top of page

This site was designed with the

website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

Copy of IMG_3543_edited_edited.jpg

Get in touch!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Your water barrels have arrived and ready for pick up 180 Katimavik rd 11am-2pm
Thanks to everyone who ordered and supported the garden 🌸

Your water barrels have arrived and ready for pick up 180 Katimavik rd 11am-2pm
Thanks to everyone who ordered and supported the garden 🌸

Zzzzzzzzzz… hear that? 🐝 No, it’s not nap time — it’s the sound of pesky pests plotting in your garden. 😤🪲

But fear not, plant warriors! 🌿💪 Join us and garden guru Krystal Kehoe from Backyard Garden Project as she shows us how to grow organic without turning our veggies into a bug buffet. 🥬🚫🐛

📅 June 8th
🕙 10am–12pm
📍 KHCG site
FREE event but registration is required. Click on link in bio or https://tinyurl.com/tzx3p9jd
See you in the garden - but not you bugs 🌸

Zzzzzzzzzz… hear that? 🐝 No, it’s not nap time — it’s the sound of pesky pests plotting in your garden. 😤🪲

But fear not, plant warriors! 🌿💪 Join us and garden guru Krystal Kehoe from Backyard Garden Project as she shows us how to grow organic without turning our veggies into a bug buffet. 🥬🚫🐛

📅 June 8th
🕙 10am–12pm
📍 KHCG site
FREE event but registration is required. Click on link in bio or https://tinyurl.com/tzx3p9jd
See you in the garden - but not you bugs 🌸

Due to circumstances beyond our control, rain barrel pick-up has been delayed. BUT! That means there is still time to order! Click on the link in bio or scan qr to order !

Due to circumstances beyond our control, rain barrel pick-up has been delayed. BUT! That means there is still time to order! Click on the link in bio or scan qr to order !

🌧️ Rain is in the forecast !
Follow the link in bio to purchase a rain barrel and don’t let a drop go to waste. ☔️

🌧️ Rain is in the forecast !
Follow the link in bio to purchase a rain barrel and don’t let a drop go to waste. ☔️

Long weekend in May is almost here!
That’s right my fellow 5b gardeners, we have waited for this day to come: the official kick off to gardening season. While you’re having your morning coffee and planning your gardening plans I beg of you PUT DOWN THE MELON. STEP AWAY FROM THE PEPPERS.
Some veggies babies are a little bit more sensitive to weather in our zone like peppers and melons and need a little bit more time for consistent warmer nights to thrive. Your future self will thank you.
This weekend, and the weeks leading up to June, stick to root vegetables, leafy greens and your ever growing collection of tomato seedlings that are begging for eviction from your dining room.

#gardendivas #communitygardening #zone5b

Long weekend in May is almost here!
That’s right my fellow 5b gardeners, we have waited for this day to come: the official kick off to gardening season. While you’re having your morning coffee and planning your gardening plans I beg of you PUT DOWN THE MELON. STEP AWAY FROM THE PEPPERS.
Some veggies babies are a little bit more sensitive to weather in our zone like peppers and melons and need a little bit more time for consistent warmer nights to thrive. Your future self will thank you.
This weekend, and the weeks leading up to June, stick to root vegetables, leafy greens and your ever growing collection of tomato seedlings that are begging for eviction from your dining room.

#gardendivas #communitygardening #zone5b

Lettuce take a moment to turnip the appreciation for all the unbe-leaf-able volunteers at the Katimavik Hazeldean Community Garden!

You’ve bean amazing—rain or shine, bugs or backaches, you’ve dill-ivered! Whether you’re planting seeds of joy, digging deep, or just trying to remember if that was basil or a weed (we’ve all been there), you make this garden unbeetable.

PS I was put on social media because of my growing puns. Thyme well spent.

Thank you to all volunteers all over! You truly make this community proud
#ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

Lettuce take a moment to turnip the appreciation for all the unbe-leaf-able volunteers at the Katimavik Hazeldean Community Garden!

You’ve bean amazing—rain or shine, bugs or backaches, you’ve dill-ivered! Whether you’re planting seeds of joy, digging deep, or just trying to remember if that was basil or a weed (we’ve all been there), you make this garden unbeetable.

PS I was put on social media because of my growing puns. Thyme well spent.

Thank you to all volunteers all over! You truly make this community proud
#ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

We are growing and need your help!
The KHCG is adding more beds and preparing the current beds for planting. We are needing volunteers to help move soil and build trellises. If you are interested . High school students get your volunteer hours ! https://khcgarden.wixsite.com/garden/event-details/community-work-day
Insta: link in bio
Note:
11am Member orientation May 10th
1pm Volunteer work

Looking forward to a busy day and getting our hands dirty !

We are growing and need your help!
The KHCG is adding more beds and preparing the current beds for planting. We are needing volunteers to help move soil and build trellises. If you are interested . High school students get your volunteer hours ! https://khcgarden.wixsite.com/garden/event-details/community-work-day
Insta: link in bio
Note:
11am Member orientation May 10th
1pm Volunteer work

Looking forward to a busy day and getting our hands dirty !

Save Water. Grow Community.

Did you know a rain barrel can save you over 1,000 gallons of water a year?
Here’s why it’s a smart, eco-friendly choice:
• Free Water: Collect rain to water your garden, lawn, or even wash your car!
• Reduce Runoff: Helps prevent flooding and erosion by controlling stormwater.
• Protect Waterways: Less runoff means less pollution in our rivers and lakes.
• Healthier Plants: Rainwater is free of chlorine and other chemicals—plants love it!

Support the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden by ordering your rain barrel through our fundraiser:
Order here: www.rainbarrel.ca/khcg insta: link in bio
Pickup: May 31 | 10am–2pm
Location: 180 Katimavik Rd

Let’s grow greener, together!

#RainBarrelFundraiser #CommunityGarden #KHCG #SustainableLiving #OttawaEvents #GreenThumbs

Save Water. Grow Community.

Did you know a rain barrel can save you over 1,000 gallons of water a year?
Here’s why it’s a smart, eco-friendly choice:
• Free Water: Collect rain to water your garden, lawn, or even wash your car!
• Reduce Runoff: Helps prevent flooding and erosion by controlling stormwater.
• Protect Waterways: Less runoff means less pollution in our rivers and lakes.
• Healthier Plants: Rainwater is free of chlorine and other chemicals—plants love it!

Support the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden by ordering your rain barrel through our fundraiser:
Order here: www.rainbarrel.ca/khcg insta: link in bio
Pickup: May 31 | 10am–2pm
Location: 180 Katimavik Rd

Let’s grow greener, together!

#RainBarrelFundraiser #CommunityGarden #KHCG #SustainableLiving #OttawaEvents #GreenThumbs

Ready… Set… Sow!
April-May is when the garden really starts to come alive here in Zone 5b—and it’s prime time to direct sow cool-season crops right into your garden beds.

These hardy heroes don’t mind a chill and actually thrive in the cooler spring temps.

What to Early Direct Sow in Zone 5b:

Veggies:
• Peas – Plant as soon as the soil can be worked. Trellis for support!
• Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing greens that love the cold.
• Radishes – Quick to mature and perfect for succession planting.
• Carrots – Sow in loose, stone-free soil; keep moist for even germination.
• Beets – Soak seeds before planting to speed up germination.
• Turnips – Sweet and tender when harvested young.
• Kale & Collards – Hardy greens that can handle a spring frost.
• Swiss Chard – Cold-tolerant and colorful—great for both baby and mature greens.
• Mustard Greens & Arugula – Zesty, fast-growing, and frost-friendly.

Tips for Success:
• Soil Temp: Aim for 4-10°c or higher. Use a soil thermometer for best results.
• Bed Prep: Loosen soil, remove weeds, and enrich with compost.
• Sow Deeply: Follow packet instructions—each seed is a little different!
• Water Wisely: Keep soil moist (but not soggy) until germination.
• Row Covers: Use them to protect young seedlings from cold snaps or pests.

