Signs of spring are finally visible as the Manitoba snow slowly starts to melt away. One great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors this spring is to plant your own garden!

Manitoba Renal Program dietitians are encouraging kidney patients and their loved ones to get inspired in their gardens this season and have some suggestions on what you should plant this season.

Many seeds can be started indoors and then moved to your garden once the weather warms and the risk of frost is reduced. In Manitoba, that’s usually after the May long weekend but could be a bit later this year. Once outside, there may be a risk of frost so check the forecast and be sure to keep an old blanket or tarp handy to cover your plants and protect them from the conditions.

Plant Low-Potassium Produce

With your garden, consider low-potassium vegetables that will be kind to your kidneys such as:

• Asparagus
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Carrots*
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Kale
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Parsnips*
• Peas
• Peppers
• Potatoes*
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnip*
• Zucchini

*Once harvested, double boil these vegetables to reduce potassium. Talk to your Registered Dietitian for more information.

Plant Low-Potassium Fruit

If you have the space for fruit bushes, some great options are blueberries, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries and Saskatoon berries.

Home-Grown Herbs

Flavour your food this summer with your own fresh herbs. Herbs are a great option if you don’t have a lot of space. You can plant them in small pots on a balcony or even on your windowsill. If you don’t use them all by the end of the season you can even freeze them and save them for a later date. Some great herbs to grow include basil, dill, oregano, parsley and rosemary.

Small Space Solutions

If you don’t have lots of room, consider going vertical. Use old recycling boxes or bins and create a garden in your small space! Also, many areas in Manitoba have community gardens where you can rent a spot and grow your own vegetables. Visit the Government of Manitoba’s guide for gardening basics here online.

As you get ready for your garden this year, we hope you are inspired to think of kidney-friendly foods to add to your meals!