to mulch or not to mulch

Hi – I am redoing 3 garden beds, incorporating hydrangeas for the first time, and then sticking with the basics i.e. speedwell, lavender, phlox, echinacea, etc. I have been gardening for many years, but have never mulched. As I will…

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:…

Metasequoia sapling care

1) I am so excited about my new metasequoia sapling that the city planted in my front yard two weeks ago. It’s about 5 feet tall. My yard is a hill, south facing, lots of sun. Q: How can I…

Mock strawberry plant

1. I believe I have some mock strawberry on my lawn (see attached) and have spent hours pulling it up by the roots. I have applied a solution of diluted vinegar and am considering placing some cardboard over some areas.…

Preparing new garden bed

I am planning to create a new garden bed near the foundation of my house. Should I remove the existing soil and if so, to what depth? I think I should lay down landscaping paper and would like to know…

Amending poor soil

I have tested my garden clay soil and find it has neutral PH and low phosphorous, and potash and very low nitrogen. What kind of fertilizer should I use to improver the quality and want can I use to make…

Bulbs and irrigation conundrum

the companion perennials (planted right next to the bulb) are watered by drip. poor bulbs – they are too . sad … soggy … bulbs…

How to completely remove grass

Hi, I have many perennials in my yard and want to remove grass and weed completely. My understanding is the safest way is to cover the yard with newspaper and mulch for winter time. The question is, do I cover…

Preparing neglected “flower bed” for spring

I’m so glad I discover this group because you’re local experts! We bought a house recently with a yard that’s overgrown and not well cared for. I’d like to prepare the long strip of soil for planting a variety of…

Mulch versus soil

Hello Looking for an answer to question of whether it is better to top off flower beds with soil or with mulch. see that many of the $$ homes in the neighbourhood use soil instead of mulch, so wondering if…