Winnipeg man turns backyard into a hot pepper paradise
A Winnipeg man is turning the negativity of not being able to travel during the pandemic into a positive by developing a new skill in gardening.
Usually during the winter months, Udo Staschik spends his time in the South Pacific, but because of COVID-19, that hasn't been possible.
He said he had become very bored over the last year and a half and started working on a new project -- growing hot peppers.
"A friend, he had his pepper tree which is, no kidding, 10 feet tall, eight feet wide," said Staschik. "So I thought if he can do it, I can do it."
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik started to grow a variety of hot peppers and filled his backyard with them, noting during the summer he had around 100 plants.
"I guess I have right now about 20, maybe 25 different types, going from super unbearable hot that I would only offer my enemy and some that are absolutely great."
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik said he starting growing the peppers as a way to bring the destinations he typically travels to during the winter months, to Winnipeg.
"In my head, I'm sitting there and I can look into the lush greens and I feel like, 'Well, okay, I am doing a bit of a holiday here'," Staschik explained.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
He added the activity has become fun for him and helps fulfill his curious side in seeing what he is able to grow.
"And a challenge for myself. I want to see if I can grow (them)," he said.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
Staschik said he hopes to continue this new passion and hopes it will show other people it is possible to grow hot peppers in an environment like Winnipeg. He added that it shows Winnipeggers that they don't have to buy peppers from international markets; they can come straight from local growers in the city.
Udo Staschik has grown over 20 different kinds of hot peppers during the pandemic. Sept. 22, 2021. (Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
(Source: Jamie Dowsett/CTV News)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.