It’s amazing what we can grow in the north here in zone 3. At Avril Cottage we have four very distinct seasons and summers are short and intense. The intensity means we can grow a surprising variety of plants and vegetables, but sometimes mother nature needs a little help.
Take tomatoes for example. These were started indoors back in March when temperatures were often in the -20C range and a blanket of snow covered the frozen earth.
With a seed tray, some warmth, and a little light, these little babies are now ready to be hardened off with some gentle but tough love on the porch before going into their permanent home in the garden where they will flourish and gift us with a gorgeous yield in late summer through early autumn.
The beautiful fruits will be roasted into soups and sauces, preserved for the pantry to be enjoyed throughout the year. Here’s a photo of a small portion of last year’s crop.
Little jewels to care for throughout the summer by planting, staking, watering, feeding and tending. Mother nature does the rest.
Seeds will be collected and carefully stored in order to start the crop for next season.
A beautiful harvest of natural food for virtually no cost and without the use of chemicals. As good as gold. Better in fact–you can’t eat gold!
And you don’t need a large plot of land to do it. Try it in pots on an urban balcony or front stoop. Just provide a little care and watch how mother nature works her magic and offers generous abundance.
Join me in future posts for tips on growing.
Blessings to you all!
Avril Cottage 
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