Planters, Pots & Raised Beds

Growing in a country where the frost-free season can be ninety days means growing smarter: cedar and galvanized raised beds that warm early, self-watering planters and pots, trellises and cages, cold frames and mini greenhouses, row cover and frost cloth, seed trays and heat mats for starting indoors in March. Most of this department exists to buy a Canadian gardener three or four more weeks on each end of the season.

What to look for: raised beds at least 25 cm deep (45 cm for root crops), with untreated cedar or food-safe coated steel; planters with drainage and a saucer or reservoir; cold frames with a lid that props open on a warm April afternoon; and row cover rated by the degrees of frost protection it gives. Check your hardiness zone and last-frost date before ordering seeds and starts.

Read raised beds for a short season, then browse watering and tools.