Connaught Nursery

05/29/2026

About the most frequent question we field from gardeners across Ontario is how to deal with Early Blight on tomatoes? Here are our top recommendations: #1 Start with healthy transplants. Seed that was not hot-water treated runs the risk of diseased plants come summer. Once the fungus is in your soil it will persist there for up to four years. #2 Rotate where you plant. Use the same 'Nightshades' (tomatoes, eggplants etc.) bed only every fourth year. #3 Put down a mulch to prevent the fungus from splashing up from the soil onto the leaves when it rains. We use about a six inch layer of Maple leaves. 5/29/26photo

05/26/2026

Grow the right variety and cure them properly and your Sweet Potatoes will store in perfect condition until early summer (May 23rd photos) Here's our how to guide: "The images of sweet potatoes growing in your garden and a regular vegetable on your table may not have been familiar images in the past, but they can and should be. Gardeners have been successfully growing this short season variety of sweet potatoes in the Ottawa area for decades.The true sweet potato, not a yam, is a rich, deep-flavoured vegetable with a soft forgiving texture.A 1/2 cup serving of sweet potato, high in dietary fibre and only 150 calories, provides 300-400 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and 50 percent of vitamin C, along with a good supply of vitamin B6, 400 mg of potassium and some iron. And the leaves and young shoots can be steamed or stir-fried like other greens. Although each plant takes up a 3ʼx3ʼ square in your garden, it will give you the most nutritional bang per square foot of any area of your garden,maturing 6-8 tubers each by later summer. Not sure how to cook sweet potato? They are versatile, excellent baked, roasted, or added to one-pot dishes like soup and chili. GROWING: Set the plants out in well-worked soil two feet apart in the row when the soil has warmed up, usually sometime after June 4. Sweet potatoes have no insect pest of any consequence in this area. Sweet potatoes prefer light, sandy, somewhat acidic soil but tolerate other soil types. A sandy soil does make them easier to harvest. Keep them well watered and weeded until established and stand back! The plants will grow rapidly through July and August to form a dense attractive ground cover which allows few weeds.CURING AND STORING: Sometime around mid September, before a heavy frost, dig the tubers and place them in baskets or boxes with black plastic over top. Be careful not to bruise them.These are kept in a warm (27 C) spot (sunny window or sunroom are ideal) to cure for about 10days. Then take off the plastic and store at 15 C. Properly cured they store up to a year and the flavour actually improves in storage as the starches gradually convert to sugar."

