Bits of This & That #13 (cold frame, winter sowing, dahlias, tomatoes)

We've had a bit of a busy week with painting, babysitting, running to appointments, and setting up a temporary kitchen as the renovation begins in one week. Excited but dreading it at the same time. Will be a long two months! Before and Afters will be coming so you can tell me what you all think of the change. Going from orange wood to white and alder.

I ordered myself this cute little coldframe that I will using inside the unheated greenhouse. A greenhouse within a greenhouse. The tops open to vent out heat, as much or little as one needs, and it has three shelves for seed starting or potted plants. I have a feeling this is going to come in super handy! In summer, I can start my fall veggies in it on the deck so I don't forget about them, hah ; )

I am going to start by first doing 'Winter Sowing' in it... without the plastic milk jugs. I am a veggie so have no jugs or deli chicken containers. Will therefore sow the seeds into trays of pots instead and pop them onto the shelves in this coldframe. This is a fun new thing to play with for me and I'll be learning something new. Love to try new things.

On to other fun things I found for you this week...

Have you seen this scholarship offer from WCS? Two people (Canada) can win a spot in the 'A Year In The Urban Garden Master Class' workshop. Geared towards beginner to intermediate gardeners. Learn how to plan and design, start from seed, improve your soil, deal with pests, and transition through the seasons. Take the class but make sure to apply for the scholarship, you just never know! You only have until January 29th to apply.

Wondering when to start veggie seeds in your area? This is the best calculator I have found. Put your last average frost date in and it will calculate when to start in your area. Here in my Zone 3 garden, in central Alberta, I am going with May 20th. In Nanaimo, I always used April 29th. These dates tell me when to prestart my seeds for good starters when I need them.

Are you a dahlia lover? Here is everything you need to know about dahlias!

Want to start your own plants from seed? Check that out here.. How to Start Flowers from Seed - Floret Flowers

Seed starting set up ideas! 12 Easy DIY Seed Starting System Ideas – Mother Earth News

Do you live in Canada? Check out this little Canadian seed house, they have some great tomatoes, especially in the determinates (bush type) - WILDROSE HERITAGE SEED COMPANY - Home

While you are at it, check out all these great seed sellers in Canada by either MAP or by alphabetical order on a LIST.

Continuing with the kitchen theme as mine is going under construction in one week's time. This bungalow is cute, but check out that kitchen! Love the lighting choices!

I love these ideas to create a spa like experience in your bathroom from West Coast Gardens. I want all the plants and all the things! I am not usually much of an indoor plant person, but I really like the look of these for the new sauna bathroom, would make it so spa like!

Hope you are all well. I am thinking about you all!

Happy planning and planting ~ Tanja