Emerald Cedar Trees and Compost

We live in Scarborough, zone 5. We are trying to prepare to plant 16 emerald cedar trees (4-5 feet in height) in our backyard facing west. We have ordered some bulk ‘triple mix’ but we think that they might have…

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…

Clematis spotty yellow leaves

I planted two Clematises ‘Jackmanii Superba’ this spring. They started growing well and more than a meter high now and it seems that they will bloom, but both show some yellow spotty leaves on the bottom of the plant. One…

Composted Manure

Hello! I attended Through the Garden Gate in Wychwood last weekend. I met a lovely master gardener at one of the houses who advised me that commercial composted manure these days is of poor quality – that it is often…

Beginner Gardener

Hi We recently moved from a condo to a house with a front and back lawn and deck. I would like to grow a beautiful garden but I dont know anything about gardening. Where do I start? Is it too…

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…

Juglans and foot traffic tolerant groundcover

Hello – looking for options to plant between flagstones in a west facing backyard with a large black walnut tree so quite shady. Planting area under drip line. Scarborough bluffs, so very sandy soil. Many thanks for your advice.…

Worm Castings- Are they safe to use?

Have used worm castings in spring for several years. Concerned now because I’ve read they do contain worm eggs. With jumping worms and many native plants that do not benefit from worms in the soil I am now wondering if…

Soil Fertility: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Description Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to supply and sustain nutrients for healthy plant growth. Maintaining the fertility and health of garden soil is important for good lawn and garden management. Soil fertility promotes the development of…

Fruit tree planted in old septic field

Hi, There is an old septic system on my property wherein the tank was filled. Didn’t think that there would be a bed for it since it is over a hundred-year-old house and there is now a sewer hookup. Long…