This is the start of a delicious garden season—no grow lights, trays, or transplant stress required. Just you, your seeds, and the warming spring soil.

What are you sowing early? The KHCG will be set up soon to start ! See you May 10th!

#Zone5bGardening #DirectSow #SpringGarden #CoolSeasonCrops #communitygardening

Ready… Set… Sow!
April-May is when the garden really starts to come alive here in Zone 5b—and it’s prime time to direct sow cool-season crops right into your garden beds.

These hardy heroes don’t mind a chill and actually thrive in the cooler spring temps.

What to Early Direct Sow in Zone 5b:

Veggies:
• Peas – Plant as soon as the soil can be worked. Trellis for support!
• Spinach & Lettuce – Fast-growing greens that love the cold.
• Radishes – Quick to mature and perfect for succession planting.
• Carrots – Sow in loose, stone-free soil; keep moist for even germination.
• Beets – Soak seeds before planting to speed up germination.
• Turnips – Sweet and tender when harvested young.
• Kale & Collards – Hardy greens that can handle a spring frost.
• Swiss Chard – Cold-tolerant and colorful—great for both baby and mature greens.
• Mustard Greens & Arugula – Zesty, fast-growing, and frost-friendly.

Tips for Success:
• Soil Temp: Aim for 4-10°c or higher. Use a soil thermometer for best results.
• Bed Prep: Loosen soil, remove weeds, and enrich with compost.
• Sow Deeply: Follow packet instructions—each seed is a little different!
• Water Wisely: Keep soil moist (but not soggy) until germination.
• Row Covers: Use them to protect young seedlings from cold snaps or pests.

This is the start of a delicious garden season—no grow lights, trays, or transplant stress required. Just you, your seeds, and the warming spring soil.

What are you sowing early? The KHCG will be set up soon to start ! See you May 10th!

#Zone5bGardening #DirectSow #SpringGarden #CoolSeasonCrops #communitygardening

Huge thank you for students of Holy Trinity for plotting out the plots in the community garden! This is such a tremendous and important help to make sure the volunteers can map out properly and efficiently where all the tasty veggies will go.

Ohhhhhhhhh I’m getting excited for planting. The team has been out this week in preparation

Huge thank you for students of Holy Trinity for plotting out the plots in the community garden! This is such a tremendous and important help to make sure the volunteers can map out properly and efficiently where all the tasty veggies will go.

Ohhhhhhhhh I’m getting excited for planting. The team has been out this week in preparation

Calling all gardeners! Exciting event coming June 8th 10am -12pm . at the KHCG site. Registration in link.
Join us in person at the KHCG site for a fun and social garden meetup!

Learn about organic pest control from guest speaker Krystal Kehoe and even make your own pest spray to take home! *Bring your own spray bottle
Plus, meet the amazing team behind the Community Backyard Garden Project and connect with fellow garden lovers.

Let’s grow together—see you there!

Calling all gardeners! Exciting event coming June 8th 10am -12pm . at the KHCG site. Registration in link.
Join us in person at the KHCG site for a fun and social garden meetup!

Learn about organic pest control from guest speaker Krystal Kehoe and even make your own pest spray to take home! *Bring your own spray bottle
Plus, meet the amazing team behind the Community Backyard Garden Project and connect with fellow garden lovers.

Let’s grow together—see you there!

🌿 📢📢📢Calling All Businesses & Community Champions! 🌻

Help us fight food insecurity by supporting the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden!

💚 Businesses & Individuals – You can make a real impact by sponsoring a garden plot or supporting KHCG to keep our community growing strong.

Your sponsorship helps the volunteers cover the costs of running the garden and enables members access to fresh food, gardening community programs, and a thriving green space for all. Let’s grow together! 🌱✨

📩 Get in touch today to discuss working together !
Visit www.khcgarden.ca to learn more.
#SupportLocal #CommunityGarden #GrowTogether #FoodForAll #ottawavolunteers

🌿 📢📢📢Calling All Businesses & Community Champions! 🌻

Help us fight food insecurity by supporting the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden!

💚 Businesses & Individuals – You can make a real impact by sponsoring a garden plot or supporting KHCG to keep our community growing strong.

Your sponsorship helps the volunteers cover the costs of running the garden and enables members access to fresh food, gardening community programs, and a thriving green space for all. Let’s grow together! 🌱✨

📩 Get in touch today to discuss working together !
Visit www.khcgarden.ca to learn more.
#SupportLocal #CommunityGarden #GrowTogether #FoodForAll #ottawavolunteers

Sprout Leaves vs. True Leaves: What’s the Difference? 🌱✨

When your seedlings first pop out of the soil, the first leaves you see aren’t their real leaves—they’re sprout leaves. These little guys come from the seed itself and provide nutrients to the baby plant until it can start making its own food.

After a little growth, the plant produces true leaves, which look more like the mature plant’s foliage. True leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, helping your seedling grow strong and independent! 💪☀️

So, if you’re waiting to transplant or fertilize, hold off until you see those true leaves—that’s when your plant is ready for the next step! 🌿
#gardening #communitygarden #ottawa #zone5b #kanata

Sprout Leaves vs. True Leaves: What’s the Difference? 🌱✨

When your seedlings first pop out of the soil, the first leaves you see aren’t their real leaves—they’re sprout leaves. These little guys come from the seed itself and provide nutrients to the baby plant until it can start making its own food.

After a little growth, the plant produces true leaves, which look more like the mature plant’s foliage. True leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, helping your seedling grow strong and independent! 💪☀️

So, if you’re waiting to transplant or fertilize, hold off until you see those true leaves—that’s when your plant is ready for the next step! 🌿
#gardening #communitygarden #ottawa #zone5b #kanata

Joining a community garden like Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden has a lot of great benefits! Here are some solid reasons:
1. Fresh, Homegrown Produce – Grow your own veggies, herbs, and fruits without relying on store-bought options.
2. Save Money – Reduce grocery costs by harvesting your own food.
3. Environmental Impact – Support sustainable gardening practices and reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Health Benefits – Gardening is great exercise and helps reduce stress.
5. Sense of Community – Meet like-minded people and build friendships with neighbors.
6. Learn New Skills – Gain hands-on experience in gardening, composting, and sustainable growing. Ongoing help and education as you need.
7. Support Local Biodiversity – Help pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive. Check out our pollinator gardens.
8. Give Back – Many community gardens, (like ours !) donate surplus food to local food banks or community organizations.
9. Better Food Quality – Control what goes into your food, avoiding pesticides and chemicals.
10. Mental Well-Being – Spending time in nature can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
#justfood #communitygarden #ottawa

Joining a community garden like Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden has a lot of great benefits! Here are some solid reasons:
1. Fresh, Homegrown Produce – Grow your own veggies, herbs, and fruits without relying on store-bought options.
2. Save Money – Reduce grocery costs by harvesting your own food.
3. Environmental Impact – Support sustainable gardening practices and reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Health Benefits – Gardening is great exercise and helps reduce stress.
5. Sense of Community – Meet like-minded people and build friendships with neighbors.
6. Learn New Skills – Gain hands-on experience in gardening, composting, and sustainable growing. Ongoing help and education as you need.
7. Support Local Biodiversity – Help pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive. Check out our pollinator gardens.
8. Give Back – Many community gardens, (like ours !) donate surplus food to local food banks or community organizations.
9. Better Food Quality – Control what goes into your food, avoiding pesticides and chemicals.
10. Mental Well-Being – Spending time in nature can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
#justfood #communitygarden #ottawa

🌱HERE WE GROW!🌱
We have a new website www.khcgarden.ca Stop by while it’s under construction to learn more about the garden🚧

📢 PLOT TWIST! 📢
We WERE sold out! 😱 BUT! Exciting news, we are adding a couple more plots this year. We have another spot and the waitlist is still open . You’ll be hearing from us mid April . In the meantime, we are growing seedlings and planning our season opening 🌱🎉
Links are in bio !

