warm weather hits.
There’s nothing like fresh herbs and vegetables in the summer. The taste of a tomato from the store just doesn’t compare to the flavour of a ripe garden tomato fresh off the vine. Not to mention the satisfaction of eating something that you’ve watched and helped grow from a seed. This year we’re going all out and planting everything from cantaloupe to kohlrabi, to really ensure our garden game is strong.
Another great thing about starting your garden from seeds is that it costs a fraction of the price of buying the plants sprouted. On top of this, we figured out an easy DIY way to reuse old egg cartons to create the perfect pots to start our seedlings. The bottom part of the egg carton acts as such a great vessel for each seed you’re planting. Plus, the top sits underneath, creating a well to soak up moisture. So next time you’re cooking up an omelette, save your carton (and the eggshells for the soil too!)
- A variety of seeds
- Organic vegetable garden soil
- Small spade or shovel
- Gardening gloves
- Egg cartons
- Permanent marker
- Grab your egg cartons and separate the tops from the bottoms.
- Using a small shovel, fill the bottom egg cups full of soil and add a thin layer of soil to the top part of the carton too. Place the bottom of the carton inside the top, creating a double layer planter box for your seeds.
- Grab your seeds. Each package will have specific descriptions of how deep/far apart you need to plant your seeds. Place one seed in each of the egg cups at the appropriate depth. Cover with soil.
- Write the name of each type of seed you plant with a permanent marker on the side of each egg carton so you make sure you keep track of which seedling is which. It’s best to stick with one type of plant per egg carton to avoid confusion.
- Make sure to give each seed a proper watering before leaving them in a warm sunny spot to start working their magic!
After you’ve done all that planting, you’ll probably be up for a cocktail – and we’ve got just the thing for you. Our Spring Sangria will make it seem like the season is in full swing. You can grab the recipe here.
These jams are sure to get you pumped up for planting.