In 2017, I purchased a farm in rural Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and began the process of leaving my corporate retail job to begin the adventure of operating a greenhouse and events business. I worked as a marketing manger for 15 years for a well known Canadian national retailer, but I was missing the work/life balance. I wanted to be home more with my family, I wanted to be outside more in nature and I wanted to be flexible to try new ideas and initiate new creative projects that made me jump out of bed each day excited to start. And now after several years, I can definitely say that The Herb Garden has been that place for me. My passion for all kinds of new and exciting things have grown here. My first adventure started even before I had left my corporate job. I had moved in in the fall of 2017, and while still commuting to my office job, I decided to start growing seeds so I would be ready for when my greenhouse business started up again in the Spring. I started the same way I do every year since then, each January/February, when the weather is cold and we are blanketed by heavy snow, my mind wanders to garden plans, and thinking of all things green and fresh. The residence at The Herb Garden, has an established growing area in the basement that for the last 30 years the business owners have started seeds in the middle of winter inside the warm and cozy home, and then moved them to the greenhouses when the weather is warmer.
The basement can grow as many as 5,000 seedlings! It is also where I dry herbs, harvested during the year. There are a number of built in wooden racks perfect for the operation. I’m not growing 5000 seeds this year. I’ve tried very hard to limit what I seed to just want I can sell in a shorter selling time.
I typically source heirloom, and organic seeds from a number of different suppliers, or harvest my own seeds when possible. I use high quality seedling soil and water with organic, nutrient enhanced liquid food to ensure each seed gets a good start. I also keep a radio downstairs, sometimes I switch stations, but I do try to keep classical music on for the seedlings. Not sure this has any tangible benefits but just incase it does, I give it a try!
The small garden center will be up an running again this year for a limited time beginning May 3. You can pre-order plants on our website herbgarden.ca and pick up in mid May!
https://the-herb-garden-ottawa.square.site/