🌱HERE WE GROW!🌱
We have a new website www.khcgarden.ca Stop by while it’s under construction to learn more about the garden🚧

📢 PLOT TWIST! 📢
We WERE sold out! 😱 BUT! Exciting news, we are adding a couple more plots this year. We have another spot and the waitlist is still open . You’ll be hearing from us mid April . In the meantime, we are growing seedlings and planning our season opening 🌱🎉
Links are in bio !

🌿 DIY Garden Pest Sprays: Safe, Simple & Super Effective! 🌶️🧄🫧

Last post we covered plants to use for organic pest methods, today let’s talk homemade sprays.
Tired of pesky bugs munching on your precious plants? Skip the harsh chemicals and try these homemade sprays instead! They’re easy to make, safe for your garden, and keep those pests in check.

🌱 Garlic Spray – Bugs hate the smell, but your plants will love it! Blend a few garlic cloves with water, strain, and spray on leaves. Great for aphids, caterpillars, and other leaf-chewers.

🌱 Hot Pepper Spray – Spice up your pest control! Mix chopped hot peppers (or cayenne powder) with water and a bit of dish soap. Let it sit overnight, strain, and spray away! Perfect for keeping rabbits, squirrels, and insects at bay.

🌱 Soap Spray – A classic go-to for soft-bodied bugs like aphids and spider mites. Just mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a quart of water and spray directly on pests.

🍃 Pro Tip: Always test a small area first to make sure your plants don’t mind the spray. And reapply after rain!

What’s your go-to natural pest control trick? Share in the comments! ⬇️✨ #OrganicGardening #DIYPestControl #GardenHacks #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers #organic

🌿 DIY Garden Pest Sprays: Safe, Simple & Super Effective! 🌶️🧄🫧

Last post we covered plants to use for organic pest methods, today let’s talk homemade sprays.
Tired of pesky bugs munching on your precious plants? Skip the harsh chemicals and try these homemade sprays instead! They’re easy to make, safe for your garden, and keep those pests in check.

🌱 Garlic Spray – Bugs hate the smell, but your plants will love it! Blend a few garlic cloves with water, strain, and spray on leaves. Great for aphids, caterpillars, and other leaf-chewers.

🌱 Hot Pepper Spray – Spice up your pest control! Mix chopped hot peppers (or cayenne powder) with water and a bit of dish soap. Let it sit overnight, strain, and spray away! Perfect for keeping rabbits, squirrels, and insects at bay.

🌱 Soap Spray – A classic go-to for soft-bodied bugs like aphids and spider mites. Just mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a quart of water and spray directly on pests.

🍃 Pro Tip: Always test a small area first to make sure your plants don’t mind the spray. And reapply after rain!

What’s your go-to natural pest control trick? Share in the comments! ⬇️✨ #OrganicGardening #DIYPestControl #GardenHacks #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers #organic

🌱 Switching gardening gloves for a moment! While you’re planning your garden, naturally pest-proofing your raised garden is a consideration ! 🦌🐞

Want to keep your Zone 5b raised garden thriving without harsh chemicals? Try these organic pest and animal repellents! 🥕🌿

✨ Companion Planting – Nature’s Pest Control!
🌼 Marigolds – Repel aphids & nematodes.
🌸 Nasturtiums – Deter squash bugs & cucumber beetles.
🧄 Garlic & Onions – Keep rabbits, deer & insects away.

🌿 Strong-Smelling Plants That Repel Critters
🦌 Mint, Rosemary & Lavender – Say goodbye to rodents & deer!
🐞 Chives & Basil – Natural aphid deterrents!

⚠️ Mint Warning! ⚠️
Mint spreads FAST & can take over your garden! Plant in containers to keep it under control.

#communitygarden #raisedbedgarden #zone5gardening #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers #gardening

🌱 Switching gardening gloves for a moment! While you’re planning your garden, naturally pest-proofing your raised garden is a consideration ! 🦌🐞

Want to keep your Zone 5b raised garden thriving without harsh chemicals? Try these organic pest and animal repellents! 🥕🌿

✨ Companion Planting – Nature’s Pest Control!
🌼 Marigolds – Repel aphids & nematodes.
🌸 Nasturtiums – Deter squash bugs & cucumber beetles.
🧄 Garlic & Onions – Keep rabbits, deer & insects away.

🌿 Strong-Smelling Plants That Repel Critters
🦌 Mint, Rosemary & Lavender – Say goodbye to rodents & deer!
🐞 Chives & Basil – Natural aphid deterrents!

⚠️ Mint Warning! ⚠️
Mint spreads FAST & can take over your garden! Plant in containers to keep it under control.

#communitygarden #raisedbedgarden #zone5gardening #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers #gardening

Best Companion Plants for Onions in a 4x4’ Square Foot Garden (Zone 5b) 🌱🧅

If you’re growing onions in Zone 5b, here are some perfect companion plants to boost growth, repel pests, and maximize space in your 4x4’ garden:

🌿 Great Onion Companions

✅ Carrots 🥕 – A classic pairing! Onions repel carrot flies, and carrots deter onion maggots.
✅ Lettuce & Spinach 🥬 – Fast-growing greens that don’t compete for nutrients.
✅ Radishes 🔴 – Quick growers that break up soil for onion bulbs.
✅ Beets ❤️ – Enjoys similar soil conditions and grows well with onions.
✅ Swiss Chard 🌈 – Shallow-rooted, so it won’t compete with onions.
✅ Chamomile & Dill 🌼 – Attracts pollinators and improves onion flavor.
✅ Marigolds & Nasturtiums 🌺 – Repel aphids, nematodes, and other pests.
✅ Strawberries 🍓 – Onions help keep pests away from your berry patch!
✅ Tomatoes & Peppers 🍅🌶 – Onions deter pests like aphids and spider mites.

🚫 Avoid Planting With:

❌ Beans & Peas – Onions stunt their growth.
❌ Asparagus – They compete for nutrients.
❌ Sage – Can slow onion growth.

🌱 Pro Tip for Zone 5b:
Mulch around onions to retain moisture and regulate soil temp during unpredictable spring weather!

What are YOU growing with your onions this season? Drop a 🌿 in the comments! #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata

Best Companion Plants for Onions in a 4x4’ Square Foot Garden (Zone 5b) 🌱🧅

If you’re growing onions in Zone 5b, here are some perfect companion plants to boost growth, repel pests, and maximize space in your 4x4’ garden:

🌿 Great Onion Companions

✅ Carrots 🥕 – A classic pairing! Onions repel carrot flies, and carrots deter onion maggots.
✅ Lettuce & Spinach 🥬 – Fast-growing greens that don’t compete for nutrients.
✅ Radishes 🔴 – Quick growers that break up soil for onion bulbs.
✅ Beets ❤️ – Enjoys similar soil conditions and grows well with onions.
✅ Swiss Chard 🌈 – Shallow-rooted, so it won’t compete with onions.
✅ Chamomile & Dill 🌼 – Attracts pollinators and improves onion flavor.
✅ Marigolds & Nasturtiums 🌺 – Repel aphids, nematodes, and other pests.
✅ Strawberries 🍓 – Onions help keep pests away from your berry patch!
✅ Tomatoes & Peppers 🍅🌶 – Onions deter pests like aphids and spider mites.

🚫 Avoid Planting With:

❌ Beans & Peas – Onions stunt their growth.
❌ Asparagus – They compete for nutrients.
❌ Sage – Can slow onion growth.

🌱 Pro Tip for Zone 5b:
Mulch around onions to retain moisture and regulate soil temp during unpredictable spring weather!

