And now is the time to be tending those seeds, so you can reap the rewards of entering Peachland’s 106th Fall Fair!

Here’s what we talked about last time

This week (it’s April 13, 2025) – let’s start indoors. There’s lots of resources out there regarding lights, warming mats, etc. But you can do just fine with a sunny window and some Solo cups.

Right now is a good time to start pumpkins, melons and squash – and the ultimate gardening commitment, zucchini! (So, so many zucchinis!)

If your eye is on growing the biggest (or wartiest) possible pumpkin, start your seeds indoors now! The Old Farmers’ Almanac says April 8-22 is the best window. Same thing for all your zucchini, squash and melons. You’ll be planting your seedlings in the ground mid to late May.

Although the time has passed to start things like peppers and tomatoes, it’s also fun to just stick things in dirt to see what happens. So while there are ‘rules’ around frost dates and timing your seedlings for the best start in the ground – you can also experiment. Why not? I’ve started peas, zinnias and sunflowers indoors – things that typically do better when direct sown outside. But they’ve done great! Generally speaking, it should be consistently around the 10C mark before planting out your tender annuals. More cold-tolerant things, from peas to lettuces, pansies, parsley, calendula, snapdragons, I tend to plant out around now. According to the Almanac, our typical final frost date is April 29.

Speaking of flowers, there’s plenty of varieties listed as categories in the Fall Fair booklet, which will be on their website shortly. It will be similar to past years – think everything from asters to dahlias, marigold, zinnias, nasturtiums, sunflowers and more. This gardener is going more tactical this year – planting things that align with the categories. Keep in mind there’s a flower arranging category, too. Think monochromatic colours, unusual containers and interesting additions of greenery.

Other Fall Fair categories where you can plant the seed of creativity? Needlework, drawing, short stories, painting, sculpture, baking, preserves….

So much to do! Every Fall, it’s always fun to see what people have been up to all year.

Whether your plan is to go for the ribbons (and cash prizes!) by planning now to enter as many categories as possible – or you have more chill and will see what the season holds – just remember to Plant A Seed!

If you’d like to join the Fall Fair committee send them an email!

The 106th Peachland Fall Fair is September 6 and 7, 2025.

Saturday, May 3: Free seeds and story time at the Peachland Library! This is happening between 2-3pm. Fall Fair volunteers are handing out seed packets for your little one. See what you can grow and enter it in the Sept  6&7 Peachland Fall Fair.

The Phoenix works with community groups who value original, professional journalism. As a media sponsor for the Fall Fair, you’ll see regular updates on how the 106th Fall Fair comes together!