Here at Lakeside, the garden will soon be at rest under a blanket of snow. It is a peaceful time, although if you were to sit quietly and observe, you would see plenty of activity – winter birds flitting through the undergrowth feeding on seed heads, and perhaps tiny voles scurrying beneath the snow while raptors soar overhead.

A time for reflection

Winter is a time for gardeners to reflect and dream and plan. What went well this year in your garden? Perhaps it was the abundance of tomatoes or the carrot crop that is still feeding your family. Maybe it was the new variety of peppers that you tried and loved. Or perhaps it is the memory of gorgeous cut flowers you brought home each week. 

And then, there are the inevitable frustrations. Maybe flea beetles ate more of your lettuce leaves than you did. Or too little water meant your crops did not thrive. Or your prized melon mysteriously disappeared from your plot, just as you were ready to harvest it.

If you are particularly well organized, it is helpful to jot down these thoughts while they are still fresh in your mind. Your reflections on the gardening season past forms the beginning of your exciting gardening season to come!

Planning for next season’s bounty

Winter is a time to build on your experiences. Ask yourself what you would like to grow, and what you will not grow. Are you happy with the layout of your plot? Could you easily reach all corners to plant, weed, water and harvest. Did your neighbour in the garden grow something new (to you) that you’d like to try? Did you have far too many of those tomatoes and not enough cabbage? What do you want to learn about gardening this season?

It starts with a seed

If you grow your vegetables from seed, winter is a time to sit down with seed catalogues (available online during postal strike) for inspiration and ideas. Growing from seed offers a much greater choice than you will find if you purchase seedlings from a nursery in spring. Seeds of Diversity provides this helpful listing of Canadian Seed Companies . And if you haven’t tried starting plants from seed, but would like to give it a try, this article will get you started.

For additional gardening resources explore the 1000 Islands Master Gardener website for all sorts of helpful articles to add to your winter reading list. 

Learning in the garden

Winter is also planning time for the Lakeside Board. Join us at our Annual General Meeting and potluck, coming up on January 9, 2025 and offer your suggestions for the garden.  Are there events or workshops you would like to attend? Are there innovative ways to continue to expand and use the communal space? What would you like to see in YOUR community garden? There is plenty of expertise among our members, who would love to share what they know, and to learn alongside others.

And stay tuned for future informative articles on life at Lakeside!