What are YOU growing with your onions this season? Drop a 🌿 in the comments! #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata

🥦 Best Buddies for Broccoli in Your 4’x4’ Garden! 🌱

Broccoli gets a bad wrap for not being a good neighbour, but I promise they are fantastic in your garden with some planning. Broccoli loves plant friends that don’t hog space and nutrients! Here are the best companion plants to help your broccoli thrive:

🌿 Chamomile, Dill & Sage – Boosts flavor & attracts helpful pollinators.
🌿 Rosemary, Thyme & Oregano – Natural pest repellents that smell amazing!
🌼 Marigolds & Nasturtiums – Keeps aphids & cabbage worms away and adds color!
🥕 Carrots & Beets – Deep roots that won’t compete with broccoli.
🫘 Bush Beans – Fixes nitrogen in the soil for healthier plants.
🍓 Strawberries – A surprising but friendly neighbor! ❗️Just don’t plant them too close !

🚫 Avoid planting with tomatoes, peppers, or pole beans—they’ll fight for space and nutrients!

What’s growing next to your broccoli? How do you like the eat your broccoli? ❤️🥦

#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #zone5b

🥦 Best Buddies for Broccoli in Your 4’x4’ Garden! 🌱

Broccoli gets a bad wrap for not being a good neighbour, but I promise they are fantastic in your garden with some planning. Broccoli loves plant friends that don’t hog space and nutrients! Here are the best companion plants to help your broccoli thrive:

🌿 Chamomile, Dill & Sage – Boosts flavor & attracts helpful pollinators.
🌿 Rosemary, Thyme & Oregano – Natural pest repellents that smell amazing!
🌼 Marigolds & Nasturtiums – Keeps aphids & cabbage worms away and adds color!
🥕 Carrots & Beets – Deep roots that won’t compete with broccoli.
🫘 Bush Beans – Fixes nitrogen in the soil for healthier plants.
🍓 Strawberries – A surprising but friendly neighbor! ❗️Just don’t plant them too close !

🚫 Avoid planting with tomatoes, peppers, or pole beans—they’ll fight for space and nutrients!

What’s growing next to your broccoli? How do you like the eat your broccoli? ❤️🥦

#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #zone5b

🥬 Best Buddies for Lettuce in Your 4’x4’ Garden! 🌱

Lettuce is the chill roommate of the garden—it gets along with (almost) everyone! Here are some top companion plants to keep your greens thriving:

🌿 Basil – Wards off pests & makes your salads taste even better.
🧄 Garlic & Chives – Keeps aphids away like a natural security system.
🥕 Carrots – Roots go deep while lettuce stays shallow—no fighting for space!
🍓 Strawberries – Shade for lettuce, sweetness for you.
🌼 Marigolds – Repels bugs & looks cute while doing it.

💡 Fun fact: We use some lettuce in the community garden as we call “sacrificial lettuce”. To distract the bunnies from our other plants 😱
🚫 Avoid planting with broccoli or cabbage—they’re a little too competitive for resources!

🥬 Best Buddies for Lettuce in Your 4’x4’ Garden! 🌱

Lettuce is the chill roommate of the garden—it gets along with (almost) everyone! Here are some top companion plants to keep your greens thriving:

🌿 Basil – Wards off pests & makes your salads taste even better.
🧄 Garlic & Chives – Keeps aphids away like a natural security system.
🥕 Carrots – Roots go deep while lettuce stays shallow—no fighting for space!
🍓 Strawberries – Shade for lettuce, sweetness for you.
🌼 Marigolds – Repels bugs & looks cute while doing it.

💡 Fun fact: We use some lettuce in the community garden as we call “sacrificial lettuce”. To distract the bunnies from our other plants 😱
🚫 Avoid planting with broccoli or cabbage—they’re a little too competitive for resources!

Today’s friendly neighbours are peppers 🌶️ 🫑
I may have a summer salsa obsession, I know.

Best Buds for Your Peppers! 🌶️🌱✨

Growing peppers in a 4’x4’ garden? Pair them with these spicy companions for a thriving mini jungle:

🌿 Basil – Boosts flavor & repels pests
🧄 Onions & Garlic – Keeps bugs away (vampires too)
🥕 Carrots – Roots go down, peppers go up—perfect roommates!
🍅 Tomatoes – A classic combo, just don’t overcrowd
🌼 Marigolds – Pest control + pretty flowers = win-win
🫘 Beans – Adds nitrogen to the soil (peppers love that)

❌ Avoid: Fennel & Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) – they’re the bad neighbors of the plant world.

Tag a pepper loving friend in the comments.
Let me know what other vegetable you’d like seen.
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

Today’s friendly neighbours are peppers 🌶️ 🫑
I may have a summer salsa obsession, I know.

Best Buds for Your Peppers! 🌶️🌱✨

Growing peppers in a 4’x4’ garden? Pair them with these spicy companions for a thriving mini jungle:

🌿 Basil – Boosts flavor & repels pests
🧄 Onions & Garlic – Keeps bugs away (vampires too)
🥕 Carrots – Roots go down, peppers go up—perfect roommates!
🍅 Tomatoes – A classic combo, just don’t overcrowd
🌼 Marigolds – Pest control + pretty flowers = win-win
🫘 Beans – Adds nitrogen to the soil (peppers love that)

❌ Avoid: Fennel & Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) – they’re the bad neighbors of the plant world.

Tag a pepper loving friend in the comments.
Let me know what other vegetable you’d like seen.
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

💡Welcome to our next series: Best Companion Plants in a 4x4’ Square Foot Garden (Zone 5b) ! 🌱 🌱.
Ever been confused what actually grows close to another vegetable? I hope to simplify some of the most common varieties in this series!

🍅Tomato Best Neighbours🍅

Want healthier tomatoes, fewer pests, and maximum yield in your Zone 5b square foot garden? Here are the best plant pairings for your 4x4’ space!

✅ Best Tomato Companions:

🌿 Basil – Enhances tomato flavor + repels hornworms.
🌼 Marigolds – Deters aphids, nematodes & whiteflies.
🏵️ Nasturtiums – Attracts pollinators & acts as a trap crop for aphids.
🧅 Onions & Chives – Repel pests + improve tomato health.
🥕 Carrots – Loosen soil & grow well under tomato shade.
🌶 Peppers – Thrive in similar conditions & attract good bugs.
🥬 Lettuce & Spinach – Quick growers that use tomato shade wisely.
🍃 Oregano & Thyme – Natural pest deterrents + ground cover to retain soil moisture.
🌱 Parsley & Cilantro – Attract beneficial insects that eat pests.
🫘 Bush Beans i.e snap peas not trellis varieties – Fix nitrogen in the soil to support tomatoes.
🍆 Eggplant – Part of the nightshade family; grows well alongside tomatoes.
🟡 Radishes – Fast-growing & help break up the soil.

🚫 Avoid Planting With:

❌ Brassicas (Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale) – Compete for nutrients.
❌ Corn – Shares pests with tomatoes.
❌ Fennel – Stunts tomato growth.
❌ Potatoes – Increases risk of blight.

🌞 Zone 5b Pro Tip: Use mulch to keep soil warm during cool nights & trellis tomatoes to maximize space!

What’s your favorite tomato companion? What vegetable should we cover next ? 🍅🥬🥗
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #growyourown

💡Welcome to our next series: Best Companion Plants in a 4x4’ Square Foot Garden (Zone 5b) ! 🌱 🌱.
Ever been confused what actually grows close to another vegetable? I hope to simplify some of the most common varieties in this series!

🍅Tomato Best Neighbours🍅

Want healthier tomatoes, fewer pests, and maximum yield in your Zone 5b square foot garden? Here are the best plant pairings for your 4x4’ space!

