Fruits and vegetables 2021: indoor sprouts

Spring is upon us and it’s already time to put some vegetables in the ground for a productive season. Although our climate makes the soil difficult to access, nothing is stopping us from being ready with the help of indoor seedlings, which are already found at some of our local farmers’ stalls.

This second episode, on seedlings, is part of a series of ten chapters produced on the occasion of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. This month, we talk to Eva Rehak from Alva Farm, which sells seedlings to their customers every year. She tells us about tips to get started, the materials used, the planting times, as well as the pros and cons of the different methods.

It’s often mistakenly believed that for successful seedlings you need to be experienced or have a greenhouse and multiple lights that help growing. The farmer at Alva Farm tells us that seedlings can also be an affordable practice suitable for home gardeners — you can do without material by recycling used items like small yogurt jars.

Eva also flags two common mistakes: choosing soil that’s not rich enough in nutrients, and watering with a glass of water (which drowns the seed). Spray on the surface, and rotate where you plant the same kind of vegetable year over year to keep the soil from running out of nutrients.

The other alternative is to buy pre-planted seedlings. The advantages of buying locally include reduced transport times, adaptability to our climate, support for the local economy — and an exchange of knowledge with the farmer who can enlighten you on the next steps to take.