Grow Your Own Asparagus

Did you know that asparagus is loaded with nutrients? It's full of fiber, folate, vitamins A,C, E & K as well as chromium. It's also packed full of antioxidants, helps prevent and fight cancer, is great for anti-aging and acts as a natural diuretic.

I had no idea really until I did a little research on the subject.

Asparagus is also one of the first foods available in the garden in the springtime. And the greatest part is that it's a true perennial, returning year after year. Most gardeners that I know have been able to keep their crops going for 20 to 40 years.

If you're thinking of starting your own asparagus patch you'll want to check out this video John made.

Come and visit us at the Garden Centre. We've got plenty of asparagus crowns to get you started.

- Dave

What to plant outside in early spring

Well it's that time of year! If you're thinking of growing some vegetables in your garden this season now is a good time to get started. There are certain vegetables that you can plant in the ground now - such as lettuce, beets, spinach, snap peas and onion. John made a quick video to help you get started.

Whether it's your first time planting your own vegetable garden or you're a seasoned vet, come visit us. We've got lots of different types of seeds and plants for you to get started with. If you want to try growing some fruit this year we also have lots to choose from including Blueberries, Blackberries, Grapes, Figs, Gosseberries, Currants, Raspberries and Hardy Kiwi.

If you want to try planting some rhubarb now is the time to get started. Liz just potted up a whole bunch for you at the nursery this week. You'll have to come in soon though because these definitely sell pretty quickly.

Of course, we're always happy to help guide you and answer any questions you have. See you soon... Happy planting! - Dave

Upcoming Garden Seminars and Events

Thought I would post the upcoming seminars for you as a quick reference. Remember that if you're a Glasshouse Garden Club Member than the seminars are free. If not they are $25 per person. They also fill up quickly so be sure to call us as soon as you can to book your spot. - Dave

Call: 519.352.1127

Spring Pond Opening and Prep for the Season

Saturday, April 20th at 10am

Pond in our front yard

Sasha Hunter from Aquascape has been in the pond business for many years. Her specialty is preparing your pond for the season and regular maintenance through the season. Getting your pond off to the right start early in the season is half the battle to a crystal clear water garden for the entire season. Join the seminar to learn all you need to know

New Exciting Shrubs and Perennials for 2013

Saturday April 27^th at 10am

We’re so excited about all the new plants coming out this year. Wendy and Glenn will be debuting all the new varieties and suggesting where to plant them for best performance. Get ready for ‘Bobo’ and ‘Sweet Summer’ Hydrangea, ‘Sonic Bloom’ Weigela. Amazing new Coneflower’s, Coreopteris, Campanula’s and other perennials never before available will also be discussed.

Martin Van Raay

38^th Annual Open House Garden Party

Saturday May 4^th and Sunday May 5^th

It’s incredible, we’ve been around for 38 years. And, we’re celebrating with some incredible $38 door crashers all weekend long including Weeping Japanese Maples, Bloodgood Japanese Maples, Spiral Alberta Spruce, Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce and Blue Star Juniper Trees, over 50% off. Chat with the one responsible for it all. At 91 years young, founder Martin Van Raay will be back on the grill serving up FREE HOT DOGS starting at 11am on Saturday.

Annual Planters Workshop (2 dates)

Thursday, May 9^th at 11am

Friday, May 10^th at 1:30pm

Talk about fun! This workshop is always our most popular one. Learn from the pro’s how to put together colour and texture and create unique and fresh themes with all the new plants available this year. Bring your own planters or we can supply you with everything you’ll need. Take it all home including the rewarding feeling that you did it yourself.

Limited space, please sign up early!

Lots of gifts for mom ❤

Mother’s Day Weekend

May 11^th and 12^th

With all the great changes lately at The Glasshouse, I doubt we could make it any easier for you to shop for Mom. Here’s just a few ideas to help you out: a beautiful Flowering Tree, a new outfit from Betula Boutique, and overflowing Hanging Basket or Planter, a Bistro Set or a Gift Certificate with Garden Club Membership attached so she’ll save every time she returns to shop at The Glasshouse.