✅ Best Tomato Companions:

🌿 Basil – Enhances tomato flavor + repels hornworms.
🌼 Marigolds – Deters aphids, nematodes & whiteflies.
🏵️ Nasturtiums – Attracts pollinators & acts as a trap crop for aphids.
🧅 Onions & Chives – Repel pests + improve tomato health.
🥕 Carrots – Loosen soil & grow well under tomato shade.
🌶 Peppers – Thrive in similar conditions & attract good bugs.
🥬 Lettuce & Spinach – Quick growers that use tomato shade wisely.
🍃 Oregano & Thyme – Natural pest deterrents + ground cover to retain soil moisture.
🌱 Parsley & Cilantro – Attract beneficial insects that eat pests.
🫘 Bush Beans i.e snap peas not trellis varieties – Fix nitrogen in the soil to support tomatoes.
🍆 Eggplant – Part of the nightshade family; grows well alongside tomatoes.
🟡 Radishes – Fast-growing & help break up the soil.

🚫 Avoid Planting With:

❌ Brassicas (Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale) – Compete for nutrients.
❌ Corn – Shares pests with tomatoes.
❌ Fennel – Stunts tomato growth.
❌ Potatoes – Increases risk of blight.

🌞 Zone 5b Pro Tip: Use mulch to keep soil warm during cool nights & trellis tomatoes to maximize space!

What’s your favorite tomato companion? What vegetable should we cover next ? 🍅🥬🥗
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #growyourown

🌶️🥑 Grow Your Own Salsa Garden! 🍅🌱

Today’s SFG idea is my personal favourite. Want fresh, homegrown salsa all season long? Skip the store and plant your own 4’x4’ square foot salsa garden and harvest everything you need—tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, and more! 🏡✨

🌿 Planting Guide Per Square:
🍅 Tomatoes – 1 per square (needs staking)
🌶️ Peppers (Hot & Sweet) – 1 per square
🧅 Onions – 4 per square
🌱 Cilantro & Basil – 9 per square (succession plant for fresh leaves!)
🧄 Garlic/Chives – 9 per square (pest deterrent + flavor boost)
🌸 Marigolds & Nasturtiums – Natural pest control + edible blooms!

✅ Tips for Success:
💦 Water consistently for juicy tomatoes & peppers!
✂️ Harvest cilantro & basil often to prevent bolting.
🦋 Flowers attract pollinators & keep pests away.

🌮 Who’s ready for fresh garden-to-table salsa? Drop a 🌶️ if you love a little spice!

#squarefootgardening #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

🌶️🥑 Grow Your Own Salsa Garden! 🍅🌱

Today’s SFG idea is my personal favourite. Want fresh, homegrown salsa all season long? Skip the store and plant your own 4’x4’ square foot salsa garden and harvest everything you need—tomatoes, peppers, onions, cilantro, and more! 🏡✨

🌿 Planting Guide Per Square:
🍅 Tomatoes – 1 per square (needs staking)
🌶️ Peppers (Hot & Sweet) – 1 per square
🧅 Onions – 4 per square
🌱 Cilantro & Basil – 9 per square (succession plant for fresh leaves!)
🧄 Garlic/Chives – 9 per square (pest deterrent + flavor boost)
🌸 Marigolds & Nasturtiums – Natural pest control + edible blooms!

✅ Tips for Success:
💦 Water consistently for juicy tomatoes & peppers!
✂️ Harvest cilantro & basil often to prevent bolting.
🦋 Flowers attract pollinators & keep pests away.

🌮 Who’s ready for fresh garden-to-table salsa? Drop a 🌶️ if you love a little spice!

#squarefootgardening #communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

🌱 Grow MORE in Less Space with a 4’x4’ Square Foot Garden + Trellis! 🌱

Want to maximize your harvest in a small space? Adding a trellis on one side of your 4’x4’ raised bed lets you grow vining veggies vertically—saving space and boosting yields! 🌿✨

🌿 Planting Plan (With Trellis on the North Side)

🌱 North Side (Trellised Plants - 1 per square)
🍅 Tomatoes (Indeterminate, needs tying)
🥒 Cucumbers (2 per square)
🌱 Pole Beans (4 per square)
🍈 Melons or Small Squash (1 per 2 squares)

🌿 Middle Rows (Medium Plants - 1-4 per square)
🫑 Peppers (1 per sq.)
🥦 Broccoli (1 per sq.)
🥬 Swiss Chard (2 per sq.)
🌿 Basil & Herbs (4 per sq.)

🥕 Front Rows (Small, Fast-Growing Crops - 9-16 per square)
🥕 Carrots (9 per sq.)
🧅 Onions (9 per sq.)
❤️ Radishes (16 per sq.)
🥗 Lettuce (4 per sq.)

🌸 Bonus: Marigolds & nasturtiums repel pests & add beauty! 🌼

💡 New for 2025 we are adding trellises to our gardens!
🌞 Garden hint : Place a trellis on the north side so the taller plants don’t shade the small plants.

⸻

🌟 Why Use a Trellis?

✅ Saves space for more crops in your bed
✅ Keeps fruit cleaner & healthier (less rot & pests)
✅ Improves airflow (reduces disease risk)
✅ Easier harvesting! 🍅

A trellis lets you grow UP instead of OUT, making your garden even more productive!

📍 Who’s planting trellis loving plants this year? Drop a 🌱 in the comments!
#SquareFootGardening #VerticalGardening #GrowYourOwnFood #SmallSpaceGardening

🌱 Grow MORE in Less Space with a 4’x4’ Square Foot Garden + Trellis! 🌱

Want to maximize your harvest in a small space? Adding a trellis on one side of your 4’x4’ raised bed lets you grow vining veggies vertically—saving space and boosting yields! 🌿✨

🌿 Planting Plan (With Trellis on the North Side)

🌱 North Side (Trellised Plants - 1 per square)
🍅 Tomatoes (Indeterminate, needs tying)
🥒 Cucumbers (2 per square)
🌱 Pole Beans (4 per square)
🍈 Melons or Small Squash (1 per 2 squares)

🌿 Middle Rows (Medium Plants - 1-4 per square)
🫑 Peppers (1 per sq.)
🥦 Broccoli (1 per sq.)
🥬 Swiss Chard (2 per sq.)
🌿 Basil & Herbs (4 per sq.)

🥕 Front Rows (Small, Fast-Growing Crops - 9-16 per square)
🥕 Carrots (9 per sq.)
🧅 Onions (9 per sq.)
❤️ Radishes (16 per sq.)
🥗 Lettuce (4 per sq.)

🌸 Bonus: Marigolds & nasturtiums repel pests & add beauty! 🌼

💡 New for 2025 we are adding trellises to our gardens!
🌞 Garden hint : Place a trellis on the north side so the taller plants don’t shade the small plants.

⸻

🌟 Why Use a Trellis?

✅ Saves space for more crops in your bed
✅ Keeps fruit cleaner & healthier (less rot & pests)
✅ Improves airflow (reduces disease risk)
✅ Easier harvesting! 🍅

A trellis lets you grow UP instead of OUT, making your garden even more productive!

📍 Who’s planting trellis loving plants this year? Drop a 🌱 in the comments!
#SquareFootGardening #VerticalGardening #GrowYourOwnFood #SmallSpaceGardening

Salad Lover’s Garden 🥬🍅🌿

Imagine visiting the garden and picking everything you need for a fresh, homegrown salad—right from your plot ! This 4’ x 4’ raised bed is packed with crisp greens, crunchy root veggies, and a juicy homegrown tomato for the perfect garden-to-table experience. 🌿✨

🌟 What’s Growing? 🌟
🥬 Lettuce (4 per sq.)
🌱 Spinach (4 per sq.)
🌿 Arugula (4 per sq.)
🥕 Carrots (9 per sq.)
🌿 Basil (4 per sq.)
🧅 Onions (9 per sq.)
💜 Beets (9 per sq.)
❤️ Radishes (16 per sq.)
🍅 Tomato (1 per sq.)

