GTA - Nursery for italian/spanish veg plants

[itryalot]

Will be in town on Friday and I would buy them and just keep them indoors until May. Any places carry them (nurseries or greenhouses) not seeds though.

[Nyleve]

You're really way early for good veg plants. I've found a good selection at both the seasonal garden centre that takes over the corner of the parking lot at Dufferin Mall or the garden centre (also seasonal) at the corner of Steeles and Keele. But they won't be starting to sell anything much until early to mid-May. Both of these have a wide variety of Italian plants - flats of interesting tomatoes, basil, peppers - and quite a few Asian plants. To be honest, even if you somehow found the plants you want (which I doubt you will) it's much too early to have them indoors until the weather warms. They'll get all stringy and leggy and you're better off buying younger plants closer to planting season - they'll catch up quickly and be stronger than indoor-coddled ones.

[Kagemusha]

You're early and I'm not certain you'll find much. They're not going to be happy under lights or in a cold frame/greenhouse till then.

Call Humber Nursery.

[itryalot]

I have a lot of southern exposure and sunlight in my family room. Last year, I set up a table and kept some I received in March and they were good until April. I was hoping I could snag some from a greenhouse anyway.

[Kagemusha]

See what Humber has now. I start mine under lights and go through the ritual of hardening them off gradually, shifting to a cold frame, and then outside. Bought plants can get a bit leggy if indoors for a long period before planting. Things might be better earlier this year--hopefully.

[itryalot]

Will try them too. Thanks

[prima]

Canada Blooms is taking place from March 16th-25th at the Direct Energy Centre. The focus is more on flowers and gardens than veggies.

I've ended up w leggy plants if I start in March, but sometimes they survive.

Might also check Sheridan Nurseries.

[Kagemusha]

I've ditched Sheridan, though selection may vary by location. The Miss/Oakville location doesn't carry the variety of veg plants and seeds that Humber does. Humber's quality and prices are also better. YMMV, as always.

[prima]

The Sheridan on Sheppard is pretty good. That being said, I buy most plants at Van Horik's in London, Klomp's near Stratford, Bill's on Pape and Lady York.

[prima]

Most of the garden centres that sell vegetable plants won't be selling vegetable plants until the end of April. I like the garden centre operated by Lady York (probably not open until mid- April) http://www.ladyyorkfoods.com/home.php , where I have bought many Italian vegetable plants over the years.

I also like the vegetable plants sold at Bill's Garden Centre on Pape, which is open year-round, but I wouldn't expect much of a selection until later next month. http://billsgardenanddesign.com/www.billsgardenanddesign.com/Home.html

I realize what I'm saying is repetitive.There's plenty of still-valuable information in the thread you started last year. ;-) http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/775553

-----
Lady York Foods
2939 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON , CA