For the second straight year, the grow your own movement is running wild, bolstered by the ongoing covid-19 pandemic and rising food prices. More gardeners are a great thing, but it also means possible seed shortages. And while it might be cold outside right now, it’s never too early to start thinking about ordering seeds for your garden!
The Perfect Storm
Gardening is trendy as hell right now for many different reasons.
When the global pandemic hit in March 2020, seed packets flew off the shelves as people looked to become more self-sustainable. Two years later, the demand is still through the roof.
Unfortunately, the new year also delivered nasty headlines suggesting we’ll all be paying a lot more for food.
The Food Prices Report for 2022 estimates Canadians will spend five to seven percent more on their meals, fruits and vegetables included. So it’s no surprise that many of us will be looking to save some dough by growing our fresh produce at home.
Natural disasters caused by climate change are also leading to seed shortages. For example, extreme drought, forest fires, and flooding can affect seed supplies.
All of these things combined create the perfect storm for yet another year of chaos at your local garden nursery. So starting your seed shopping early is wise to avoid the crowds, and who doesn’t want to avoid crowds these days?
Plan Wisely
Think of the foods you like to eat; do you have the space, time, and skill to grow them? What kind of herbs and flowers do they grow well with? Make a list and check it twice. Blindly ordering seeds is a recipe for disaster and will likely lead to overbuying.
Take a look to see what seeds you’ve already got in stock. Did you store them properly, and are they good for more than one growing season? Brassicas, beans, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce greens can be viable for five years or more. Parsnip, onions, leeks, and spinach are often only good for one growing season.
Research and decide where you’d like to buy seeds from this year. Is there somewhere local you can support? Does your seed company of choice require you to preorder before the season begins?
Do your homework now, and you won’t be left scrambling at the last minute. You’ll be better prepared for the growing season ahead and likely become a better gardener as a result!