05/22/2026

Interplanting 2.0 5/21/26Video

05/21/2026

📣 WE'VE JUST ADDED A FEW MORE VARIETIES! We propagate all the plants listed ourselves. Still a little time to order your spring plants (Native Plants, Pollinators, Vegetable & Herb Transplants). Message us your order from the list below and please include your Email address. We will be continuously updating availability as varieties sell out (you are welcome to order more than once). We will have multiple dates available for pick up at the farm from mid May to early June.
AVAILABILITY LIST:
VEGETABLE TRANSPLANTS
Sweet Potato (4"pot) 4.35
Sweet Potato (4"pot) >10 4.00
Celery, Tango (4pack) 4.75
Eggplant, Nadia (4”pot) 4.75
Eggplant, Fairytale (4”pot) 4.75
Fennel, Antares (4pack) 4.75
Lettuce, Cherokee (Summercrisp) (6 pack) 4.75
Lettuce, Mezquite (Romaine) (6pack) 4.75
Lettuce, Susanna (Butterhead) (6pack) 4.75
Onion, Red Wing(30-40 pack) 5.75
Pepper, Flame (Cayenne) (4”pot) 4.75
Pepper, Habanero (4”pot) 4.75
Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern (4pack) 5.75
Rhubarb, Strawberry Red (3gal. pot( 10.00
Squash, Butternut (4pack) 5.75
Zucchini, Green (4”pot) 4.75
TOMATO PLANTS:
Big Beef (6”pot) 7.75
Celebrity (6”pot) 7.75
Primo (6"pot) 7.75
HERB PLANTS:
Aloe Vera (4”pot). 4.75
Basil, Sweet (4”pot). 4.75
Catnip (4"pot) 4.75
Cilantro (4”pot) 4.75
Cilantro (6pack) 5.00
Dill (4"pot) 4.75
Mint, Orange (4”pot) 4.75
Mint, Spearmint (4”pot) 4.75
Parsley, Curly (4”pot) 4.75
Parsley, Italian (4”pot) 4.75
Tarragon, French (4"pot) 8.00
HERBACEOUS PLANTS:
Aster, Large-leaved (8”pot) 10.00
Aster, New England (4”pot) 6.00
Aster, Smooth Blue (4”pot) 6.00
Baneberry, Red (8"pot) 14.00
Bellwort, Large Flowered (6”pot) 14.00
Bloodroot (6"pot) 9.00
Canada Mayflower (6"pot) 9.00
Clintonia, Bluebead Lily (8"pot) 18.00
Columbine, Eastern Red (4"pot) 6.00
Cottongrass, Bog (5”pot) 8.00
Fern, Interrupted (6”pot) 12.50
Fern, Rock Polypody (6"pot) 12.50
Fern, Sensitive (6”pot) 12.50
Foamflower (6”pot) 9.00
Ginger, Wild (6"pot) 9.00
Goldenrod, Rough-Stemmed (6”pot) 8.00
Goldenrod, Narrow-leaved (6”pot) 8.00
Hepatica, Round-lobed (6"pot) 10.00
Iris, Blue Flag (6”pot) 8.00
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (6"pot) 10.00
Joe Pye, Spotted (8"pot) 10.00
Marsh Marigold (6”pot) 14.00
Meadow Rue, Tall (8"pot) 14.00
Meadowsweet (S. tomentosa) (6”pot) 10.00
Milkweed, Swamp (5”pot) 8.00
Mint, Wild (Mentha canadensis) (6"pot) 9.00
Pearly Everlasting (6”pot). 8.00
Penstemon, Foxglove (4”pot) 7.00
Penstemon, Hairy Beardtongue (4”pot) 7.00
Rose-twisted Stalk (6"pot) 20.00
Sedge, Plantain Leaved (6”pot) 9.00
Solomon's Seal, False (8"pot) 14.00
Solomon’s Seal, Star-flowered, False (8”pot) 14.00
Spikenard (6”pot) 12.00
Squirrel Corn (4"pot) 12.00
Sundrops, Prairie (6"pot) 12.00
Sunflower, Woodland (6”pot) 10.00
Sweet Flag (4”pot) 7.00
Sweet Grass (4”pot) 7.00
Thistle, Swamp (4”pot) 7.00
Trillium, White (6"pot) 12.00
Trout Lily (8"pot) 14.00
Turtlehead (5”pot) 7.00
TREES/SHRUBS/VINES
Cedar, White (5” pot) 10.00
Dogwood, Pagoda (8”pot) 16.00
Dogwood, Silky (8"pot) 14.00
Honeysuckle, Canada Fly (10"pot) 20.00
Juniper, Common (6"pot) 15.00
Maple, Striped (8"pot) 15.00
Nannyberry (3gal.pot). 18.00
Spruce, White (8”pot) 18.00
Virgin's Bower (Old Mans Beard) (4"pot) 7.00
Walnut, Black (6"pot) 12.00
POLLINATOR PLUGS (12.00 per pack of 6 plugs)
Boneset 12.00
Columbine, Eastern 12.00
Fireweed 12.00
Iris, Blue Flag 12.00
Milkvetch, Canada 12.00
Pearly Everlasting 12.00
Primrose, Evening 12.00
Turtlehead 12.00
(15.00 per pack of 6 plugs) :
Clematis, Purple 15.00
Bog Arum 15.00
Bog Cottongrass 15.00
Flag, Sweet 15.00
Leek, Wild 15.00
Leatherwood 15.00
Steeplebush (Pink Meadowsweet) 15.00

05/19/2026

It's ready ;) ... fresh organic Asparagus ... we'll have bunches available on each of our plant pickup days starting tomorrow Wednesday May 20th (2-4) ; Saturday May 23rd (9-2) ; Sunday May 24th (10-3) ; Wednesday May 27th (2-4) ; Saturday May 30th (9-2) ; Sunday May 31st (10-3) ; Wednesday June 3rd (2-4) First come first serve & cash only.

