Gardening is a perfect activity to take up right now because it can help you pass the time in an enjoyable way. It will encourage you to get some fresh air and sunlight, as well as some light physical activity. You can even get the whole family involved, turning it into an educational opportunity for the kids.

If you are new to gardening and also trying to be mindful of social distancing recommendations, then here is a guide to help you get started.

Sourcing Seeds and Supplies Online

Ordering gardening materials online is a great way to limit your time in public spaces. Plus, there are many fantastic Canadian suppliers who will ship straight to your door. Some of the best ones to consider are:
• West Coast Seeds – Based in Vancouver, West Coast Seeds offers more than 1,000 varieties of certified organic seeds and all of the gardening supplies you need.
• Veseys – For more than 80 years, Veseys has been supplying seeds out of Prince Edward Island. Their selection includes vegetables, fruits, berries, flowers, and gardening equipment.
• The Seed Company by E.W. Gaze – Operating out of Newfoundland since 1925, The Seed Company by E.W. Gaze offers high-quality seeds, garden tools, soil amendments, and more.
• The Incredible Seed Company – A husband and wife team in Nova Scotia, The Incredible Seed Company has a large catalogue of vegetable, fruit, herb, and tree seeds, as well as live plants.

Upcycled Seed Pot and Planter Ideas

Another way to find gardening materials without having to go to the store is to look around your own home! By upcycling various containers to use for pots, you can also save money. Here are some ideas:
• Egg cartons – Cut the top off an egg carton for a handy container that will start a dozen seedlings.
• Toilet paper tubes – Stand as many toilet paper tubes as you need on a tray and fill them with soil to create individual seed pots.
• Colander – An old colander makes a convenient planter because it already comes with holes for drainage. You can even hang it up by its handles.
• Paint cans – Clean out and drill a few holes into some leftover paint cans for quick and easy medium-sized planters.

Basic Gardening Tips and Tricks

Growing a garden is a learning experience, and you likely won’t get everything right on the very first try. However, if you stick to these tried and true tips, you’ll have a much easier time getting your garden off the ground:
• Choose a location for your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
• If planting in the ground, pick a location that is well-drained and that provides some protection from wind and hail.
• Purchase amendments or start your own compost pile for nutrient-rich soil.
• Use mulch to help the soil retain moisture and cut down on weed growth.

Best Veggies to Grow in Canada

Canada has a very diverse landscape and climate, but there are some choice vegetables that you can successfully grow no matter where you are, including:
• Green beans
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Carrots

It may not be a typical spring, but there is no reason not to spend some time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and the warm weather. Gardening is definitely one of the best hobbies to pick up while social distancing.