Fava Beans cover crop seeds produce hardy annual, upright plants. This small-seeded broad bean is a popular nitrogen fixer. The large brittle plants work in easily with front end tillers, or can be cut and composted. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow fava beans from seed.
Continue ReadingThis cereal grain grows quickly in the fall and survives winter weather even in zone 3. It bursts into growth in the spring so try to turn under or cut back before it reaches 30cm (12"). It is harder to turn under when it is 1m (3') tall. Continue reading below for some good advice on how to grow fall rye from seed.
Continue ReadingWithin ten days of blooming (or at any time before), Crimson clover produces ample organic matter that can be used as a mulch on the surface, or cut and tilled under to improve soil tilth and promote soil health. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow crimson clover from seed.
Continue ReadingBuckwheat cover crop seeds produce hardy annual, upright plants. It grows so fast it can reach 1m (3') tall in only three weeks. Then it blooms with white flowers, attracting pollinating insects and beneficial hover flies. This cover crop grows densely enough that it can be used to smother out competing weed species. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow buckwheat from seeds.
Continue ReadingThis is a blend of four certified organic clover varieties Ladino, Medium Red, Alsike, and Crimson, with Annual Ryegrass included as a nurse crop that will protect the seeds and soil until the clovers emerge. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Bees in Clover.
Continue ReadingBarley Cover Crop Seeds are a fast-growing grass with fibrous roots that can reach as far as 2m (6') deep. It is less upright than oats, and not nearly as weedy as rye. Continue reading below for details on how to grow barley.
Continue ReadingThe dense roots of Annual Ryegrass penetrate even hard packed soil to introduce oxygen and water pathways that can be used by other plants when it dies back at frost. Its foliage loads up with carbon and nitrogen, which is then released to the crops that follow. Its shallow, but dense, root system breaks up compacted soil, holds soil against erosion, and draws up a lot of nitrogen to release as it breaks down. Continue reading below for more tips on how to grow Annual Ryegrass.
Continue ReadingAlsike grows where many other clovers will not. It tolerates heavy clay soil, and even areas prone to flooding. It is a weak-stemmed plant that uses neighbouring grasses to keep it upright to a height of around 40cm (16”), though it can grow a little taller in high grasses.
Continue ReadingThis quirky cultivar of the soft-rush Juncus effusus grows its stiff, smooth leaves in a curious corkscrew shape. The leaves add a touch of drama to floral bouquets. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Twister Grass...
Continue ReadingSheep Fescue is a perennial grass that forms dense tufts of greyish green, bristle-like leaves. It thrives in well drained, poor soil because it forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, through which it gathers moisture, minerals, and nutrients. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow sheep fescue from seed.
Continue ReadingRuby Grass is drought tolerant, but thrives in moist, well drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can be grown beneath/near Black Walnut, and is tolerant of pollution. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Ruby Grass.
Continue ReadingThe flowers of this unusual ornamental grass are known as panicles, and they are borne on flexible stems that causes them to bounce and tremble in the wind, hence, Quaking Grass.
Continue ReadingThis massive perennial takes three years to reach full maturity, so make it part of a long term garden plan. Cortaderia is naturally heat tolerant, and its sharp leaves make it deer resistant. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow pampas grass from seed.
Continue ReadingMillet is the very picture of ornamental grass. The golden green foliage darkens at the points most exposed to the sun, becoming more mahogany in tone. About mid summer, the rush-like panicles begin to emerge, rising to a height of 90cm (36"). Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow millet from seed.
Continue ReadingNative to the Mediterranean region, Lagurus grows well in any temperate environment, and puts on a great show mid-summer in containers, garden beds, or xeriscaping landscapes. Continue reading below for details on how to grow Bunny Tails Grass.
Continue ReadingThis hardy, low-growing wildflower mix includes twelve species of annuals and perennials that can be used to replace conventional grass lawns. The blend can also be mixed in with other Lawn Solution seeds to increase forage and shelter for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Continue ReadingEasy Care Envirolawn is a mix of slow-growing grasses & drought tolerant flowers. These low growing, low maintenance varieties can be used as lawn, in paths between beds, or for filling any area that needs fast erosion control. It’s highly recommended for covering septic berms.
Continue ReadingBee Turf is a lawn replacement blended from mixed clovers and low-growing wildflowers that was developed by West Coast Seeds in partnership with the City of Richmond, BC. It is intended to replace lawn in urban settings in order to reduce maintenance costs and increase habitat and forage for pollinators.
Continue ReadingTall Fescue stands up to traffic, drought, cold, shade, pets, and mowing. It is far tougher than conventional lawn grasses like Kentucky blue grass, but it still makes a lush green lawn. It is commonly used by municipalities for planting recreation fields and school grounds.
Continue ReadingSalvia is a close relative of conventional sage, but is grown for its handsome blue flowers rather than as a culinary herb. It is a long-blooming member of the mint family. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Salvia from seed.
Continue ReadingThis low-growing space filler will work in sun to partial shade, producing flowers that feed pollinators, followed by seeds that feed wild songbirds. This member of the mint family is also edible in salads and tea blends. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Prunella from seed.
Continue ReadingOur annual phlox is a cultivar of Phlox drummondii, which is native to Texas, but found in numerous other states. It is a low-growing meadow wildflower that works well on its own, or planted with others in containers or raised beds. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow phlox from seed.
Continue ReadingCrop rotation is the practice of not growing plants where similar plants grew the previous year. Crop rotation prevents the build up of pests and diseases and optimizes the use of soil nutrients. Plants from different “families” need different amounts of...
Continue ReadingIn many cases pre-packaged soil from the garden centre may serve its purpose when filling containers or raised beds. It is usually manufactured in massive amounts by mixing various raw ingredients before bagging. Here is our container soil recipe.
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