Victoria Day Weekend

May 18^th, 19^th and 20^th

It’s planting weekend! Come out and see the kaleidoscope of colour in our greenhouses. Choose from the newest varieties of annuals and perennials available. You’ll always find them at The Glasshouse first.

Shade Gardening with Success

Saturday, June 1^st at 10am

The one question most asked by our customers… “What can I plant in the shade?” There are so many plants that will thrive in these areas but unfortunately I see the wrong ones planted so often. Join John and Wendy for a discussion in successful shade gardening. Shade loving plants for your planters and hanging baskets will also be discussed. We’ll have those areas flourishing with abundant colour.

Call: 519.352.1127 to reserve your spot.

** Additional seminars/events may be added to the calendar so be sure to watch for any updates on Facebook or Twitter.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Seed starting supplies at

the Glasshouse in Chatham, ON

Have you ever tried growing your plants from scratch? 

It's such a rewarding feeling as you watch the seeds burst open with life and grow little by little as the days go by, into beautiful flowers or edible veggies the whole family can enjoy. 

If you've never tried it before, it really is much easier than you may think. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1) Choosing Seeds – We have lots of different seeds for you to choose from here at the Garden Centre - From wildflower seeds to annuals to vegetable and herb seeds. Annuals and vegetables truly are the easiest to grow yourself. Perennials however are a bit trickier and often require a cold spell to break dormancy. They also take a couple of seasons before flowering. We have plenty of finished perennials in stock for you to choose from so you can enjoy their full appeal this year. Follow the direction on the package for best results.

Liz putting container displays
together for the 2013 season

2) Containers – You’re going to want to make sure you have propagating kits. We have many different cell packs and trays that will get you started including Jiffy Pots. It’s a good idea for your tray to have a lid in order to keep the seeds at a warm enough temperature for germinating.  If you already have some propagating kits on hand from last year, you’ll want to wash them out really good with soapy water before you use them.

3) Planting Medium – Seed starting mixtures are available at the store. It’s best to use fresh soil as last years may have gone moldy. We also have ready-made soil plugs to make it even easier for you. You simply have to moisten about a half-hour prior to starting. Don’t over water. You don’t want them to be soaking wet.

4) Labelling – Be sure to label your seeds correctly. Over time you may forget what is what and many seeds once sprouted look very similar

5) Atmosphere - It’s best to put your seeds under a grow light but if you don’t have one, a bright window will do. Seeds do require a lot of light per day to get started and grow (an average of about 16 hours).

6) Watering – Be gentle with your seeds. Use a spray bottle or small watering can to carefully water once the top of your soil starts to dry out. Too much water can lead to mold.

  

7) Fertilizing – Once your seedlings have two sets of leaves you should start using a mixture of 20-20-20 water soluble fertilizer at half-strength to keep them nice and strong. Over the next few weeks you can slowly bring the solution to full strength.

8) Be Choosy – Planting a few seeds in each cell is always a good idea in case a few don’t take. When you find yourself with more than one sprout in each cell, you’ll want to pinch off the ones that look spindly and weak. Keep only the strongest sprout for best results.

Simon transplanting plugs
into larger containers

9) Transplanting – Once your seeds are getting too big for their individual cells and outgrowing your trays you may want to transplant the plugs into 4” containers. Or, if the last expected frost date has passed you can start hardening them off by bringing them outside for half the day, placing them in a shady, sheltered area. Be sure to bring them in before nightfall. Keep doing this over a period of a few days in order to get your new plants acclimatized to their new environment.

10) Planting time – Once you’ve hardened off your seedling their ready for planting. Throw on your old jeans and your gardening shoes and get busy. Before you know it you’ll have a full garden that you can sit and enjoy for the whole summer.

If you have questions please feel free to stop by the garden centre and talk to one of our gardening experts. We're always happy to help!

The Glasshouse Nursery & Garden Centre - 56 Creek Rd. Chatham, ON