Organic Gardening

Are you looking to see if you can grow conifers in the shade? Shade tolerant evergreens are the perfect solution for those hard-to-fill shady spots in your garden. With a wide variety of shapes and sizes, there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. Not only do they grow well in the shade, but these conifers are also fast-growing evergreen trees for shade so you can enjoy their beauty sooner rather than later. Check out our thoughts on shade-tolerant conifers below! What conifer grows in shade? Do you know the answer to this question? If not, then read on …

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Come Spring 2009, cosmetic-use pesticides will be banned for sale or use on Ontario’s lawns and gardens. So, what do you do to ensure you aren’t overtaken by pesky weeds and insects? There are some good choices that can help you keep your garden green without harming the environment. Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment offers these tips for pesticide-free lawn and garden care. Feed your soil. Healthy soil is the key to hardy, pest-free plants. Spread compost on your garden beds and use natural, organic fertilizer on your lawn in the fall. Discover the magic of mulching. A thick layer …

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Wondering how Ontario’s new pesticide ban will affect your lawn and garden when it goes into effect next spring? Planning is the key — from selecting plant varieties to their location, sun and shade requirements to how much water they need. Often, a few simple changes can help your lawn and garden grow beautifully, without pesticides. Here are a few tips from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment. Healthy soil is the first step to making your garden grow. Adding compost to your soil, mulching garden beds, and fertilizing your lawn in the fall with natural or organic fertilizers will help …

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Do you want to grow your own organic vegetables? Have you ever noticed how expensive organic fruits and vegetables are at the grocery store? I already spend way too much when I go to Whole Foods, but if I go with the organic selections I really break the bank. I love the idea of eating organic, but not paying the price. Growing your own food is a great way to save money and eat healthier. But it can be hard, especially if you don’t have the right tools or know-how. That’s why we created our online course on how to …

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The beauty of evergreens lies in their name – they add year-round color and life to gardens and yards. Narrow-leaf evergreen shrubs, such as cedar and spruce are most commonly known, but this group also includes broadleaf evergreens including rhododendrons, camellias, and laurels. Although these trees and shrubs are a low-maintenance addition to yards and gardens, they do require a little extra attention to keep them healthy throughout the winter. As the temperatures begin to fall, continue to water evergreens as often as once a week, as long as the air temperature is above freezing. This is especially important for …

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Come Spring 2009, cosmetic-use pesticides will be banned for sale or use on Ontario’s lawns and gardens. So, what do you do to ensure you aren’t overtaken by pesky weeds and insects? There are some good choices that can help you keep your garden green without harming the environment. Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment offers these tips for pesticide-free lawn and garden care. Feed your soil. Healthy soil is the key to hardy, pest-free plants. Spread compost on your garden beds and use natural, organic fertilizer on your lawn in the fall. Discover the magic of mulching. A thick layer …

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With Ontario’s province-wide pesticide ban coming into effect next spring, fall is the time to prepare your garden to go green and pesticide-free. Ontario’s Environment Ministry offers these tips to prepare your garden beds for winter and let you get a head-start on a healthy growing season next year. Garden beds: • Apply a three to four-inch layer of mulch around your perennial plants, careful to leave a hollow at the base. Use fallen leaves as a handy mulch. • Divide and move plants to thin them out. • Remove old or diseased plants. • Leave seed heads for winter …

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Wondering how Ontario’s new pesticide ban will affect your lawn and garden when it goes into effect next spring? Planning is the key — from selecting plant varieties to their location, sun and shade requirements to how much water they need. Often, a few simple changes can help your lawn and garden grow beautifully, without pesticides. Here are a few tips from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment. Healthy soil is the first step to making your garden grow. Adding compost to your soil, mulching garden beds, and fertilizing your lawn in the fall with natural or organic fertilizers will help …

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Smart gardeners know that not all bugs and birds are pests. Some of them can be gardeners’ best friends. With Ontario’s new pesticide ban becoming law next spring, it’s important to learn how to use beneficial birds and bugs to help your garden grow pest-free – naturally! For example, lady beetles are among the most beneficial insects for controlling harmful insect populations. Ladybeetles can be purchased, or you can attract lady beetles to your garden by providing a food source of pollen or nectar for them. Special lures can encourage the presence of other beneficial insects, such as bees, soldier …

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If you have ever read any of my articles involving activities with my children, you will probably be aware that I am a huge fan of backyard science.  I love all the things that you can find in a backyard and there are a thousand and one things that you can find in a yard.  To me, a garden is a place that is alive, not just with flowers and plants but many different little animals that make it their home. I am always promoting the need for backyard habitats.  Inviting animals into the yard not only provides you with …

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