Ask Categories: Soil & Soil Amendments

Clay Soil*

Hello, I live in a house in Toronto with clayey soil. Recently some workers were burying a line and had to dig down about 3-4 feet, and they seem to have left the lower down soil on top. I have…

Soil Preparation and Planting*

Hello, I’m inquiring about proper soil preparation for planting the following: 1. yew hedge 2. japans maples 3. bobo hydrangea, 4. japanese blood grass, all gold hakoni grass, sunrise hosts, peonies, clematis etc. Our soil is layered as follows: 1.…

How to Fix Clay Soil*

Hello, my backyard is full of clay soil, how can I fix it? I was thinking of mixing compost and fine sand into the soil to improve the soil condition and drainage.  …

Newly Transplanted Cedar Hedge Browning*

I had 2 rows (~200 trees) of 6-7′ Eastern White Cedars planted in my yard ~3 weeks ago. I’m somewhat concerned about the browning that is occurring on the trees. Is this simply transplant shock, or is it possible that…

Orchid Bark Mix for Repotting*

Hello TMG, I’m so glad this site exists. I am having some trouble finding orchid bark mix to repot two of my phalaenopsis orchids. All of the major stores I go to (Canadian Tire, Home Depot) seem to have the…

Thiamine*

Hello, I was wondering on how to make my own vitamin b complex for plants. Can one just use the prescription made ingredients or how does one go about that, thank you!…

Spring Mulching*

I live in southern Etobicoke and would like to know the best time to mulch so that weeds will not have a chance to grow this year. Ours is a south-facing garden surrounded on two sides by a hedge. The…

Right Time to Remove Mulch*

I mulched with clean leaves (mostly maple) in the fall: hydrangea, digitalis, some other bits I don’t remember. The intent was to replace the snow cover we don’t seem to get in Toronto anymore. I know mid-march is too early…

Spring Gardening Critical Dates*

With the temperatures warming up, when can we begin safely mulching, and working our gardens in Toronto? I’d like to get an estimate for some things I’ve been planning to do, but I don’t wish to harm the soil, or…