From planning to building planters to putting plants into the ground, this weekend is traditionally the official start of planting season.

That according to Garden Journal spokesperson Duayne Friesen who says, with the cooler overnight temperatures expected, some plants, like impatience or begonias, may have to wait a couple more weeks. He notes anytime between the May long weekend and the first week of June is a perfect time to put a garden together.

Friesen says many from the younger generation are starting to get interested in growing food to be able to provide produce for themselves.

"It certainly is gaining popularity. Most people will find that the easier vegetables in a container can work well. Whether it's going to be tomatoes or peppers, those are probably the most popular and the easier to grow in a garden. Certainly, herbs is another component that is easy to grow in containers and can be started indoors or even grown all winter indoors."

He notes every year has its own set of challenges when it comes to gardening and the best piece of advice is to continually monitor each plant for anything concerning or out of the ordinary. Friesen says when planting a garden it's important to make sure the plants are well watered when planted and then ensure there is sufficient drainage for container gardens.

Friesen says there are a few new items to give a try this summer.

"We'll start with vegetables. There's a new tomato called Cloudy Day which was developed and bred in England. The added benefit is much, much improved disease resistance to the early and late blight. So, you can grow a much more disease-free plant. It's [also] an indeterminate plant, meaning it never really stops growing so it will keep producing flowers and fruit well into the fall season."

He adds in the flowers there are always upgrades to colours and there is a new Cyprus called Prince Tut.

As for any DIY planter project, Friesen says raised garden beds help diminish any drainage and weed issues as well as provide easy access to any area of the garden.