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🌱 Small Space Gardening with Cedar Planters in Spring
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In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the best time to start growing vegetables, plants, and herbs depends on whether you are planting indoors, outdoors, or using a greenhouse.
🌱 Key Growing Periods in GTA
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Last Frost Date: Around mid-to-late April (safe to plant outdoors after May 1st).
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First Frost Date: Around late October to early November (tender plants must be harvested before frost).
🥕 Best Times to Start Growing Vegetables
| Vegetable | Start Indoors | Transplant Outdoors | Direct Sow Outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes 🍅 | March-April | Late May-June | N/A |
| Peppers 🌶️ | March-April | Late May-June | N/A |
| Lettuce 🥬 | March | April-May | April-August |
| Carrots 🥕 | N/A | N/A | April-August |
| Cucumbers 🥒 | April | Late May-June | Late May |
| Zucchini | April | Late May-June | Late May |
| Beans | N/A | N/A | May-June |
| Kale 🥬 | March | April-May | April-August |
✅ Tip: Use raised beds or cedar planters to start early and extend the season!
🌿 Best Times to Start Growing Herbs
| Herb | Start Indoors | Transplant Outdoors | Direct Sow Outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil 🌿 | March-April | Late May | May-June |
| Parsley 🌿 | March | Late May | May |
| Cilantro 🌿 | March-April | Late May | May-July |
| Oregano 🌿 | March-April | May | May |
| Mint 🌿 | March-April | May | May |
| Thyme 🌿 | March-April | May | May |
| Chives 🌿 | March-April | May | May |
✅ Tip: Herbs grow well in container gardens and cedar planters for patios and balconies!
🌻 Best Times to Start Growing Flowers & Perennials
| Flower | Start Indoors | Transplant Outdoors | Direct Sow Outdoors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marigolds 🌼 | March-April | Late May | May |
| Sunflowers 🌻 | N/A | N/A | May-June |
| Petunias 🌸 | February-March | Late May | N/A |
| Lavender 💜 | February-March | Late May | May |
✅ Tip: Native perennials (e.g., Black-Eyed Susan) can be planted in fall or early spring.
🌞 Extending the Growing Season
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Cold Frames & Greenhouses → Start planting earlier and extend harvests into fall.
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Mulching & Row Covers → Protects plants from cold snaps in spring and fall.
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Raised Cedar Planters → Warm up soil faster for early planting in spring.