WANAR Pet Food Drive & BBQ Coming to Early’s

On August 23rd, Early’s Farm & Garden Centre (2615 Lorne Ave) will host its annual Pet Food Drive in support of WANAR – We All Need A Rescue. The event will feature a BBQ from 11 AM to 3 PM, with all proceeds going directly to the dogs in WANAR’s care.

Volunteers from WANAR will be on hand, working the BBQ and collecting donations. Contributions will help provide food, medical care, and other essentials for rescue dogs in need.

Last year, the community came together to donate an incredible 300 bags of pet food. This year, organizers are challenging everyone to help beat that record. Guests will also have the chance to meet some of the rescue dogs currently available for adoption—a perfect opportunity to connect with a future furry family member.

Donations can be purchased during the event or made over the phone by calling 306-931-1982.

Come out, enjoy some great food, and help make a difference for animals in need.

Learn more about WANAR here. 

How to Make Your Garden Harvest Last All Fall & Winter

If you’re like most gardeners, you probably planted “just a few extra rows” this year… and ended up with a mountain of produce! The question now: how do you make it last as long as possible?

Storing vegetables properly can keep them fresh well into the cold months, but there are a few things to keep in mind — including the fact that not every vegetable is built for long storage, and sometimes nature just has its own plans.

1️⃣ Know Which Vegetables Store Well

Some vegetables are naturally good keepers:

• Root vegetables (carrots, beets, parsnips)
• Potatoes
• Onions & garlic
• Winter squash & pumpkins

These can last for weeks or months with proper storage. But crops like lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes don’t store well fresh — they’re better enjoyed right away or preserved.

2️⃣ Storage Basics: Cool, Dark & Dry (Mostly)

For long-term storage success:

• Cool temperatures: A root cellar, cool basement, or unheated garage can work.
• Darkness: Keeps produce from sprouting or turning green.
• Air circulation: Prevents mold and rot.
• Humidity: Some crops (like carrots and beets) like slightly damp conditions; others (like onions and squash) prefer dry storage.

Always check vegetables regularly and remove any that are softening or rotting to prevent spoilage from spreading.

3️⃣ Why Some Years Produce Doesn’t Last as Long

Even when stored properly, some crops just don’t keep as well in certain years. Weather, harvest timing, and growing conditions all affect storage life. A hot summer or a late harvest can shorten how long your vegetables last in storage.

4️⃣ When Storage Isn’t Enough: Preserve or Share

If you notice your vegetables won’t keep as long this year, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste:

• Cook & freeze: Perfect for tomatoes, peppers, beans, and leafy greens.
• Learn to can: Turn extra produce into sauces, jams, and pickles.
• Share with the neighbourhood: Friends, family, or food banks are often happy to take extra fresh produce.

5️⃣ Final Thought

Your garden is a gift that can feed you well into the winter — but every season is a little different. With the right storage, preservation techniques, and maybe some friendly neighbourhood sharing, you can make the most of your harvest (and keep that mountain of zucchini from going to waste!).

Overwatering vs. Underwatering: Why Understanding Your Plant’s Needs is Key to Helping Them Thrive

Water is essential for plant health, but when it comes to gardening or caring for houseplants, more doesn’t always mean better. In fact, one of the most common reasons plants die—both indoors and out—is improper watering. Whether it's giving too much or too little, not tailoring your watering habits to each plant’s needs can quickly lead to poor health or even plant death.

The Root of the Problem

Overwatering is often more harmful than underwatering. Roots need both water and oxygen to function. When soil stays consistently soggy, roots suffocate, and harmful fungi thrive. This can cause root rot, a silent killer that turns healthy roots into mush. Overwatering also invites pests like fungus gnats and mold, which flourish in moist conditions.

On the flip side, underwatering leads to dry, brittle roots and stunted growth. Plants may wilt, brown at the edges, or drop leaves as they struggle to survive.

Why Plant-Specific Knowledge Matters

Different plants have vastly different needs. For example, succulents and cacti prefer dry conditions and can go weeks without watering, while tropical plants like ferns and calatheas often require consistent moisture. Factors like soil type, pot material, lighting, humidity, and even season also play a big role in how often you should water.

The Stats Don’t Lie

According to horticultural studies and gardening experts, over 80% of houseplant deaths are related to incorrect watering, with overwatering being the primary culprit. Garden plants suffer similarly, especially when new gardeners assume a “one size fits all” approach.

Tips for Better Watering Habits

• Know your plant. Research its specific needs.
• Feel the soil. Stick a finger into the soil; if it feels dry an inch or two down, it might be time to water.
• Use the right pot. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
• Adjust with the seasons. Plants often need less water in winter.

If you ever have questions about your plants and when or how to water them best, ask our Experts at Early's! We’re here to help you grow with confidence.

Understanding and meeting your plant’s individual watering needs is essential to help them thrive. By tuning in to what your plants are telling you—and doing a bit of research—you can prevent the most common cause of plant decline and keep your green space lush and healthy.

  Tips for Summer Pig Care

As cute as they are, pigs can be very challenging animals to keep healthy and maintain production. They are very sensitive to temperature, and the hot summer months can be particularly tough to take care of them. Here are some tips to help with the summer care of pigs:

• Control the temperature. Make sure the temperature only shifts (up or down) a few degrees in the barn. Any large variance in the temperature can cause damage to the pigs’ health.
• Using fans and water misters can help circulate moist air in the barn and help them stay cool.
• Plan for feeding times to be at the cooler parts of the days, like early mornings and later in the evenings.
• Make sure all pigs have access to fresh drinking water. In warmer temperatures, daily water needs for pigs range from .5 gallons/day for a newly weaned pig, to greater than 1.5 gallons/day for a finishing pig.

Our Hi-Pro Swine Feeds include complete feeds to meet total dietary needs for all stages of life, or supplement options for on-farm mixing.  They are all formulated to provide the proper nutrition to help your pigs grow healthy and happy. Ask your sales representative for information on the right feed for your customer.
 
Click on the links below for more information:
Swine - Our Approach - TN Canada (trouwnutrition.ca)
Product Lister-Hi-Pro Feeds - TN Canada (trouwnutrition.ca)

Humic Acid: A Boost for Saskatchewan Soils

Saskatchewan’s diverse growing conditions — from clay-heavy soils in the east to sandy or loamy textures in the central and southern regions — present unique challenges for gardeners and homeowners. Compaction, nutrient lock-up, and low organic matter are common issues. That’s where humic acid comes in. This natural compound, derived from decomposed organic material, improves soil structure, enhances nutrient availability, and helps roots thrive — making it a valuable tool for boosting lawn and garden performance across the province.

With our short growing season and often unpredictable weather, Saskatchewan growers need their soil to work smarter, not harder. Humic acid acts like a sponge, increasing water retention in sandy soils and loosening up clay-heavy ground. It also binds nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing leaching and runoff — a big win in areas where soil fertility is hard to maintain. As more gardeners shift toward regenerative practices and organic amendments, humic acid is becoming a go-to solution for improving long-term soil health.

Whether you're trying to establish a lush lawn in Saskatoon, grow hardy perennials in Prince Albert, or bring life back to a tired garden bed on the Prairies, humic acid offers practical, proven benefits. At Early’s, we carry both pure humic acid and humic acid blends with added nutrients and beneficial microbes — perfect for Saskatchewan’s wide range of soil needs. Stop by or get in touch to learn more about how humic acid can make your yard or garden thrive! Shop here to see our Humic acid product selection!