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As we move toward spring, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming season at U‑Grow. Whether you’re a returning gardener or joining us for the first time, the dates below will help you stay on track and get the most out of the growing year.

This list will be updated as we find more local sources of approved organic compost and manure suppliers. After ordering Klassen Big Bags of compost this year (2026), we were satisfied with the quality and plan to continue ordering from them, provided the quality remains consistent. For 2027, we will not be coordinating piecemeal or multiple orders, as this has proven too difficult to manage. A single request for compost orders will be sent out in the first week of March for

Tasks List In Order Of Importance: Remove CFC wherever it is found in paths, edges, and on the common property areas. There is a lot of CFC near the shed. Eradication here should be the primary focus as soon as the soil is sufficiently dry enough to accomplish effective removal. Bag CFC for removal. DO NOT COMPOST CFC! If you do not know how to remove Creeping Field Cress (Keek) correctly - ASK either Karin or Stuart. We would be happy to show you in order to prevent thi

Many of you have asked where you can find organic seeds. Most nurseries carry at least some seeds. Larger nurseries tend to have the widest selection, including organic seeds. Seed prices are established by the seed houses - they are NOT set by the retailer. Many of the local seed producers sell online only as nurseries tend to order from large national and international seed growers rather than small, family seed farms. Please try to support local! When purchasing certi

A recent University of Washington study has identified Echinococcus multilocularis—often called the fox tapeworm—in urban coyotes in the Seattle area. This parasite has never before been detected in the Pacific Northwest, and its presence is raising concerns for public health officials, veterinarians, and anyone who gardens or spends time outdoors. (Source: KIRO 7 News, April 30, 2026) Why this matters to gardeners While the adult tapeworm lives harmlessly in coyotes and foxe

Watermelon may not be the first crop that comes to mind for coastal British Columbia, but with the right variety choices and a few heat-boosting strategies, it can be a surprisingly successful (and rewarding) crop. Our cool springs, mild summers, and relatively short heat window mean watermelon needs some extra attention—but the payoff of harvesting a ripe, homegrown melon is well worth the effort.

For decades, small farmers and home gardeners in the Pacific Northwest have learned to read the rhythm of El Niño and La Niña. La Niña, in particular, has traditionally meant cooler winters, a stronger snowpack, and a delayed but reliable spring. That pattern is now wobbling—and in some cases, failing outright—as background planetary warming overwhelms La Niña’s cooling influence.

This page lists YouTube gardening videos with a focus on organic gardening principles. They are informative and educational. jjamgarden - Based in South Korea at a latitude comparable to ours, the home farm produces a broad variety of crops through multiple growing methods, with a consistent focus on organic practices. Many informative videos with English subtitles. No-Dig Gardening Masterclass with Charles Dowding - The No-Dig method of organic gardening is widely rec

Lasagna method gardening—also called sheet composting—is a low-effort, high-impact way to build rich, productive garden beds without digging or tilling. Much like its culinary namesake, this method relies on layering ingredients, allowing them to break down over time into a nutrient-dense growing medium.

Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective practices in sustainable gardening. At its core, it’s the intentional planning of what gets planted where—changing plant families each season or each year to maintain soil health, reduce pest pressure, and improve yields. Whether you manage a large farm or a small community-garden plot, rotation can make a noticeable difference.

What Permaculture Actually Is (in Plain Terms) Permaculture is a design philosophy , not a specific gardening style. It focuses on arranging plants, soil, water, and human activity so that they: Support each other Reduce ongoing inputs (watering, fertilizers, pest control) Mimic patterns found in natural ecosystems Key ideas include: Right plant, right place Multiple functions per element (a plant that feeds people and insects and soil) Closed loops (nutrients recycled o

Bokashi composting is gaining popularity among organic gardeners as an efficient way to recycle kitchen waste and build healthier soil. Originating in Japan, bokashi is a fermentation-based composting method that differs significantly from traditional aerobic composting. Instead of relying on oxygen and decomposition, bokashi uses beneficial microorganisms to ferment organic material in an airtight environment. This process offers unique advantages for organic gardens, along

***Updated 12-03-2026 to include a section on compost bacteria and temperature.*** Composting garden waste is the process of aerobically decomposing plant residues—like leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable kitchen scraps—into a nutrient-rich amendment for soil. It closes the nutrient loop in your garden while diverting organic material from landfills.

An Easy Guide to Using Animal Manure in Your Garden Gardeners have turned to animal manure for millennia to feed soils and boost plant...

Work Party Dates for 2026 Going forward we will not be holding formal 'work parties'. Gardeners can contribute their time as their schedules permit. There are seasonal tasks that will be established before spring and posted to the blog page for Maintenance. Areas with CFC (Keek) are a year-round issue and can be worked on as weather permits. To make it easier for gardeners to find CFC we will be marking areas with a stake bearing pink or orange flag tape. Times should be

Creeping Field Cress: A Stubborn Garden Invader What Is Creeping Field Cress? Creeping field cress (Rorippa sylvestris) is a perennial...

Genetic modification in agriculture is changing how we grow food. Recent advancements seek to improve the traits of produce, such as...

When it comes to having a successful vegetable garden, knowing which wildlife shares your space is crucial. Two of the common visitors...

The Italian arum (Arum italicum) catches the eye with its striking appearance. Originally brought to North America from Europe as an...

Metchosin Farm's Potato Project aims to enhance food security by preserving heirloom seeds and developing new food plants through...