24 - Sunday. February 14, 1999 — North Shore News AS days brighten and the days get noticeably longer, gardeners get itchy fingers co begin a new growing season. Several seed: catogties have come across my desk in the last tew weeks and [have Already planted a few of the slow to develop annuals such as gerantunis and beyonias, Planting seeds is a relatively grows cay tisk if vou observe afew basic rules. “Vo plant slow to PERSONAL INJURY Free Initial Consuliation Douglas W. Lahay CLARK, WILSON BARRISTERS S SOLICITORS 800-885 Wear Georgia Streer, Vin. 687-5700 24 HOUR MESSAGE 643-316) ‘ policies are pot Law. | will you a ftir setrlement or trial award. Fi Consultants, investments & insurance 5 Rog rh Latta & Compan Ltd. $80-171 W. Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC. V7M_ 39 Assistaice for Home Adaptations for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities if you are on a low income, or a landlord with a senicr or disabled occupant, you may qualify for financial assistance. This applies to adaptations from installing lever door handies and grab bars in your bath- room to lowering cupboards and countertops and others, whether you rent or own your home. But hurry... funds are limited. > Extended ott March 31, 1999: ¥ To determine eligibility, or for more information, contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation immediately. MHGS°2 SCHL, “Canad In Vancouver at (604) )737- 4077- Oam-to + 0 pm. (Oey, north shore news “sy FHOME & GARDEN | Say, don’t you seed by the sil develop varieties or large num bers of secds vou need a greenhouse, but tor a few Annuals, perennials or vey, ctable seeds such as tomatoes or zucchini, 3 thioressent hehe anda south faci window will do. Not all sceds are ideal for window sill growing. Cheek the back of the package or ask an experienced grower how tolerant the secds dre when it comes to germina tion temperatures, planting methods or rates of growth, Seeds that require very precise Lermination temperatures oF seedlings which tke along time to mature should be awoided. Many English garden books use the term “seed compost” to describe a medi- unm for germinating seeds but this is a2 misnomer because most soil and compost, as we know it, contains t00 many types of fungus which can kill seedlings. ‘The best material to use is 0 sterile peat product such as Mica-Peat or Reddi Earth. With limited space it is best te plant the seeds in 8 em by 12 cm plastic trays and then transplant into small pots as required. Be sure to sterilize the trays in a weak bleach solu. tion before phanung. Some secds need light to germinate and should be planted on the surface. When in doubt plant some above and some below to find our which works best. Seed travs are best watered trom the bot- tom with lukewarm water and covered with clear plastic wrap to retain the moisture. A 25 watt light bulb or other small heat source will help maintain a constant temperature and a small thermometer will allow you to determine the exact temperature for germination. Seedlings, once they hs formed their first true leaves, are ready to be transplanted into trays or six cm pots and proper potting soil. Be carctul vot to damage the stems or roots of the little seedlings and cover them temporarily with a NEWS photo Mike Wakefield FOR seeds that don’t require precise germination temperatures, a fluorescent light and south facing window may be all you need to get them started. loose fitting plastic wrap to get them over the shock of trans- planting. Seedlings generally grow stronger aad bushier if the temperature is reduced soon after transplanting. Hf vou want to learn more abour seeds and find new vari- cties to grow, the Seedy Saturday program at the VanDusen Garden floral hall might be an excellent place to start. This would give vou a chance to buy new seeds or pick up catalogues that offer heirloom seeds. They might have some old heirloom seeds thot vour grandparents used to grow. If vou have seeds that YOU Want Lo swap you ean label them and exchange them tor others you don’t have. WINTER HAS ARRIVED The Sale is still on! AA Archgard Industries ——— Optima 20 RN Gas Insert ® Made in British Columbia ° Fully automatic with fan, orvVoff with a touch of a switch will operate in ios poor aw burning on _sisploy in pur 4 sHOWIOOT See the new Euro 55 ¢ Fully automatic ¢ Direct vent © 24ct. bay windows & louvers « 80% efficiency rated reg 1624 i * 33,000 BTU's © Avail, in black & antique white Come meet the most knowledgeable experts in the industry with over 35 years serving the North Shore. Gas Fiveplace & Furnace Service Repairs; we repair aft makes of fireplaces, furnaces, boilers installed by us or others. Gas Fi ce Lic. We offer after sales service on everything we install 1500 Pemberton Ave, N. Van 2 blocks south of Marine Drive (pen Mon-San 986-7055 The program will have more than 50 exhibitors and this will give you a chance to find out what is new, and what some of the small suppliers have to offer the home gar- dener, There will also be a number of demonstrations on - seed collection and germina- tion, as well as a program on heritage fruit trees. This might be a great opportunity to expose vour children to the wonders of seed germination and growth as there will be special events for children, The program runs from 10 am to 4pm on Feb, 27 and gardeners are encouraged to come by for an on-site lunch and mect their friends and make new friends as they par- ticipate. Admission is by dona- tion but your support will help this dedicated seed savers group to preserve many of the rapidly dwindling garden vari- etles. The Home and Garden Show opens at BC Place on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and runs through to Sunday, Feb. 21. The “Symphony of Gardens” is comprised of The Gardens West Celebrity Theatre, six feature gardens and 10 display gardens designed by B.C. Landscape and Nursery Association, and The Know *N Grow stage with seminars and demonstrations for your gar- den. The Garden Show should be even bigger and berter than last year.