March 2012

Here in Southern Ontario, this month marks the beginning of seed starting season. I've just seeded my onions, leeks, celeriac, perennial herbs and some flowers into trays in the greenhouse. Eggplants, peppers and lettuce will follow by the end of the month. I personally find the smell of potting mix intoxicating. And there is something so satisfying about getting up to one's elbows in fresh dirt!

While we eagerly await the 1st greens and flowers of the season, our March issue focuses a bit on grain growing and seed saving. We're highlighting amaranth - a multi-purpose plant which shines not only as a grain, but also as edible greens and a lovely ornamental. We've also profiled one of our member grain growers from New Brunswick: Bernard Theriault. If you've never tried growing grains before, we hope you might be inspired to give them a try.

Happy Equinox to all - enjoy the warmth and increasing light that marks the start of a new growing season!

~Angie Koch

Focus on Grains - Amaranth

Seed Savers Survey

In the Field - Bernard Theriault on Grain Seed Saving

The Pollinator Patch - Bee Movies...with a good rating!