05/18/2026

Honoured that some of our plants are once again finding their way to a grassroots Indigenous biocultural restoration and land stewardship initiative in Toronto: Gwai-yuk Gih’nendahmoen Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gwaiyukgihnendahmoen/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558335930672&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user 5/17/26photo

05/17/2026

📣Following are the upcoming pickup dates/times for your plant orders. Once you choose a day/time Message us a minimum of 48 hours in advance. If applicable please indicate morning or afternoon : Saturday May 16th (9-2) ; Sunday May 17th (10-3) ; Wednesday May 20th (2-4) ; Saturday May 23rd (9-2) ; Sunday May 24th (10-3) ; Wednesday May 27th (2-4) ; Saturday May 30th (9-2) ; Sunday May 31st (10-3) ; Wednesday June 3rd (2-4).

05/12/2026

Common names of plants can be quite misleading. Some Scientific names are equally baffling. Take Dirca palustris (palustris: "of the marsh, or swamp-dwelling" as one such example. Anyone who has come across Leatherwood, at least in this part of its range, would tend to disagree with this habitat designation. One of our earliest blooming native shrubs, it tends to be found in mixed woods often on stoney somewhat calcitic soil. In the shade of hardwoods it takes an open form. Planted in more sun it forms a dense growth rivalling in form and function any non-native ornamental. We have three near our front entrance that get full afternoon sun. Then there is the rumour that its flowers are of little use to pollinators. The Bumble and Cuckoo Bees in these images would tend to disagree. Leatherwood is not the easiest plant to propagate. We harvest the seed (which is especially relished by Rose-breasted Grosbeaks), strip off the coating and seed immediately under a screen with a board overtop[ to keep the soil moist and cool. This spring we retrieved the sprouted seeds and have them growing in plug packs. Still quite small, they're best transplanted to a short row in the garden for the first summer, Come fall they can be moved to their permanent location. Should you like to try them, we have a few packs available to order here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0yrP9V61bNEmCKBVkJ17YN7xhAEUr1aGUGmX6qisSraAPqhAykZsakDGbu6m6838tl&id=100067435114175

05/09/2026

Still a few plants available to order ;)

Some natives are what I'd call perennial 'overachievers'. One such plant is Spikenard (Aralia racemosa). Not only does it provide bold architectural form and structure in the landscape, it's flowers and fruit provide a bounty for birds and pollinators alike. Growing up to two metres in height, it's often found in small openings or edges of mixed forests. If I've convinced you to include some in your habitat garden, we've got strong, second year plants to order here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1318885927035899&set=a.365680989023069

