April 2021: Brampton Backyard Garden Club

Issue Two | April 2021

Backyard

Garden Club

Welcome to the second issue of the City of Brampton’s Backyard Garden Club

e-newsletter!

In this issue, learn how to start your seeds and discover all things cucumber.

Have gardening questions? Email us.

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Start Your Seeds Indoors

Now is a good time to start some veggie seeds indoors. Try peppers, eggplant and lettuce in early April. Later on, sow tomatoes, cucumbers and beans.
Only use soil for seed germination when using plastic pots. Peat pots and pellets have their own growing medium.
Water thoroughly with diluted solution of chamomile tea before and after sowing.
Place on a tray and cover with a plastic bag.
Check daily and keep soil evenly moist.
Transplant outdoors when about six inches tall.
Late April, you can sow seeds directly in the garden such as beets, peas, zucchini and spinach.

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Growing a Small-Space Vegetable Garden

There is no shortage of reasons to start growing a vegetable garden. As you learn more about gardening and enjoy the outdoors, you can also share learning experiences and create memories for your kids.

Follow these steps to be on your way to a harvest of vegetables, even if you're short on space.

Start today

Plant of the Month: Let's Talk Cucumber!

Many types of cucumbers are available, each having its distinct growing form and use.
Cucumbers are very prolific and long-producing, as long as they are constantly harvested.
Some of the earliest varieties are pickling cucumbers -- small but very tasty and ready to eat in 45 to 50 days. Examples include: Eureka and Wisconsin.
Mid-length fruit comes in a variety of choices and in varying time of harvest. The ones that produce well, and in the 50 to 60-day range, are Lisboa Hybrid and Diva F-1.
For adventurous gardeners, try growing a bush type cucumber suitable for container growing or a sour cucumber, native to South America with tiny fruit. Great in stir-fry, pickling or salsa. Best grown on a trellis for easy picking.

Contributed by Asna Black, Chinguacousy Garden Club and Brampton Horticultural Society