Many gardeners wonder if it is necessary to order organic seeds. I say yes-  it is better because that means the soil was cared  for, the amount of pesticides in our environment was reduced to bring this seed into the world and the results, though slow, will add up over time if we all order organic seeds today.

Growing organic also supplies work for organic farmers and protects our soil. Is it easy to grow organic? No – it is more work for everyone but in the end it is worth it. With recent studies in Canada show that more than ever children have pesticides in their urine, it is time to start making a difference. Start small and order organic seed.

What am I ordering for the second time? Juliet Tomatoes. They are small paste tomatoes ideal for sauces and roasting and slicing into salads and eating fresh. I gave some of the plants I grew away last year and the feedback was amazing. (2017 update: I am also ordering Hamlet tomatoes again because the fruit were sturdy enough to last into December in my utility room.) The other plant I am growing again is Tiara Cabbage. It was early, softer than regular cabbage and drew rave reviews from eaters and the gardeners i gave it to. What is the difference in different kinds of cabbage you might ask? It’s incredible.

Of course I am also trying new things too because I plan to build a bigger greenhouse (more on that later). I ordered for the first time Covington sweet potato cuttings to try indoors (Fall Update: I didn’t think they produced enough to justify greenhouse space.) After visiting South Africa and seeing how sweet strawberries are when grown in raised beds I also ordered Albion everbearing to try in baskets and in my living wall in my tiny greenhouse (Update: That was a failure. My strawberries in the living wall brought every aphid out of the woodwork because that’s what plants not rooted in the soil do.)

If you are going to be in Calgary, Alberta this spring join me for some of my talks.  I would love to share my ideas about edible gardening with you. Also- my book – No Guff Vegetable Gardening is a Canadian Best seller but I would love to make it bigger than ever. Buy a copy for a new gardening friend this spring!