🌸 Bonus: Marigolds & nasturtiums help keep pests away 🌼

This small but mighty garden ensures a continuous harvest of fresh, flavorful ingredients—perfect for daily salads. Plenty to share !🥗✨

📍 What’s your must-have salad ingredient? Drop it in the comments! 👇
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

Salad Lover’s Garden 🥬🍅🌿

Imagine visiting the garden and picking everything you need for a fresh, homegrown salad—right from your plot ! This 4’ x 4’ raised bed is packed with crisp greens, crunchy root veggies, and a juicy homegrown tomato for the perfect garden-to-table experience. 🌿✨

🌟 What’s Growing? 🌟
🥬 Lettuce (4 per sq.)
🌱 Spinach (4 per sq.)
🌿 Arugula (4 per sq.)
🥕 Carrots (9 per sq.)
🌿 Basil (4 per sq.)
🧅 Onions (9 per sq.)
💜 Beets (9 per sq.)
❤️ Radishes (16 per sq.)
🍅 Tomato (1 per sq.)

🌸 Bonus: Marigolds & nasturtiums help keep pests away 🌼

This small but mighty garden ensures a continuous harvest of fresh, flavorful ingredients—perfect for daily salads. Plenty to share !🥗✨

📍 What’s your must-have salad ingredient? Drop it in the comments! 👇
#communitygarden #ottawa #kanata #ottawavolunteers

🌱 Welcome to the World of 4’x4’ Square Foot Gardening! 🌱

Ever wondered how to maximize yield of a garden plot? With square foot gardening, you can maximize your harvest while keeping gardening simple, organized, and super productive! 🌿✨

💡 Getting Started:
📏 Divide your bed into 16 squares (each 1’ x 1’)
🥕 Plant based on spacing needs: 1, 4, 9, or 16 plants per square
🌞 Give plants full sun (6+ hrs daily)
💧 Water consistently—raised beds dry out faster. At Katimavik-Hazeldean Community garden, we use tap or water barrels.
🌿 Mix it up! Pair fast-growing crops (radishes, lettuce) with longer growers (tomatoes, peppers)

🌟 Spacing Guide:
🥬 Leafy Greens – 4 per sq. (lettuce, spinach)
🥕 Root Veggies – 9 per sq. (carrots, beets)
🌿 Herbs – 4 per sq. (basil, parsley)
🍅 Big Crops – 1 per sq. (tomatoes, peppers, broccoli)

🌸 Companion Tip for Organic Pest Control: Marigolds & nasturtiums keep pests away while adding beauty to your bed! 🌼

🥗 Follow for more upcoming tips!

🍅 Follow links in bio for information how to get involved in our community!

#ottawavolunteers #communitygarden #kanata

🌱 Welcome to the World of 4’x4’ Square Foot Gardening! 🌱

Ever wondered how to maximize yield of a garden plot? With square foot gardening, you can maximize your harvest while keeping gardening simple, organized, and super productive! 🌿✨

💡 Getting Started:
📏 Divide your bed into 16 squares (each 1’ x 1’)
🥕 Plant based on spacing needs: 1, 4, 9, or 16 plants per square
🌞 Give plants full sun (6+ hrs daily)
💧 Water consistently—raised beds dry out faster. At Katimavik-Hazeldean Community garden, we use tap or water barrels.
🌿 Mix it up! Pair fast-growing crops (radishes, lettuce) with longer growers (tomatoes, peppers)

🌟 Spacing Guide:
🥬 Leafy Greens – 4 per sq. (lettuce, spinach)
🥕 Root Veggies – 9 per sq. (carrots, beets)
🌿 Herbs – 4 per sq. (basil, parsley)
🍅 Big Crops – 1 per sq. (tomatoes, peppers, broccoli)

🌸 Companion Tip for Organic Pest Control: Marigolds & nasturtiums keep pests away while adding beauty to your bed! 🌼

🥗 Follow for more upcoming tips!

🍅 Follow links in bio for information how to get involved in our community!

#ottawavolunteers #communitygarden #kanata

The answer to the previous post is: KGCG has 18 plots!
Each raised bed is divided into individual 4’/4’ plots. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on the Square-Foot gardening method to see just how much you can plant and suggestions on layout.
🌱 Want to learn more? Follow the link in bio for our website resources.
🌱 Interested in planting this season? Application can be found in bio to reserve your plot for the 2025 season

#ottawa #kanata #communitygarden #ottawavolunteers

The answer to the previous post is: KGCG has 18 plots!
Each raised bed is divided into individual 4’/4’ plots. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on the Square-Foot gardening method to see just how much you can plant and suggestions on layout.
🌱 Want to learn more? Follow the link in bio for our website resources.
🌱 Interested in planting this season? Application can be found in bio to reserve your plot for the 2025 season

#ottawa #kanata #communitygarden #ottawavolunteers

Guess how many plots we have at the KHCG

The answer will be shown soon - the weather is looking spring like coming up.

Leave a guess and if you’re interested in participating in the KHCG this year, follow the links or send a dm 🌱🌱🌱 #kanata #ottawa #communitygarden

Guess how many plots we have at the KHCG

The answer will be shown soon - the weather is looking spring like coming up.

Leave a guess and if you’re interested in participating in the KHCG this year, follow the links or send a dm 🌱🌱🌱 #kanata #ottawa #communitygarden

🌱Are you wanting to save the store and grow your own?
🌱Don’t have space at home?
🌱Want to join a community?
🥬 Lettuce help!
Located on the grounds of Holy Trinity High School 180 Katimavik rd
We have plots available for rent for the 2025 growing season . Applications available link in bio No payment request until after plots are assigned at a later date . #communitygardens #kanataontario

🌱Are you wanting to save the store and grow your own?
🌱Don’t have space at home?
🌱Want to join a community?
🥬 Lettuce help!
Located on the grounds of Holy Trinity High School 180 Katimavik rd
We have plots available for rent for the 2025 growing season . Applications available link in bio No payment request until after plots are assigned at a later date . #communitygardens #kanataontario

🌱 March & April Seed Starting Guide – Ottawa, Zone 5b! 🌱

Hey garden lovers! 🌿✨ It’s time to get those hands dirty and start some seeds for our community garden! Here’s what to plant indoors now for a thriving garden this summer:

🌸 March (Indoor Starts)
🌿 Tomatoes 🍅
🌿 Peppers (bell & hot) 🌶️
🌿 Eggplants 🍆
🌿 Broccoli 🥦
🌿 Cabbage 🥬
🌿 Herbs (basil, parsley, thyme) 🌿

🌼 April
🌿 Cucumbers 🥒 (late April, indoors)
🌿 Zucchini & Squash 🎃
🌿 Melons 🍈

Join us in growing fresh food for our community! 🌻 Let’s make this season the best one yet. 🌞 Drop a 🌱 if you’re excited to grow with us!
☀️🌱🌱🌱Interested in renting a plot with us ? Applications available now ! 🌱🌱🌱☀️

#OttawaGarden #Zone5bGardening #CommunityGarden #GrowYourOwnFood #SeedStarting

🌱 March & April Seed Starting Guide – Ottawa, Zone 5b! 🌱

Hey garden lovers! 🌿✨ It’s time to get those hands dirty and start some seeds for our community garden! Here’s what to plant indoors now for a thriving garden this summer:

🌸 March (Indoor Starts)
🌿 Tomatoes 🍅
🌿 Peppers (bell & hot) 🌶️
🌿 Eggplants 🍆
🌿 Broccoli 🥦
🌿 Cabbage 🥬
🌿 Herbs (basil, parsley, thyme) 🌿

🌼 April
🌿 Cucumbers 🥒 (late April, indoors)
🌿 Zucchini & Squash 🎃
🌿 Melons 🍈

Join us in growing fresh food for our community! 🌻 Let’s make this season the best one yet. 🌞 Drop a 🌱 if you’re excited to grow with us!
☀️🌱🌱🌱Interested in renting a plot with us ? Applications available now ! 🌱🌱🌱☀️

#OttawaGarden #Zone5bGardening #CommunityGarden #GrowYourOwnFood #SeedStarting

Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive! Here are some budget-friendly tips to get your garden growing without breaking the bank:

🌱 DIY & Budget-Friendly Seed Starting Tips:

1️⃣ Use Recycled Containers
♻️ Save money by using:
• Egg cartons 🥚
• Yogurt cups 🥄
• Plastic takeout containers 🍱 (great as mini greenhouses!) My personal favourite
• Toilet paper rolls 🚽 (biodegradable seed starters!)

