As Manitobans get ready for the gardening season, many are facing a difficult time buying seeds this year.
Several businesses in Dauphin are feeling the effects of a Canada-wide seed shortage, saying placing orders for garden seeds has been tough.
Callan Michaluk, owner of Cloud Nine Canna Supplies in Dauphin, says as the pandemic goes on and restrictions remain, more people are trying their hand at gardening.
“I don’t have a seed order yet, it’s super late this year because of the shortage. There’s such an influx of new growers and gardeners because of the pandemic. Plants have been a really big thing this year because everyone is at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go so they’re kind of getting in touch with plants again. Seems like house plants are a really big thing this year.”
In addition to house plants, many vegetable seeds are becoming difficult to find.
Bev Birss Winniski, with Birss Greenhouse and Landscaping in Dauphin, advises gardeners to get their seeds as soon as possible, saying getting started early is important this year.
“I know that onions are hard to find, sweet potatoes are probably going to be hard to find, and garlic bulbs are probably gone as fast as they arrive in the stores if they can get any. We tried to get a seed display for ourselves this year, but they couldn’t supply us.”
Michaluck adds that specialty seeds seem to be a popular pick for gardeners.
“It kind of just seems like people are after the basics - the tomatoes, the lettuces, cucumbers, and watermelons – the fun things to grow as well, like watermelons and sunflowers. It seems like lots of parents are getting their children involved in gardening this year as well.”
Mark Odut, manager of Dauphin Home Hardware, says while they were able to secure an order, they may not be so lucky when trying to re-purchase.
“I think currently we’re okay but I’m sure as the season progresses we’ll get stuck with not being able to get that type of product. I think a lot of people are looking for projects or hobbies that they might normally not do and I think it’s affecting our sales a bit for sure.”
