By Ankaret Dean, Lanark County Master Gardeners

There is nothing like watching a few seeds popping up indoors when there is still snow on the ground. By starting seeds indoors they get a good head start on those planted outdoors. This means that you will be enjoying your fresh vegetables that much earlier.

Some vegetables well worth planting indoors are leeks, onions, the brassica family of kale, broccoli, cabbage etc., and herbs like slow-growing basil. Plants like lettuce will come along much faster when planted out as transplants but do equally well planted outside. Peas are quite hardy and will do well to be planted outside in early May as soon as the ground is workable. The delicate vegetables such as squash, cucumbers and melons, tomatoes and peppers cannot be planted outside until all danger of frost is gone, and definitely have to be started indoors.

When to start planting seeds indoors is debatable. For the hardy veggies transplanting outside is easier, although it is important that the ground has had a chance to warm up.

When planting the more delicate veggies it is important not to start the seeds too soon, as they are dependant on warm sunny weather to go outside. For most of these it is best to wait until the beginning or middle of April.

Here are a few tips on starting seeds indoors. Use a commercial seed starter mix, and a container with drainage. Mark the container with date and type of seed. Cover seeds with a thin layer. Use a fine water spray and keep damp at all times. Warmth encourages germination, and covering with a piece of clear plastic will keep in moisture. As soon as the seeds sprout place them in good light or under full spectrum lights. If crowded, transplant into individual pots. Lift out each seedling carefully by holding the leaf not the stem, and gently place in a hole and cover firmly.

The process of taking your seedlings outside requires a slow exposure to the sun and wind. Start by exposing them for one hour a day, and gradually increase it to a few hours before finally transplanting them into the ground. Another method is to place them under a bush so the sunshine is quite well shaded. If you have a garden shed, the pots can be put in a wheelbarrow and easily pushed in and out.

If you are transplanting the delicate family of veggies, it is a good ideas to have a few old blankets or towels at the ready just in case they need sheltering for late frost.

For more gardening information or questions contact:

www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca

by Ankaret Dean, Lanark County Master Gardeners

Although window boxes and hanging baskets have been in vogue for many years this year people are taking a new look at growing plants, such as vegetables in containers.

With the renewed interest in growing vegetables and herbs, the garden nurseries are offering an ever growing variety of containers. It is even possible to grow tomatoes in a upside down hanging plastic bucket, growing downwards from a hole in the base. Check on the internet for details on this idea.

Firstly. The most important consideration is where to put the container. Shade is easier because the earth does not dry out so quickly on hot days; however all veggies and herbs need at least half a day of sunshine It is possible now to buy containers or bases on wheels, which can be moved about as the sun level changes during the summer and can also be rotated at the same time. All containers should have a drainage hole in the base, and should be put on a large saucer/plate to avoid rotting a wooden floor or flooding the patio.

The second consideration is the soil chosen to fill the container. Because the plants are usually planted very close together it is essential that the soil is both well fertilized and will hold moisture. A purchased bag of potting soil is recommended. If the container is very large, the base of the pot can be filled with Styrofoam peanuts used as fill by packing companies, but alternatively, heavy, large stones can be used. At the end of the year, containers should be emptied and stored under cover or turned upside down to avoid freezing and cracking. The soil can be put into a garden bed or on the compost pile.

Planting should be planned before visiting the nursery. Put high plants behind and low ones in front, and leave room for the plants to fill out during the summer. Although the containers are limited in size, there is always the potential of growing plants upwards. Either buy a small trellis, or make one using first-year shoots and interweaving with raffia, wire or string. Try planting cucumbers, climbing beans, gourds or morning glories. If the container is in a windy situation be aware that it could blow over.

Careful watering is essential with container gardening. Ensure that the container has a drainage hole at the base; too much water can be as damaging as too little. It is possible to get a high-tech watering device with a timer that will water the containers on a regular basis, but it cannot tell if there has just been a thunderstorm. I prefer to keep a watchful eye on the containers, keeping the soil damp but allowing them to dry out between waterings.

Hot, sunny, windy days will cause them to dry quickly, particularly hanging baskets. I know someone who watered her hanging baskets twice daily at the peak of summertime. There is now a product that can be added to the soil, which will increase the absorbency of the soil and lengthen the periods between watering.

