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It’s the summer. It’s hot. You’re sweating (so you take a drink of water). Your grass is baking (so you water it). Your plants are frying (so you water them). And your triple mix soil that you’ve mixed up in your garden is… That’s the question: as the sun beats down, is it possible that your topsoil becomes too hot, thus compromising its ability to help nurture and grow your plants? The short answer is, yes, it is possible for your topsoil to overheat and dry out. When that happens, the vital nutrients and minerals contained within it become weakened and less effective. Now that we’ve established that your black garden soil can become too hot, the next question is how can you tell?

Planting and growing your own vegetables is good for: Your body Is there anything healthier than fresh, home-grown vegetables? Plus, planting and working on a vegetable garden is a great source of exercise Your mind You’ll feel peaceful – and proud – as you design and tend to your vegetable garden and watch as seeds turn into delicious vegetables. Your wallet Keep more of your money in your pocket as you avoid going to the grocery store (and saving on the cost of gas, too) and paying high vegetable prices. If you’re new to vegetable gardening, you’re in luck. With some proper planning – before you mix it up in the soil – it isn’t difficult to get started.

Wondering what to get Dad for Father’s Day this year? Not interested in getting him another necktie, bottle of cologne or pack of socks? If Dad enjoys spending time outside in the backyard – or loves working in the garden – then why not get him an outdoor gift that he’ll love and use over-and-over again? After all, Father’s Day falls right near the start of summer. It’s the perfect time to celebrate Dad while enjoying the great weather and beautiful sunshine. Skip the shopping mall this year and visit us at Van Beek’s Garden Supplies. We’re certain to have a Father’s Day gift that’s truly a breath of fresh air.

Victoria Day is celebrated in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday (which was May 24, 1819, by the way). This year, Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 18. A long weekend in the heart of spring, Victoria Day is a great time to enjoy the outdoors; whether you’re firing up the BBQ, going to a fireworks display or working in the garden. Victoria Day is an ideal time to mix it up and focus on your garden’s soil needs. After all, as we explained in our Earth Day blog, soil is a vital and amazing component of your garden which requires ongoing care. So, if you can’t wait to play in the garden during the day (and then enjoy the fireworks at night), here are some Victoria Day soil tips you can apply over the long weekend.

Mother’s Day is fast approaching (Sunday, May 10) and you may be wondering what to get mom this year. If she likes working in the garden; planting flowers, pruning trees and installing decorative landscaping features, then you’re in luck. That’s because there are plenty of Mother’s Day gifts for the garden which are both fun and functional. Actually, you can mix it up this year when it comes to Mother’s Day garden gifts. You can give her something practical, like high-quality triple mix soil to help with her planting. Or you can give her something fancy, like a installing a new pond in the backyard. Looking for something different to give this year? Check out these garden gifts for Mother’s Day.

Happy Earth Day, Van Beek’s Garden Supplies blog readers! For this year’s Earth Day celebration, we’re going to look at the difference between dirt and soil. And yes, there are differences. Big ones. One is a living ecosystem full of microorganisms which is vital to helping life on Earth grow and thrive. The other is dirt. Let’s (pardon the pun) dig a little deeper into this subject, shall we?

Every yard needs something that makes it unique. Installing a pond can add an interesting dynamic to your property that highlights the natural beauty of your outdoor space. Taking your pond project step by step allows you to accommodate for filtration, aquatic life and even pumps for water features. Setting a budget helps you determine the size and style that fits your yard.

Here in Ontario, we’re all familiar with cold, snow-heavy winters. Over time the buildup of snow can cover our yards and create massive drifts leaning up against the exterior walls of our homes. While this may help to insulate us from subzero temperatures it can also cause serious flooding as all that snow melts in the early stages of spring. With a little foresight and prevention, you can avoid flooding in your home.

There are many reasons why you might need to start a fire. Regardless if you’re lighting up the wood stove, a fireplace or cooking over the campfire you want to keep those embers burning with the best wood you can use. There are a lot of top-notch firewood options in Ontario but before we start choosing there are a few pointers every fire enthusiast should know to make sure you’re getting properly seasoned wood ready for burning.

Triple mix soil is a topsoil blend of compost, sandy soil and black loam. This combination is then sterilized to ensure it’s weed-free and nutritionally balanced for fertility and optimal growth.

Have you decided on a Christmas present yet for that special someone in your life? If they are an active gardener, but yard work isn’t your style, it may be hard to know what to buy them this year. Start listening carefully to see if they complain about something that’s broken or not working right or if there is something they wish they had. Lots of gardeners are reluctant to spend money on new tools and garden gear. If you are still at loss, use the following list to get some ideas.

When days are short and nights are long, landscape lighting around your home is more valuable than ever. Though outdoor lighting provides safety and security for your home, it can offer much more. By softly accenting the best features of your home and garden, shining a light on accents and focal points, and with add-ons to celebrate the holidays, your home landscape lights will make winter time feel much brighter.

The first snow of early winter always looks fresh and pure, covering the landscape with a layer of white and turning the world into a magical wonderland, if only for a brief while. A few weeks later, many people are ready for winter to be over, even though there are still months of snow and slush left. What can you turn to in your home garden to help you get through the long Ontario winter? There are several ways to make a wonderful winter garden that’s interesting enough to carry you through to the first signs of spring.

Cool, sunny days in autumn are among of the best times for outdoor lawn and garden work. Sweater weather means you won’t get too hot or cold; it’s both pleasant and easy to spend all afternoon in the garden. Fortunately, there are lots of fall landscaping chores that will help get your garden ready for cold weather. The most notable benefit of these is they also help prepare your landscape for spring.

An afternoon of work in October will make bringing your property back to life in the spring a whole lot easier. Follow our infographic below and get your property ready like a pro. Or let the pros handle it for you and book your appointment with us today.

As winter weather begins its annual migration to our region, it’s important to prepare your home and landscape for cold and freezing. At the very least, all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems need inspection. This includes water features and garden ponds. While a backyard garden fish pond is an enjoyable addition to your landscape that needs little care for most of the year, there are a few guidelines to follow and maintenance tasks needed before freezing weather sets in.

Though installing your own interlocking paver walkway or patio may seem like a daunting project, with a little advance planning, it is something the average homeowner can handle. While it is not too difficult, there is actual work involved and it is important to do it correctly. Here are the basic steps to constructing your own paver project.

Natural stone is one of the most beautiful materials for home landscape projects. Whether it’s a patio, walkway or wall, natural stone creates an elegant, timeless style that goes well with almost any home. Though stone is a durable material that will retain its natural look and appeal over the years, a little bit of maintenance will protect your flagstone pavers and stone walls from accidental damage while increasing their lifespan. Sealing a natural stone surface, while not mandatory, adds a layer of protection and enhancement to your landscape feature.