Ottawa seed sales surge as residents grow their own

Seed sales are on the rise as many Ottawans begin to grow their own vegetables. This trend appears to be linked to Canada's trade tensions with the United States, making some people wary of relying on imported produce. Local seed suppliers report increased demand. Manish Kushwaha, from Gaia Organic Seeds, noted they are struggling to keep up with orders this March, a time when sales usually slow down. Customers are especially interested in seeds for crops like tomatoes and lettuce, which are often imported from California. Colin Matassa, general manager at Robert Plante Greenhouses, also confirmed the growing interest. Many customers are motivated by the desire to avoid tariffs on U.S. goods. People want to grow more of their own food due to economic uncertainty and rising grocery prices. One shopper, Natasha Nash, said she is committed to buying Canadian and has started a garden at her home. She grows vegetables like celery and greens that she used to buy at the store. She finds gardening rewarding and plans to preserve her produce for winter. As more people turn to gardening, it may offer a way to cope with rising food costs. Experts suggest that growing your own food can provide both nutrition and peace of mind during uncertain times.