Search Results for: compost

The Right Amount of Compost

I would like to know if there is a maximum amount of compost that can be safely added to garden soil. I am particularly interested in transplanting rhubarb.…

Keeping Rats out of the Compost

I want to restart my compost this spring after two years of not using it. I stopped after 2014 when I was attacked by flying ants when I went to the compost in the evening. I don’t think the ants…

Container Vegetable Gardening

This year I’m growing tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini and bush beans in containers. I’m aware of minimum container size requirements for each, just wondering what ratios of medium are best. Here is what I have for a single container: 20%…

Replanting allium THIS spring

I have various kinds of allium plants sprouting up in my Toronto garden right now. They are overcrowding it and I would like to move many of them to a farmhouse garden in north Pickering ( 25 minutes north east…

White fungus? around base of cedars and yews

Hi. I just noticed this around the base of some, not all, of the cedars and yews at the back of my yard. It seems to be localized in one small area. What is unusual is that there is a…

Using Leaves as a Winter Mulch

This Toronto Master Gardeners’ guide discusses whether gardeners should put their fall leaves onto garden beds to protect their beds during winter. Like many gardening questions, the answer is a bit subtle. What to do with your leaves depends on:…

Powdery mildew on ornamental plants

Characteristics of powdery mildew  Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that infects a broad spectrum of plants, including trees and shrubs, perennials, grasses, fruits and vegetables. It is not a single disease but is caused by a group of…

Tar Spot of Maples

Characteristics of tar spot  Maple tar spot is a common fungal disease caused by three related fungi in the genus Rhytisma. The symptoms may vary slightly depending on the strain of the fungus but all three fungi produce dark, slightly…

February: Growing Medium for Starting Seeds Indoors

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When starting seeds indoors, always select a growing medium that has been especially mixed for starting seeds.  It should not contain a slow-release fertilizer.  If you want to mix your own growing medium, combine 4 parts of very fine, screened…