2️⃣ Skip Fancy Grow Lights
💡 Place your seeds near a south-facing window for natural light.
💡 If you need extra light, use cheap LED shop lights (cool & warm bulbs work fine!).
💡 Timer is great for setting your lights 14-16 hours per day.

3️⃣ Make Your Own Seed-Starting Mix
🪴 Mix coconut coir/peat moss + perlite + compost for a budget-friendly, nutrient-rich mix.

4️⃣ DIY Humidity Domes
🥤 Cover your trays with plastic wrap or use clear plastic lids from takeout containers to trap moisture.
🫧 Place a damp paper towel and the bottom of a plastic dome with your seeds. You’ll easily see which seeds have germinated

5️⃣ Label with Household Items
🖊 Use popsicle sticks, cut-up yogurt lids, or masking tape to label your plants—no need to buy fancy tags!

6️⃣ Use Free Heat Sources
🔥 Seeds germinate faster with warmth! Place trays on top of your fridge or use a heating pad on low instead of buying a seed mat.

7️⃣ Water Smart
💦 Use a spray bottle or a repurposed water bottle with holes to gently mist seedlings instead of buying a special watering can.

🌿 Bonus Tip: Check local gardening groups for free or cheap seeds—many gardeners love to share!

What’s your favorite budget-friendly gardening hack? Drop a 🌱 in the comments!

#GardeningOnABudget #SeedStarting #DIYGarden🌱 #communitygardening

Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive! Here are some budget-friendly tips to get your garden growing without breaking the bank:

🌱 DIY & Budget-Friendly Seed Starting Tips:

1️⃣ Use Recycled Containers
♻️ Save money by using:
• Egg cartons 🥚
• Yogurt cups 🥄
• Plastic takeout containers 🍱 (great as mini greenhouses!) My personal favourite
• Toilet paper rolls 🚽 (biodegradable seed starters!)

2️⃣ Skip Fancy Grow Lights
💡 Place your seeds near a south-facing window for natural light.
💡 If you need extra light, use cheap LED shop lights (cool & warm bulbs work fine!).
💡 Timer is great for setting your lights 14-16 hours per day.

3️⃣ Make Your Own Seed-Starting Mix
🪴 Mix coconut coir/peat moss + perlite + compost for a budget-friendly, nutrient-rich mix.

4️⃣ DIY Humidity Domes
🥤 Cover your trays with plastic wrap or use clear plastic lids from takeout containers to trap moisture.
🫧 Place a damp paper towel and the bottom of a plastic dome with your seeds. You’ll easily see which seeds have germinated

5️⃣ Label with Household Items
🖊 Use popsicle sticks, cut-up yogurt lids, or masking tape to label your plants—no need to buy fancy tags!

6️⃣ Use Free Heat Sources
🔥 Seeds germinate faster with warmth! Place trays on top of your fridge or use a heating pad on low instead of buying a seed mat.

7️⃣ Water Smart
💦 Use a spray bottle or a repurposed water bottle with holes to gently mist seedlings instead of buying a special watering can.

🌿 Bonus Tip: Check local gardening groups for free or cheap seeds—many gardeners love to share!

What’s your favorite budget-friendly gardening hack? Drop a 🌱 in the comments!

#GardeningOnABudget #SeedStarting #DIYGarden🌱 #communitygardening

Thank you to everyone who came out and chatted seed starting with us today! More events to come in the future. Growing together

Thank you to everyone who came out and chatted seed starting with us today! More events to come in the future. Growing together

🔥 Turn Up the Heat – Start Your Hot Peppers Now! 🔥

Ottawa gardeners, if you’re in Zone 5b, now’s the perfect time to start your hot pepper seeds indoors! 🌱🌶️ These spicy beauties need a long growing season, so give them a head start:

🔥 Habanero – Fiery & fruity
🌶️ Jalapeño – Classic with a kick
🌋 Ghost Pepper – Not for the faint of heart
🌿 Cayenne – Perfect for drying & spice blends
🍫 Chocolate Bhutlah – Dark, rich, and dangerously hot

Need more seeds or want to trade varieties? Join the FREE Seed Swap on March 2nd, 2:15-3:45 PM at Hazeldean Public Library (Castlefrank Rd). Bring what you have, take what you need! 🌱 Registration can be found in bio
Facebook can find it in the “Event “

Tag your fellow pepperheads and let’s get growing! 🌶️🔥

#OttawaGardening #HotPepperLove #SeedStarting #Zone5b #SpicySeason #SeedSwap

🔥 Turn Up the Heat – Start Your Hot Peppers Now! 🔥

Ottawa gardeners, if you’re in Zone 5b, now’s the perfect time to start your hot pepper seeds indoors! 🌱🌶️ These spicy beauties need a long growing season, so give them a head start:

🔥 Habanero – Fiery & fruity
🌶️ Jalapeño – Classic with a kick
🌋 Ghost Pepper – Not for the faint of heart
🌿 Cayenne – Perfect for drying & spice blends
🍫 Chocolate Bhutlah – Dark, rich, and dangerously hot

Need more seeds or want to trade varieties? Join the FREE Seed Swap on March 2nd, 2:15-3:45 PM at Hazeldean Public Library (Castlefrank Rd). Bring what you have, take what you need! 🌱 Registration can be found in bio
Facebook can find it in the “Event “

Tag your fellow pepperheads and let’s get growing! 🌶️🔥

#OttawaGardening #HotPepperLove #SeedStarting #Zone5b #SpicySeason #SeedSwap

🌱 Gardener’s Social – You’re Invited! 🌱

Join us for an afternoon of gardening fun at the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden : Gardener’s Social!

📅 Date: March 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
📍 Location: Hazeldean - Ottawa Public Library (50 Castlefrank Road)

🌿 What’s Happening?
✅ Meet fellow gardeners & KHCG garden coordinators
✅ Swap seeds (bag & label, no invasives, please!)
✅ Enjoy refreshments
✅ Relax & watch a prerecorded JustFood seminar on Seed Starting

🔗 RSVP now! Link in bio.

See you in the garden! 🌻 #GardenSocial #SeedSwap #CommunityGrowing #Ottawa

🌱 Gardener’s Social – You’re Invited! 🌱

Join us for an afternoon of gardening fun at the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden : Gardener’s Social!

📅 Date: March 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM
📍 Location: Hazeldean - Ottawa Public Library (50 Castlefrank Road)

🌿 What’s Happening?
✅ Meet fellow gardeners & KHCG garden coordinators
✅ Swap seeds (bag & label, no invasives, please!)
✅ Enjoy refreshments
✅ Relax & watch a prerecorded JustFood seminar on Seed Starting

🔗 RSVP now! Link in bio.

See you in the garden! 🌻 #GardenSocial #SeedSwap #CommunityGrowing #Ottawa

Gardeners, it’s go time! February may be cold, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for a head start on spring. Here’s what you can sow now under grow lights or in a sunny window:

🌿 Herbs:
✅ Parsley (takes forever to germinate, so start early!)
✅ Thyme
✅ Oregano
✅ Rosemary (if you’re patient!)