Control of insects, mold and other annoying problems like burrowing chipmunks can usually be solved by careful watching. "Prevention is better than cure", so it is said. Picking off critters by hand, spraying a mild soap solution on and washing it off later is probably all you need do. Dead head flowers to prolong blooming (not squashes) and add a little fertilizer later in the summer to perk things up. Otherwise enjoy your container vegetable garden. Bring in delicate herbs to overwinter on the window sill.

For more gardening information or questions contact:www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca

by Dale Odorizzi, Lanark County Master Gardeners

Growing your own vegetables is the most rewarding form of gardening—the plants are beautiful and you can eat the results. Starting your vegetable transplants from seeds kicks all of these rewards up a notch. Every time I pick up a tiny tomato seed and imagine the bushel of tomatoes it will produce, I am amazed. Also, starting your own vegetables indoors lets you get your hands dirty sooner!

To grow seeds, you need growing medium, containers, water and light. I typically purchase a soilless mix to start my plants. You can make your own using equal quantities of good garden soil, clean, coarse builders sand and peat moss. The garden soil should be sterilized by spreading in a shallow pan and baking at 275F (135°C) for 30 minutes. Moisten your growing medium before planting. When watering is required, stand each container in a tray of water to dampen, until the medium is moist but not wet.

I like to start my seeds in seed trays or flats. I can start all the tomatoes I want in one tray and they come with a handy clear dome cover. Be sure to label the type of tomatoes. They will all look the same in a few weeks. While the trays are quite flimsy, if handled carefully they will last a long time. Once the tomatoes have germinated, I transplant into small pots—3” (7.5 cm).

Tomatoes and peppers love to be transplanted. Each time I move them up a pot size, I plant them as deep as I can. Roots will form along the planted stem, making the plants hardier. They also like to be tickled. Every time you walk

by your seedlings, wave your fingers through your plants. Your fingers will smell like tomatoes—bliss!

Seedlings can be grown in a sunny window. If you decide to grow more seedlings than your window will hold, you may have to resort to using fluorescent lights. You can purchase tiers of grow lights or create temporary shelving from planks stacked on bricks with your lights propped on top. Special “GroLight” tubes are available but are very expensive. They add little to the health of your plants. We have found that using one “warm” tube and one “cool” tube ordinary fluorescent provides the full light spectrum at a much reduced cost.

The back of your seed package will tell you how deep to plant your seeds, when to plant and anything special you must do to get the seeds to germinate. They often refer to “the average last frost date for your area”. In Eastern Ontario, that is May 5th. A rule of thumb is seeds should be covered to three times their diameter.

Damping off is one problem with starting seeds indoors. To avoid, sterilize all seed containers. Use only sterile growing medium and sow seeds thinly. Do not allow your containers to be overcrowded. Water the seed trays from below. Damping off can be stimulated by nitrogen so make sure your seedlings develop 3 true leaves before fertilizing.

You will recognize damping off if your seedling flops over. If this happens, remove it and its neighbours mmediately. If the soil appears too moist, move the container away from other seedlings. Although not scientifically proven, many gardeners have had success watering their plants with chamomile tea or sprinkling cinnamon on the soil. For years, I have started my own peppers and tomatoes from seeds indoors. For all other vegetables I have simply planted seeds in the ground where they are to grow.

This past autumn, our Master Gardener group visited a local greenhouse that grows greens for local restaurants and one of the presenters at our Technical Update indicated that they start all of their plants indoors to transplant out. Their rationale is that they have better plants, they can germinate cool weather crops (such as lettuce) all year long and they can plant what they need each month.

When To Start Transplants

by Dale Odorizzi, Lanark County Master Gardeners

Vegetable Start Transplant Direct Seeding

Basil Start May & June. Transplant out June & July Plant June & July

Bush Beans No need to start indoors Plant late May to Mid-July, every 2 weeks. Plant for Thanksgiving late August

Dried Beans Plant Late May

Pole Beans Plant Late May

Beets April to June. Transplant out April-July May & June

Broccoli April to June. Transplant out May to early June May & June

Cabbage May. Transplant early June May

Carrots Direct Seed in May

Cauliflower April to June. Transplant out May to early

June

May & June

Coriander April to August

Corn Mid May to June

Cucumber Early May, transplant in June Late May

Eggplant March, transplant in June

Garlic October

Green Onions March to July April to July

Kale June and July June and July

Lettuce March to July. Transplant April to August. April and May and then Late

July

Melons Early May, transplant early June

Onions February to early March. Transplant Mid April Onion sets in April

Peas April and May

Peppers Start early March, transplant June

Potatoes May and June

Radish April and May and then August

Rutabaga Mid May, transplant early June Plant in May

Salad Greens April to September

Spinach Start March, April and July. Plant in April, May

and August

Plant April, May and August

Swiss Chard April, transplant May Plant in May

Tomatoes Late March, transplant in June

Turnip April, May and August

Winter Squash Early May, transplant in June Plant Late May or early June.

