FAQ Garden Centre

The frequency of watering your plants depends on several factors such as plant type, weather conditions, and soil moisture. As a general guideline, it is recommended to water deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the top few inches of soil are moist. Regularly check the soil moisture level before watering. Check with your local municipality for watering restrictions in your area.

The ideal time to plant vegetables varies depending on the region and the specific vegetable. Generally, cool-season vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and peas can be planted in early spring, while warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are typically planted after the last frost date in late spring or early summer.

To prevent weeds from overtaking your garden, consider using mulch to suppress weed growth. Regularly removing weeds by hand or using a garden hoe can also help. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lawn and garden by proper fertilization and watering can reduce weed growth.

For shady areas, consider plants that thrive in low light conditions. Some suitable options include ferns, hostas, astilbes, impatiens, and begonias. These plants are known for their ability to tolerate or thrive in shade.

To protect plants from frost in winter, you can use techniques such as mulching, covering plants with frost blankets or burlap, or bringing potted plants indoors. It's also important to choose plants that are suitable for your hardiness zone and can withstand the cold temperatures.

For beginners, low-maintenance plants are a great choice. Some examples include succulents, such as jade plants or hens and chicks, as well as hardy perennials like black-eyed Susans, sedums, and ornamental grasses. These plants require minimal care and are more forgiving for those new to gardening.

To attract pollinators to your garden, plant a variety of flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Examples of pollinator-friendly plants include bee balm, lavender, coneflowers, sunflowers, and butterfly bushes. Providing a water source, such as a shallow dish with rocks for bees to land on, can also be beneficial.

Some popular organic fertilizers include compost, well-rotted manure, seaweed extracts, bone meal, and fish emulsion. These organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients to the soil and help improve soil structure and fertility.

Natural pest control methods for your garden include techniques like companion planting, using beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises, handpicking pests, applying organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil, and implementing physical barriers like row covers or netting.

Tropical plants typically require warm temperatures and high humidity, which can be challenging to replicate in Canadian climates. However, some tropical plants can be grown as houseplants or in containers that can be moved indoors during colder months. Examples include tropical hibiscus, palm trees, and orchids.

To create a sustainable and eco-friendly garden, consider practices like conserving water through proper irrigation techniques, using organic fertilizers and pesticides, composting kitchen scraps and yard waste, utilizing mulch to reduce water evaporation and weed growth, and attracting beneficial insects.

Plants that attract butterflies include milkweed, butterfly bush, coneflowers, zinnias, asters, and phlox. These plants provide nectar and serve as host plants for butterfly larvae, making them essential for butterfly conservation.

Pruning fruit trees is essential for maximum yield. Prune during the dormant season, removing dead or diseased branches, as well as crossing branches. Maintain an open canopy to allow sunlight penetration and good airflow. Consult specific pruning guidelines for different fruit tree varieties.

Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for Canadian wildlife. Some popular native plants include milkweed for monarch butterflies, saskatoon berry for birds, goldenrod for pollinators, and dogwood for small mammals. Research native plants suitable for your region.

To start a vegetable garden from scratch, begin by selecting a suitable location with good sunlight exposure. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter. Plan your layout, choose vegetables that thrive in your region, and follow proper planting and care guidelines.

For successful container gardening, choose containers with proper drainage, use high-quality potting soil, provide adequate sunlight, and water regularly, as containers tend to dry out faster. Select compact or dwarf varieties of plants suitable for containers and fertilize as needed.

Maintaining a healthy lawn involves proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Set your mower at the appropriate height for the grass species, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize according to the needs of your specific lawn type. Regular aeration and overseeding can also help improve lawn health.

Common gardening mistakes to avoid include overwatering, planting in improper light conditions, neglecting soil health, overcrowding plants, using incorrect fertilizers or pesticides, and failing to adjust gardening practices based on regional climate and conditions. Proper research and planning can help avoid these mistakes.