Gardening 101

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We hope to make the CAN Grow Garden a supportive and educational space for new gardeners.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you get started on your gardening adventure!

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Start with the Soil:

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• Before planting, ensure that the soil is well mixed and healthy.

• Soil needs to be able to drain, so water does not ‘drown’ your plants, while simultaneously maintaining appropriate moisture for the plants.  If it’s too ‘wet’, add some sand.  If it’s too dry, add some compost and/or peat.

• Soil amendments are used to enhance and maintain the health of the soil.  Amendments include compost, organic fertilizer, manure, eggshells and seaweed.  The timing of the application is key to its success.  Know the amendment and the appropriate time and method to apply it to the garden. Cover crops can also be used during the off-season (or grown alongside you summer veggies!) to enrich the soil and reduce nutrient and soil loss.

• A key indicator of soil health is the presence of worms.  Worms are a fantastic attribute for mixing the soil and further decomposing nutrients.

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What to plant?

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As a beginning gardener, it is essential that you set yourself up for success.

• Know what is best to plant from seed, and what is best to plant from starts or tubers.

  • Seed starts include: salad, kale, squash, cucumbers, peas, radish, beans, beets, carrots, spinach, parsnips, and Swiss chard

  • Plant starts include: broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, fennel, leek, squash, cucumbers, bok choi, basil and parsley

  • Tuber starts include potatoes and sunchokes

• Choose plants that grow well in this region.  Our season is quite long but lacks the intense heat that allows certain plants to thrive. Melon, for example, will grow well, but maybe challenged ripening. On the other hand, kale can be planted throughout the season, and may even continue to grow through the winter.

• Timing is everything.  Spinach grows well in the early spring and fall but doesn’t like the hot summer.  Use garden charts for guidance in planning and planting.  Many plants, including lettuce and radish, require re-seeding throughout the season to allow for continuous harvest.

• Plant starts on a cloudy day or later in the day so the intense sun doesn’t shock them.

• Many plants, such as peppers and eggplant require great attention and are best grown in a greenhouse. Tomatoes grow well if started early and experience a hot and sunny season to ripen.

• Plant ‘em right the first time

  • Give plants room to grow.  Look on the package for distance recommendations.

  • Rule of thumb for seed planting depth: Plant a seed 3x deeper than the width of the seed.  Cover with a loose layer of a healthy soil- no heavy lumps on top. Water immediately, and maintain moisture while seeds germinate.

  • Label plants and include the specific variety. This allows us to remember what grows well, and learn from the gardens around us.

• Ideas for a delicious and successful garden include:  Peas, kale, arugula, baby greens, zucchini and radish

Taking care of the plants:

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• Water them as needed. More thorough watering less often encourages healthy root development

• Thin them to allow for root health

• Keep weeds under control

• Provide plant supports as needed

• Click here for our Fall & Winter Gardening Guide (PDF)

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Observe your plants on a regular basis and pay close attention to their growth.  They have much to offer — from tips to care for them, to a delicious meal!!

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Where to Find Amendments in Squamish

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• Soil and Amendments

  • ​We buy our compost and soil from Net Zero Waste through Coast Aggregates. The garden blend is enriched with organic compost and is a great soil to start your gardens with. We use straight amender after the first year to boost the fertility of the garden.

• Mulch

  • Straw can be difficult to find locally. Fallen leaves can be raked up in the fall and used as a wonderful free mulch. Grass clippings also work well (if no herbicides or pesticides are used on the grass)