🥦 Veggies:
✅ Onions & Leeks – they need a long growing season
✅ Celery – also a slow starter
✅ Brassicas (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage) – for transplanting in early spring

🌶️ Peppers:
✅ Sweet & Hot Peppers – they love a long season, so give them a head start!

🍆 Eggplant:
✅ Needs warmth and time to thrive

🌸 Bonus: If you love flowers, start some slow-growing perennials like lavender! Though listed, tomatoes may be a tad early make sure to check your kind of tomatoes

🌞 Tips for Success:
💡 Use a heat mat for peppers & eggplants (they love warmth!)
💡 Provide bright grow lights (12-16 hours a day)
💡 Don’t overwater—keep soil moist but not soggy

What are you starting ? Drop a 🌱 in the comments if you’re excited for garden season!
Have seeds ? Need seeds ? Join us for a seed share event in early March! Details coming this week #communitygardening #Zone5bGardening

Gardeners, it’s go time! February may be cold, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for a head start on spring. Here’s what you can sow now under grow lights or in a sunny window:

🌿 Herbs:
✅ Parsley (takes forever to germinate, so start early!)
✅ Thyme
✅ Oregano
✅ Rosemary (if you’re patient!)

🥦 Veggies:
✅ Onions & Leeks – they need a long growing season
✅ Celery – also a slow starter
✅ Brassicas (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage) – for transplanting in early spring

🌶️ Peppers:
✅ Sweet & Hot Peppers – they love a long season, so give them a head start!

🍆 Eggplant:
✅ Needs warmth and time to thrive

🌸 Bonus: If you love flowers, start some slow-growing perennials like lavender! Though listed, tomatoes may be a tad early make sure to check your kind of tomatoes

🌞 Tips for Success:
💡 Use a heat mat for peppers & eggplants (they love warmth!)
💡 Provide bright grow lights (12-16 hours a day)
💡 Don’t overwater—keep soil moist but not soggy

What are you starting ? Drop a 🌱 in the comments if you’re excited for garden season!
Have seeds ? Need seeds ? Join us for a seed share event in early March! Details coming this week #communitygardening #Zone5bGardening

Returning KHCGarden members, check your emails.
Applications for the 2025 season are rolling out
Applications for new members will be ready mid February.
The whole garden crew is excited for new improvements and events coming this season.

See you in the garden

#ottawa #kanata #communitygardens

Returning KHCGarden members, check your emails.
Applications for the 2025 season are rolling out
Applications for new members will be ready mid February.
The whole garden crew is excited for new improvements and events coming this season.

See you in the garden

#ottawa #kanata #communitygardens

🌱Gardening time is coming soon!
Are you planning a garden this year? Are you interested in community gardening ? Time to start planning . 🌱

We’d love to help. I’ll be sharing tips for seed starting for our zone soon on our instagram.

The 2025 application is being finalized and we will be accepting requests for plots.

#gardening #communitygarden #ottawa

🌱Gardening time is coming soon!
Are you planning a garden this year? Are you interested in community gardening ? Time to start planning . 🌱

We’d love to help. I’ll be sharing tips for seed starting for our zone soon on our instagram.

The 2025 application is being finalized and we will be accepting requests for plots.

#gardening #communitygarden #ottawa

What a first year! Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative. 2025 will start soon with memberships being offered late winter.
Katimavik-Hazeldean working together to create a community helping food insecurity.

What a first year! Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative. 2025 will start soon with memberships being offered late winter.
Katimavik-Hazeldean working together to create a community helping food insecurity.

The growing season may be over but prep for an exciting next season is well on its way. Plots cleaned out ready for new and returning members for next season. Cardboard laid out over the communal garden to let the microbes rest and do their job while protecting the garden over winter. The crew is working through the off season to make the 2025 season even better! We’d love to welcome Jasmine joining the committee. Her focus will be community engagement programming and fundraising efforts. 2025 applications will be launched start of the new year ! #communitygarden #volunteerottawa #kanata

The growing season may be over but prep for an exciting next season is well on its way. Plots cleaned out ready for new and returning members for next season. Cardboard laid out over the communal garden to let the microbes rest and do their job while protecting the garden over winter. The crew is working through the off season to make the 2025 season even better! We’d love to welcome Jasmine joining the committee. Her focus will be community engagement programming and fundraising efforts. 2025 applications will be launched start of the new year ! #communitygarden #volunteerottawa #kanata

Donations from the community garden : tomatoes , cucumbers, beans, oregano, sage , collard greens and kale sent to the @kanatafoodcupboard thanks to the team there for all your help !
Donations from the @khca.kanata movie night and a total of $101 cash sent

Donations from the community garden : tomatoes , cucumbers, beans, oregano, sage , collard greens and kale sent to the @kanatafoodcupboard thanks to the team there for all your help !
Donations from the @khca.kanata movie night and a total of $101 cash sent

What a start year to the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden ! Team met this week and excited about the future of the garden and community. Bigger and better as our roots in the community grow.
KHCG community : check your emails for a mid season survey.
Any one wanting to secure a space for year two: stay tuned and continue to follow for updates.

#communitygarden

What a start year to the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden ! Team met this week and excited about the future of the garden and community. Bigger and better as our roots in the community grow.
KHCG community : check your emails for a mid season survey.
Any one wanting to secure a space for year two: stay tuned and continue to follow for updates.

#communitygarden

🌱 **Join Our Community Garden Committee!** 🌱

Are you passionate about building community and love spending time outdoors? We’re looking for a volunteer to join the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden Committee!

No gardening expertise is required—just a love for helping our neighborhood thrive. This is a great opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in our community.

Interested? Email KHCAgarden@gmail.com 🌿✨ #CommunityGarden #VolunteerOpportunity #KatimavikHazeldean

🌱 **Join Our Community Garden Committee!** 🌱

Are you passionate about building community and love spending time outdoors? We’re looking for a volunteer to join the Katimavik-Hazeldean Community Garden Committee!

No gardening expertise is required—just a love for helping our neighborhood thrive. This is a great opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in our community.

Interested? Email KHCAgarden@gmail.com 🌿✨ #CommunityGarden #VolunteerOpportunity #KatimavikHazeldean

First donation to #ottawavalleyfoodsecurityproject - hopefully, one of many. Great work, team!
#communityfirst #foodsecurity

First donation to #ottawavalleyfoodsecurityproject - hopefully, one of many. Great work, team!
#communityfirst #foodsecurity

Hello from the garden ! Excited to be soon having the students back to Holy Trinity. Did you know we give volunteer hours ? email khcagarden@gmail.com

Hello from the garden ! Excited to be soon having the students back to Holy Trinity. Did you know we give volunteer hours ? email khcagarden@gmail.com

Harvest tonight 🍅❤️

Harvest tonight 🍅❤️

Community in the community garden . Thanks for all the help with a major clean up tonight ! That’s what it is all about . Sharing , caring and being healthy
#communitygardens #kanata

Community in the community garden . Thanks for all the help with a major clean up tonight ! That’s what it is all about . Sharing , caring and being healthy
#communitygardens #kanata

Neglected cilantro gives another gift in the form of coriander. #communitygarden

Neglected cilantro gives another gift in the form of coriander. #communitygarden

Nailed the landing. #CommunityGarden weeding Olympics 🏅

Nailed the landing. #CommunityGarden weeding Olympics 🏅

Well hello bee friend ! #communitygarden #bee

Well hello bee friend ! #communitygarden #bee

A few days of rain and the garden has exploded ! #communitygarden #ottawa #kanataontario

A few days of rain and the garden has exploded ! #communitygarden #ottawa #kanataontario

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@khcommunitygarden

bottom of page