The Seed Library

Once you’ve borrowed your seeds from The OPL Seed Library, it’s time to get growing! Follow our instructions below to learn how to produce the perfect crop.

Basil

Sweet Basil is the common large leaf green basil with a mild, sweet, citrus flavour. Easily grown in warm soil.

• Plant seeds approximately ¼” deep and 10-12” apart

• Plant in full sun

• Pinch out flower heads when they appear to allow leaves to continue to grow

Bush Beans (Tendergreen)

Tendergreen is a popular green snap bean that produces sweet 6” long pods that are held high on strong bush plants. Great for fresh or frozen use.

• Plant seeds approximately 1” deep – ensure 3” between seeds and 18 – 28” between rows

• Plant in Full Sun

• Sow only after soil has warmed to at least 16 C (60F)

Chives

Produces bunches of dark green, pungent, onion flavored leaves that are very versatile in the kitchen. The strong blades are dark green and uniform with a mild flavor.

• Plant in partial sun

• Grow to about 12” tall

• Very hardy, great for container gardens

Four O’Clocks

Marvel of Peru variety produces white, red, yellow, rose, and lilac blooms that are attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. They are bushy plants that will grow up to 2’ tall. They grow prolific tubers that can be stored over the winter and replanted after last frost.

• For earlier flowering, start in a soil-less mix 6 weeks before last frost

• Soak sow for a few hours before planting

• Plant 3/8” deep and at least 2’ from other plants

• Thin to 18” apart when seedlings are 2-3” tall

• Plant in full sun

Kale

Red Russian Kale produces flat toothed, gray-green leaves with a central purple-red stem. The Purple-red colour will turn a rich dark green when cooked. Kale has a soft and tender texture when braised.

• Plant outside in early spring of from June through to early July – ensure 24” spacing between rows

• Plant in full sun

• ½” direct seeding depth

Marigolds

Marigolds produce gold blooms highlighted with red. They are known for early and continuous flowering and are often planted in vegetable gardens as a natural insect repellant. Plants will grow 8-10” tall.

• Start indoors in 6 weeks before last frost

• Sow seeds ¼” deep

• Thin or transplant when they are 2-3” tall

• Plant in full sun

Parsley (Italian Plain leaf)

The leaves of this parsley are flat, deeply cut and a vibrant glossy dark green. Their rich flavour makes them an excellent choice for seasoning and they are widely used in European cooking.
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost – ensure 12-18” spacing between plants and 18-36” spacing between rows

• Germination is hastened by first soaking seed in water overnight

• Plant seeds ¼” deep in rows 12-18” apart 

• Plant in full sun 

• Keep soil consistently moist

Pole Beans

Pole beans typically yield more beans than bush beans and are very disease-resistant.  Pole beans will grow 10 to 15 feet tall and will need to be grown on stakes or trellises. 

• Plant all bean seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4” apart in normal soil, and a little deeper for sandier soils.

• Plant in full sun 

Peppers

Early Calwonder is a standard open-pollinated pepper. Produces medium 4” fruits with thick, fleshy walls and mild, sweet flavour.

• Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost –

• Transplant in late May

• Ensure 12-18” spacing between plants and 18-36” spacing between rows

Snow Peas (Oregon Sugar Pod II)

Snow peas produce large, sweet pods with heavy yields. Large, 3-4ft vines protect their tender pods from the sun. Pick when thin.

• Ensure 3” spacing between plants

• Plant in full sun to light shade

• Keep soil consistently moist

• Plants may require a “trellis” for support

Tomatoes (Sweetie)

Sweetie tomatoes are a very sweet cherry tomato. Determinate plants grow about 15” tall and are covered with tiny bright red fruits. Good flavour. Can be grown in pots, window boxes, or gardens.

• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost – ensure 24” spacing between plants and 4-6” spacing between rows

• Plant in full sun

• Plant will grow to about 15” tall

Tomatoes (Bonny Best)

Bonny Best tomatoes are a well-known home and garden variety. Bright red, 160g, flat globe shaped fruits on small indeterminate plants.

• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost – ensure 24” spacing between plants and 4-6” spacing between rows

• Plant in full sun

• Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil needed

• Keep soil consistently moist

Winter Squash

Waltham Butternut squash is a medium-large, 12”, blocky pear-shaped squash have tan-yellow skin. Dark orange with fine flavour. Excellent keeper.

• Start indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost – ensure 4-5” spacing between plants and 8-10” spacing between rows

• Plant in full sun

• Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil needed

• Keep soil consistently moist