Zucchini Start May, transplant in June Late May

The Land O'Lakes Garden club was started in 2005 by Lynn McEvoy of Cloyne.

The original members quickly joined up with garden clubs in larger centres such as Belleville as members of District 3 of the Ontario Horticultural Association. They remain members of the OHA and recently hosted the district at a meeting on May 3, which was held at Pineview Free Methodist Church and was very well attended by people from the other 15 clubs within the district, including Athens, Brockville, Bath, Ameliasburg, Trenton & Bancroft. At that meeting, a local expert, Coleman Boomhour, gave the keynote address on the subject of the Emerald Ash Borer, which is set to devastate Ash trees throughout Eastern Ontario.

The Garden Club has been associated with Pine Meadow Nursing Home ever since it started up, with the first project being to establish gardens at the home in 2006 and 2007. The club continues to maintain the gardens on a year-round basis, and each year they plant annuals in the early summer.

One of the largest projects of the Land O'Lakes Garden Club was the rehabilitation and beautification of the Pioneer Cemetery in Cloyne, a project that was undertaken in conjunction with North Frontenac Township. The cemetery had been in a state of decline and then was devastated by the Cloyne micro-burst in 2002. However, after a lot of work, dignity has been restored to the grave-sites of some of the early settlers along the Frontenac Addington Trail. The club continues to maintain the cemetery with twice-annual cleanups.

One of the most visible of the club’s projects is the ongoing planter project at locations along the Hwy. 41 corridor between Denbigh and Kaladar. Identical planters are located at businesses and other institutions in hamlets along the roadway, and each year the club puts in plantings in June to decorate the area throughout the summer months.

“This year we will be planting drought-resistant petunias to spill out of the planters as well as a plant called phormium,” said Mary Kelly of the garden club. Mary added that the hosts of the planters are responsible for watering and fertilising throughout the growing season.

The garden club meets each month between April and November at 7pm at Pineview Free Methodist Church before taking the winter off. They used to take July and August off as well, but there are a number of summer residents who wanted to take part in educational events so those months are now included. The meetings are announced in Northern Happenings and the next meeting is tonight, May 8. The topic is: "Permaculture" - how the right soil is important for gardens”, presented by Master Gardener Tom Mercantonio.

Among the more popular events the club has held have been two garden tour & tea events in Cloyne and Harlowe, which gave community members a chance to poke around in club members’ gardens and talk plants.

Last year the club held a Tea at Pine Meadow to mark the 20th anniversary of the home.

The motto of the Garden Club, is “you do not need to be a gardener to join the garden club”, all are welcome.

For further information about the Land O' Lakes Garden Club contact Mary Kelly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

North Addington Education Centre students celebrated winter on February 28, with a Carnaval. They were joined by students from Granite Ridge Education Centre and Clarendon Public School. The event was organized by Madame Douwes, the Elementary French teacher, as part of a project involving other French teachers and students. Because of the icy temperatures, some events had to be changed so all events took place in the school, rather than outside, as previously planned. This led to some quick adjustments by Madame Douwes, assisted by a number of secondary teachers. Many secondary students volunteered to help run activities, making it a great co-operative learning experience for the entire school. Elementary students and their teachers cycled through a variety of events, including face painting, hockey golf, a three-legged race, maple taffy making, a wheelbarrow race, birdfeeder making, and crepe-eating. Points and prizes were awarded to students who made the extra effort to speak French throughout the day. Bonhomme, a mascot of the Quebec Winter Carnaval, made an appearance at the beginning of the day, and kept popping in on activities as the day progressed.

The day was a very busy one, and the students had a lot of fun as they learned about French activities and culture. Principal Angela Salmond said that at the end of the day Mr. Mooney addressed the assembly, and encouraged “Three cheers for Madame Douwes,” and the students erupted into deafening cheers. Madame Douwes remarked that it was the joint effort of all the students and staff at the school that resulted in such a successful day.

