Welcome to the 2026 Gardening Season on Vancouver Island

Sayward Haven Farm
4 hours ago
3 min read

Strong, organically grown plant starts in our Vancouver Island high tunnel

February on Vancouver Island always feels like a quiet spark.

Seed catalogues arrive. Seedy Saturday events fill community halls. Garden centres begin showing colour. Buds swell on trees during afternoon walks.

The growing season is coming.

And for many of us, that brings one of two feelings: Excitement… or overwhelm.

The Growing Season Has Begun on Vancouver Island

Whether you're planning a full vegetable garden, refreshing your flower beds, or simply adding a few containers to a patio, this is the time of year when possibility feels endless.

But it can also feel like a lot.

There are seeds to choose, supplies to gather, timing to figure out, and growing conditions to manage. It’s exciting — but sometimes intimidating.

Starting Seeds vs. Buying Strong Garden Plants

Starting vegetables and flowers from seed can be deeply rewarding. But many plants require consistent light, warmth, airflow, and careful monitoring to grow into strong, healthy transplants.

If you don’t have grow lights, heat mats, or the time to check seedlings daily, it can become frustrating — especially when you genuinely want to grow your own food.

That’s exactly why our Annual Plant Sale exists.

At our Vancouver Island farm, we grow strong, locally adapted vegetable starts, herb plants, and flowering plants to help set you up for success — whether you're gardening in raised beds, traditional rows, containers, or on a small balcony.

Our goal is simple:

We want you to succeed.

Because when you succeed, you grow again next year.

Why Gardening Matters

In The Blue Zones, author Dan Buettner writes about centenarians in Okinawa who gardened daily — tending their plots each morning and harvesting greens and tubers well into their 90s and 100s. Gardening wasn’t just about food; it was movement, purpose, and connection.

Time in the garden is never wasted.

Growing your own vegetables and flowers provides:

Fresh, nutrient-dense food
Gentle physical activity
Reduced stress
A deeper connection to the seasons
A sense of accomplishment

Whether you’re sipping coffee while deadheading flowers or harvesting vegetables for dinner that evening, gardening nourishes far more than just your plate.

Even One Plant Makes a Difference

You don’t need a large property to grow something meaningful.

Maybe it’s:

A mini tomato plant on your balcony
Cascading double petunias spilling from a patio planter
Fresh herbs near your kitchen door
A raised bed filled with lettuce and greens

If you’re fortunate enough to have space for a vegetable patch, try one new crop this year alongside the favourites you love to eat.

Grow what you love.

Join Us at Our Annual Plant Sale

If you want to grow more but feel unsure where to begin, our Annual Plant Sale is designed to make it easy.

We offer:

Strong vegetable starts
Locally grown herb plants
Flowering plants for containers and garden beds
Growing instructions linked directly from our website
In-person advice and support

Organically Grown Plant Starts on Vancouver Island

All of our plant starts are grown right here on our Vancouver Island farm — with care, attention, and organic growing practices. We do not use synthetic or chemical fertilizers. Instead, we focus on healthy soil, balanced nutrition, and strong root development so your plants are resilient and ready to thrive in your garden.

Our plants don’t just come in pots — they come with guidance and a support team behind you all season long.