By Angela Brown

Meadow Lake gardeners get tips for new seeding season

Mar 17, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Gardeners in the Meadow Lake area are starting to roll up their sleeves, getting ready for a new gardening season.

The Willow Creek Community Garden group recently held its Seedy Sunday event in Meadow Lake, which included informative talks, an opportunity to purchase and swap seeds, and a chance to learn more about gardening.

The event aims to promote seeding in the community.

Willow Creek Community Garden and Meadow Lake Seedy Sunday coordinator Pat Morley was involved in organizing the event.

Some of the guest speakers included Christine Simoens, who discussed the benefits of dandelions.

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Morley said the presentation was informative and interesting.

She previously noted that the whole dandelion plant is edible and is very high in calcium and vitamins.

“They are one of the first flowers for our bees, which is really important,” Morley said.

That’s why people are encouraged not to spray pesticides on dandelions since the flower is a source of nectar and pollen for bees.

Another speaker was master gardener Elizabeth Hill who talked about starting your own seeds, caring for the bedding plants, and how to harden the seeds off, before transplanting them outside.

Hill also discussed different types of seed-starting mixes, what they contain, and what gardeners should use if they make their own.

Pat Wagman gave a presentation on the process of freeze-drying food products.

“[She talked about] the benefits, and how it differs from dehydrating,” Morley said. “This was interesting as this was the first time we had someone talk about it. It’s a method of preserving food that has a shelf-life of a minimum of 25 years if packaged properly.”

Morley noted the Seed Exchange Table at the event had a large selection of just about every type of seed, including some she’s never seen before.

Many people brought in seeds of their own and traded for seeds on the Seed Exchange Table. As well, those without seeds to trade were able to make a donation to the Seed Exchange, and take home some of the seeds that were available.

“We have seen people going out with a whole handful of interesting seeds to try,” Morley said. “They were so excited, especially when it’s something new to them. It’s always hard to spend a lot of money on something you’re not sure about, so this event is the perfect opportunity [to try something new].”

She noted many people are looking forward to starting seeds in the next few weeks.

People can start their seeds indoors. Then, when the seedlings are ready, they can be transplanted into the outside garden when conditions are good for growing.

Morley mentioned the gardening group is seeing a lot of interest lately from new people who want to take up the hobby.

“They must be getting excited for spring,” she said. “Personally, I’m always excited about an early spring, and gardening, as I plan on starting some seeds right away.”

Coming up next, the Willow Creek Community Garden registration night will take in the back meeting room at the Meadow Lake Library at 7 p.m. on April 25.

Anyone who wants to participate in this year’s garden project is invited to come out and sign up.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @meadowlakenow