05/06/2026

📣 WE'VE JUST ADDED A FEW MORE VARIETIES! We propagate all the plants listed ourselves. Still a little time to order your spring plants (Native Plants, Pollinators, Vegetable & Herb Transplants). Message us your order from the list below and please include your Email address. We will be continuously updating availability as varieties sell out (you are welcome to order more than once). We will have multiple dates available for pick up at the farm from mid May to early June.
AVAILABILITY LIST:
VEGETABLE TRANSPLANTS
Sweet Potato (4”pot) 4.35
Sweet Potato (>10) (4”pot) 4.00
Broccoli, Gypsy (6pack). 4.75
Brussel Sprouts (6pack) 4.75
Cabbage, Loughton (Late) (6pack) 4.75
Cabbage, (Ruby Perfection) (Red) (6pack) 4.75
Cauliflower, White Sails (6pack) 4.75
Celery, Tango (4pack) 4.75
Celeriac (6pack) 4.75
Cucumber, Diva (4pack) 5.75
Cucumber, Marketmore (4pack) 5.75
Eggplant, Nadia (4”pot) 4.75
Eggplant, Fairytale (4”pot) 4.75
Fennel, Antares (4pack) 4.75
Kale, Winterbor (6pack) 4.75
Leek, Tadorna (30-40pack) 5.75
Lettuce, Cherokee (Summercrisp) (6 pack) 4.75
Lettuce, Mezquite (Romaine) (6pack) 4.75
Onion, Tropeana Lunga (30-40pack) 5.75
Pepper, Flame (Cayenne) (4”pot) 4.75
Pepper, El Jefe (Jalapeno) (4”pot) 4.75
Pepper, Habanero (4”pot) 4.75
Pumpkin, Jack-O-Lantern (4pack) 5.75
Rhubarb, Strawberry Red (3gal. pot( 10.00
Spinach, Space (6pack) 4.75
Squash, Butternut (4pack) 5.75
Zucchini, Green (4”pot) 4.75
TOMATO PLANTS:
Big Beef (6”pot) 7.75
Black Krim (6”pot). 7.75
Celebrity (6”pot) 7.75
Sweet Million (Cherry) (4”pot). 4.75
HERB PLANTS:
Aloe Vera (4”pot). 4.75
Basil, Sweet (4”pot). 4.75
Basil, Sweet (6pack) 5.00
Catnip (4"pot) 4.75
Cilantro (4”pot) 4.75
Cilantro (6pack) 5.00
Leek, Wild (4"pot) 7.00
Mint, Orange (4”pot) 4.75
Mint, Spearmint (4”pot) 4.75
Oregano (4”pot) 4.75
Parsley, Curly (4”pot) 4.75
Parsley, Italian (4”pot) 4.75
Rosemary (4”pot) 4.75
Sage (4”pot) 4.75
Summer Savory (6pack) 5.00
Tarragon, French (4"pot) 8.00
HERBACEOUS PLANTS:
Aster, Large-leaved (8”pot) 10.00
Aster, New England (4”pot) 6.00
Aster, Smooth Blue (4”pot) 6.00
Baneberry, Red (8"pot) 14.00
Bellwort, Large Flowered (6”pot) 14.00
Bloodroot (6"pot) 9.00
Canada Mayflower (6"pot) 9.00
Cohosh, Blue (6"pot) 16.00
Columbine, Eastern Red (4"pot) 6.00
Coneflower, Purple (4"pot) 6.00
Cottongrass, Bog (5”pot) 8.00
Fern, Interrupted (6”pot) 12.50
Fern, Rock Polypody (6"pot) 12.50
Fern, Sensitive (6”pot) 12.50
Foamflower (6”pot) 9.00
Ginger, Wild (6"pot) 9.00
Goldenrod, Rough-Stemmed (6”pot) 8.00
Goldenrod, Narrow-leaved (6”pot) 8.00
Iris, Blue Flag (6”pot) 8.00
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (6"pot) 10.00
Joe Pye, Spotted (8"pot) 10.00
Leek, Wild (4”pot) 7.00
Marsh Marigold (6”pot) 14.00
Meadow Rue, Tall (8"pot) 14.00
Meadowsweet (S. tomentosa) (6”pot) 10.00
Milkweed, Swamp (5”pot) 8.00
Mint, Wild (Mentha canadensis) (6"pot) 9.00
Pearly Everlasting (6”pot). 8.00
Penstemon, Foxglove (4”pot) 7.00
Penstemon, Hairy Beardtongue (4”pot) 7.00
Sedge, Plantain Leaved (6”pot) 9.00
Solomon's Seal, False (8"pot) 14.00
Solomon’s Seal, Star-flowered, False (8”pot) 14.00
Spikenard (6”pot) 12.00
Squirrel Corn (4"pot) 12.00
Sundrops, Prairie (6"pot) 12.00
Sunflower, Woodland (6”pot) 10.00
Sweet Flag (4”pot) 7.00
Sweet Grass (4”pot) 7.00
Thistle, Swamp (4”pot) 7.00
Toothwort (6"pot) 12.00
Trillium, White (6"pot) 12.00
Trout Lily (8"pot) 14.00
Turtlehead (5”pot) 7.00
TREES/SHRUBS/VINES
Cedar, White (5” pot) 10.00
Dogwood, Pagoda (6”pot) 16.00
Juniper, Common (6"pot) 15.00
Nannyberry (3gal.pot). 18.00
Snowberry (3gal. pot) 18.00
Spruce, White (8”pot) 18.00
Sumac, Staghorn (6”pot). 10.00
Virgin's Bower (Old Mans Beard) (4"pot) 7.00
Walnut, Black (6"pot) 12.00
POLLINATOR PLUGS (12.00 per pack of 6 plugs)
Aster, New England 12.00
Bergamot, Wild (Beebalm) 12.00
Boneset 12.00
Butterfly Milkweed 12.00
Columbine, Eastern 12.00
Fireweed 12.00
Iris, Blue Flag 12.00
Milkvetch, Canada 12.00
Milkweed, Swamp 12.00
Pearly Everlasting 12.00
Penstemon, Foxglove 12.00
Primrose, Evening 12.00
Turtlehead 12.00
Vervain, Blue 12.00
(15.00 per pack of 6 plugs) :
Clematis, Purple 15.00
Bog Arum 15.00
Bog Cottongrass 15.00
Flag, Sweet 15.00
Leatherwood 15.00
Steeplebush (Pink Meadowsweet) 15.00
Trout Lily 15.00
Vervain, Narrow-leaved 15.00