Broadleaf Plantain – From Seed to Harvest: As We Grow Together

Welcome to our new series, Broadleaf Plantain: As We Grow! This time, we're embarking on a seed-starting trial for one of my favourite plants – Broadleaf Plantain. For those unfamiliar, I regularly incorporate this nutritional powerhouse into my own diet and even share its goodness with my dog.

My aim with this grow is to boost my Broadleaf Plantain production, and I've just put a brand-new seed-starting design to the test. These seeds are now nestled in their starting containers, awaiting the magic of germination. Once they sprout, they'll move to their designated growing container in my kitchen, ready to flourish.

If you're curious about the many health benefits of Broadleaf Plantain, you can dive deeper into my articles: Why We Have Broadleaf and Narrowleaf Plantain and Why We Have Plantain For Pets. Trust me, this unassuming plant has a lot to offer!

And here's where the "Plant Share For All" part comes in! If you're located in or around Oshawa and are interested in getting started with Broadleaf Plantain, visit our Start Growing with Purpose to learn more about Plant Share For All, including how to get started.

Started April 9th

We're thrilled to report that the majority of our Broadleaf Plantain seeds have successfully broken through! The cotyledons, those first little seed leaves, have gently unfurled, reaching for the light. Now, we eagerly await the emergence of their true leaves – the next significant step in their development. 🌿

You might notice a bit of green water pooling on the surface of the germination containers. This is algae, a common occurrence in humid environments with light. While we've taken a proactive step by using foil to block light from below, preventing algae growth deeper down, the surface still requires some attention.

We'll be cleaning this up soon, as algae can sometimes produce a less-than-pleasant odor. Now that the seedlings appear strong and established, we'll also begin to reduce the frequency of misting. Allowing the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings will help to further discourage algae growth.

Algae is a common challenge in seed starting, especially when aiming for consistent moisture and light exposure. Some growers opt for starting seeds in complete darkness to avoid this, but that often requires more space, something we're mindful of in our small-space growing system. Our approach prioritizes simplicity and manageability, even if it means a little extra cleanup along the way.

Every stage of this journey is a reminder of what’s possible with just a bit of care, intention, and curiosity. Whether you're new to hydroponics or a seasoned grower, there’s something powerful about witnessing the cycle continue, especially when you’re part of each step.

We’re excited to keep sharing this story as the Broadleaf Plantain grows, matures, and eventually provides us with the next round of seeds—all from a simple indoor setup. You can follow the full journey through the As We Grow tabs on our website, where we’ll be posting updates, tips, and ideas to inspire your own growing adventures.

Whether you’re growing indoors or out, with soil or without, you’re part of this growing community.

Until next time, have an astonishing day — As We Grow!