The Frontenac Arena in Piccadilly was a busy hub of family fun and games thanks to the volunteers from the Central Recreation Committee of South Frontenac, who held their 4th annual Family Day Winter Carnival there on February 17. Dan Bell, who is a member of the committee and who is also chair of the Portland Recreation Committee, organized the event along with Portland Rec Committee member Pam Morey. Bell estimated the attendance this year to be upwards of 1000 - which is bigger and better than any other year and demonstrates that the event is catching on. Not only was the arena parking lot filled with cars but cars were also spread out all along Boundary Road on either side of the arena. This year two (instead of one) horse-drawn wagon rides took carnival goers on tours of the area and youngsters enjoyed a number of outdoor activities that included games, snow shoeing, a marshmallow roast at the fire pit and an outdoor winter obstacle course. Inside the arena all ages of skaters took advantage of the ice time and volunteers served up a free BBQ lunch. Residents also had an opportunity to nominate volunteers from South Frontenac for a volunteer recognition award, the result of which will be announced later in the week. Over 200 nominations were made.

Bell said the event provides a day for families to enjoy healthy outdoor and indoor winter activities for all ages. “Our goal here is to provide a day where families from all over the township can come out, meet people and enjoy a nice time with friends and family. We felt we needed a winter day event here in South Frontenac and it looks as though this one is definitely catching on.”

South Frontenac Group has 82 boys and girls from ages 5 to 13 in 8 Sections of Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scouts. They meet in Perth Road, Sydenham, and Verona with families coming from Sunbury to Enterprise and Kingston to Parham. There are 27 Section Leaders working with the youth at weekly meetings on four different nights of the week, and six support volunteers on the Group Committee. South Frontenac Group covers most of the northern part of the Scouts Canada Loyalist Area territory, which includes Groups from Bath to Gananoque to Joyceville.

The pot luck dinner had an attendance of 130 youth, leaders, and parents. Guests were South Frontenac Township Mayor Gary Davison and his wife Sue, Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church Pastor David Moran, Loyalist Area Commissioner David Cunningham and his wife Lynda, and Deputy Area Commissioner for Program, Kevin Thompson.

The evening started with the opening ceremonies for the Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts, singing of O Canada, the meal, presentations of certificates appointing nine new leaders, Certificates of Commendation for Service to Scouting presented to both Karen and Doug Young of Perth Road, a 5 years of service certificate to Matt Smith of Sydenham, and a 20 years of service certificate and pin to Maggie Dalmas of Harrowsmith. All of the leaders received a “Thanks” crest for their campfire blankets. Our volunteers have from one to 38 years of service to Scouting, representing a total of 282 years of service to the youth of our local communities.

The youth had previously created model vehicles out of wood, called Beaver Buggies, Kar Kars, and Scout 18 Wheelers as part of their programs. All of these vehicles were raced down long wooded tracks in a fun competition, always a highlight for the youth.

On Family Day, February 17, residents of Bedford Township had a chance to show off both their past and present at an event that was held at the Bedford Historical Research Centre, located at the Glendower Hall on the Westport Road. The event, which was organized by Gerald Stinson, chair of the Bedford District Historical Research Committee, included displays by the Bedford District and Portland District historical groups. Included in these displays were a number of local family histories, books, photos, tools and more. Township resident Wayne Shepherd had on display his personal collection of historical glass and oil lamps and Lois Webster also brought a number of historical artifacts from her own personal collection.

The event included a number of residents in the area who are involved in the arts. Scott White had an assortment of his paintings, many of them based on buildings and landscapes from the area, and Raphael Kerem, of Radiance of the Ordinary Studio in Burridge, displayed his hand-crafted brooms and brushes. Wolfe Erlichman of the Wintergreen Renewable Energy Co-operative had a booth set up advertising that group's interests as did representatives from the Wintergreen Studio, the eco-lodge and educational retreat centre located on Canoe Lake Road. There were also representatives from Eco Tree Care, a business that operates out of Burridge.

Stinson said the event, which also ran last year, is a way for the historical groups in the area to open up their collections to the public and for other organizations and businesses to get exposure as well. Stinson said the turnout this year was not as large as he hoped for and that the numbers were significantly down from last year. That being said, Stinson said it does not mean that the event will not run again next year. Stinson said he got involved with the research centre after looking into his family roots and becoming interested in his own family tree.

“The historical society is a great way for local residents to find out more about their roots and about the local history of the area.

This year’s Frontenac Heritage Festival was another success and as it unfolded over the weekend.

