As spring approaches, gardeners in the province are gearing up to start planting.
Philip Rispens moved from the Netherlands to Saskatchewan more than 20 years ago because his father was a plant breeder. Since then, he has been fascinated by plants and farming.
Now, he is a co-owner of Regina’s Sherwood Garden Centre and is very enthusiastic about the arrival of spring.
He mentioned the importance of using the right combination of fertilizer and soil to ensure a healthy garden that does not harm the surrounding nature.
According to Rispens, it's essential to improve the quality of the soil, especially in Regina where the heavy clay soil can be enhanced with topsoil, compost, or organic soils to make it lighter.
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Moosa Imran / Global News.
He also suggested making small adjustments to the garden to enhance the overall flavor of vegetables.
He explained that using organic-based fertilizer and improving the soil with compost can make the food more flavorful compared to store-bought vegetables that are often watery due to chemical fertilizers.
Rispens also recommends using non-genetically modified seeds and biodegradable peat pots instead of plastic planters.
He mentioned using netting and amino acid-based sprays as alternatives to chemical sprays for dealing with insects.
Rispens mentioned that natural repellents like insecticidal soaps, which are fatty acid-based, can be used to repel insects without harming the environment.
Those anticipating the thawing of the ground may not have to wait long, as Environment Canada predicts double-digit temperatures throughout the week.
Philip Rispens moved from the Netherlands to Saskatchewan over 20 years ago because his dad was a plant breeder. Ever since, he has been interested in plants and agriculture.
