Lately I have been getting a lot of advertising and advice in my inbox about seed starting for the 2023 gardening season. Most of it is coming from gardeners and seed companies catering to gardeners in much warmer climate zones that Saskatchewan. Sitting here in the middle of the continent, with a latitude in the low 50s north and a last frost date somewhere near the end of May (??Climate change – who knows?), it is just too cold. January is too soon even for onions.
What we gardeners can do is check our seed inventories, review the garden plan, and order seeds. With skyrocketing grocery prices, many people might be doing more gardening that previously. Seeds and other gardening supplies might be sold out early in the season as we saw previously when the pandemic stimulated all our prepper genes. The seed catalogues are all out now both in print and online. Look for a seed company located in your area as local suppliers are more likely to have the varieties appropriate to your growing zone; and get your order in early.
Relax a little longer. If you really have to sooth your gardening itch, grow some sprouts or microgreens, or repot a house plant. Make some hot chocolate and browse the seed catalogues again!
I always have to give myself a little peptalk about waiting for the right time to start seedlings so I made myself a chart that has worked well in the past.
For a few more thoughts on seeding times, check out Steffanie Hafferty’s lovely blog
“Why I wait to sow”.
Grandma's Prairie Garden 