At the opening breakfast, guest speaker Eric Wagar highlighted the history of Central Frontenac with a focus on the areas that he knows best. Following his speech Dean Walsh and Janet Barr of Community Living-North Frontenac presented a cheque for $500 to members of the festival committee, Mayor Janet Gutowski and Councilor Tom Dewey. On Friday night the crowds swelled to record numbers for the talent show, which was emceed by Gary Giller and Jim MacPherson. The two presented a diverse line up of local talent and that included many newbies to the Oso Hall stage, including singers Xavier Gomez from Northbrook, Adrian O'Connell from Arden, the comedic hillbilly trio comprised of Megan, Milosh and Mike (photo right), and a impressive selection of young musicians from the area including fiddle virtuoso Jessica Wedden and Lucas and Natalie Reynolds. There were also memorable performances by the Land O'Lakes Cloggers and the St. Pierres.

On Saturday in Arden, sizable crowds turned out for the Fur Traders’ Camp Re-enactment, which was moved this year from the Crow Lake Schoolhouse to the Arden Hall and featured the old time pioneers Mike Procter, Bob Miller and Ray Fletcher. There was also a wide variety of other attractions, including displays by the Kennebec Trappers Association, and the Kennebec Historical Society, miniature horse wagon rides, children’s games, a BBQ lunch, skating and demonstrations. A number of new events were added to the line up in Arden including demonstrations by chain saw sculptor Robin Deruchie of Cloyne, which proved very popular. Those who headed north enjoyed a myriad of winter games and activities courtesy of the Kennebec Lake Association.

The snow sculpture contest was moved this year to the Railway Heritage Park in Sharbot Lake but only drew one entry, as people probably preferred to create their snow sculptures on home turf.

The Polar Bear Plunge, on the other hand was a huge draw as always. Spectators, who were cozy in their own winter gear, enjoyed seeing others bite the bullet and take the icy plunge into the waters of Sharbot Lake. The plungers did not disappoint. They appeared in colorful costumes that delighted the crowd and together raised $10,137 for three local causes including the Child Centre, GREC's school council, and the Alzheimer Society (see the Polar Plunge article). Saturday night events were also well attended. The dinner and dance at the Sharbot Lake Legion and the Slocan Ramblers at the Crossing Pub attracted full houses. The 17 vendors who participated in the craft show, which was moved this year to St. James Major from Oso hall, would have liked a larger turnout, but those who shopped were appreciative and receptive to the diverse range of products for sale by local makers who create in a wide variety of mediums.

Another popular site, the Fall River Road Pioneer Log Home, which has been restored by Dr. Peter Bell, allowed festival-goers to step back in time. Visitors enjoyed being driven to the building in Bill Lee's horse-drawn wagon and were greeted by the strains of a bagpipe, played by local musician Gordon Wright. Once inside the circa 1840 home, which is filled with museum-quality artifacts, visitors were offered mulled cider and home-made scones. Adding to the heritage atmosphere were artisans Jean Clair demonstrating quilting and Beth Abbott demonstrating spinning.

On Monday runners and walkers took part in the Heritage relay, which drew 34 runners.

The festival's photo contest had as its theme "Frontenac Landmarks" and drew many entries. Congratulations to winners: Andrea Dickinson - 1st , Kyle Cryer – 2nd and Taylor Babcock – 3rd. All the entries are posted at sites.google.com/site/frontenacheritagefestival/home/photo-contest/2014

Hats off to the members of the Heritage Festival committee and to the countless volunteers who continue to make Central Frontenac a destination in February.

Zoning Change Uncontested

No one attended a public meeting concerning a proposed zoning change which would permit land to be added to each of four cottage lots on Howes Lake, just off Craig Road, north of Verona. Planner Lindsay Mills said that the present lakefront lots, although undersized, are fully developed with cottages and accessory structures. The lot additions will bring the lots closer to Township standards. There were no objections from Council.

Pound Services Contract

Council agreed to renew their contract with the Kingston Humane Society for three years at the 2013 rates. Stray dogs without tags are taken to the KHS pound and will be held for three days. If they are unclaimed after that period they become the property of the KHS, and may be placed for adoption or euthanized.

The cost to reclaim a dog from the pound is $100. Dog tags will cost $15. until the end of February: after that the price goes up to $30.

Family Day at Arena

Councillor John McDougall congratulated all who helped make the Family Day celebrations at Frontenac Arena a success.