Springtime in Calgary offers the perfect opportunity for families to delve into the joys of gardening, nurturing a love for nature that can last a lifetime. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy apartment, gardening can be a delightful activity that brings the whole family together. In this article, we will touch on a number of flowers and herbs that can easily be started inside before finding their home outdoors in the summer months.
Sunflowers: Reaching for the sky!
Sunflowers are nature's way of spreading joy, growing rapidly and proudly indoors. Your kids will love watching them stretch towards the sunlight each day. Plant sunflower seeds indoors in small pots filled with potting soil, about 1 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Place the pots in a sunny location, as sunflowers require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the weather has warmed up after the last frost date, typically after the May long weekend, transplant them outdoors to a sunny spot in your garden.
Nasturtiums: Colorful and edible!
Nasturtiums are not only beautiful to look at, but also delicious to eat! These vibrant flowers grow quickly indoors and when they bloom, your kids can enjoy picking and nibbling on their peppery petals. Nasturtiums are easy to grow indoors and make a colorful addition to any space. Plant nasturtium seeds indoors in small pots filled with potting soil, about ½ inch deep. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but not soggy. Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors in a sunny or partially-shaded area.
Cosmos: Blooms that dance in the breeze!
Cosmos flowers are like tiny dancers, gracefully swaying with every breath of air. Indoors, these charming blooms grow from seeds to flowers in no time at all. To grow cosmos indoors, start by filling a pot with well-draining soil. Plant cosmos seeds indoors in small pots filled with well-draining soil, about ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Place the pots in a bright location, as cosmos plants need plenty of sunlight to grow. Once the seedlings have developed two to three sets of true leaves (usually in four to six weeks) and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors to a sunny spot in your garden.
Outdoor herb gardening
Spring in Calgary is the perfect time to plan your outdoor herb garden. Just like the flowers you can start indoors, herbs are also an excellent option for indoor planting before moving them outside.
Basil: Fragrant and flavorful!
Basil is not only delightful to look at, but also adds a burst of flavor to meals. Plant basil seeds indoors in small pots filled with well-draining soil, about a ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Basil thrives in warm, sunny locations, so place the pots in a sunny window or under grow lights. Once the seedlings have established and the outdoor temperatures are suitable, transplant them outside in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Chives: Versatile and vibrant!
Chives are flavorful herbs that grow quickly and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Plant chive seeds indoors in small pots filled with potting soil, about ½ inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate. Chives prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Once the seedlings reach a height of about 6 inches (usually in three to four weeks) and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors in a sunny or partially-shaded area with well-drained soil.
Parsley: Nutritious and nurturing!
Parsley is not only a nutritious addition to meals, but also a lovely herb to grow indoors with your family. Plant parsley seeds indoors in small pots filled with well-draining soil, about ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Parsley prefers full sun to partial shade. Once the seedlings have established and the outdoor temperatures are suitable (typically after the last frost date) transplant them outside in a sunny or partially-shaded area with well-drained soil.
Creating lasting memories
Indoor and outdoor gardening offers families in Calgary wonderful opportunities to bond and connect with nature, right in the comfort of their own home. So, why not roll up your sleeves, gather your little ones, and embark on a green adventure that may bloom into a lifelong love of nature together?
Transplanting tips: Timing matters!
Before rushing to transplant your indoor-grown herbs and flowers outside, it's crucial to consider the weather conditions in Calgary. The risk of overnight freezing or frost can pose a threat to the young plants. It's best to wait until after the May long weekend, typically when the weather has warmed up sufficiently and the risk of frost has passed. By exercising patience and waiting for the right time to transplant, you'll give your plants the best chance to thrive in their outdoor environment.
Bloom Culture crafts nature-inspired beauty for every space and season, making it even easier for families to enjoy the wonders of flora. Visit us at bloomculture.ca to discover how we can help you create beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces that thrive. Let's grow something amazing together and live beautifully!
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