At first glance, most topsoil found in soil bags looks the same. Unfortunately in many instances, it’s only until after you get your soil home that you realize it’s of poor quality and won’t be beneficial to your garden. Even more frustrating is trying to return unsatisfactory topsoil. It can be a pain. The best
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Download our New eBook, Don’t Pick the Wrong Firewood for Your Home this Winter – for FREE!
It took a while, but the bone-chilling temperatures usually associated with winter have finally arrived. Because it’s been so warm for so long, you may not have picked up your firewood from Van Beek’s Garden Supplies yet. Fortunately, we have plenty of firewood available for you to enjoy all season long. Additionally, we have a
Read MoreHow to stop your property from flooding when the snow melts
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
Read MoreThe 5 best choices for firewood in Ontario
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
Read MoreChristmas Gifts for the Green Thumb
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
Read MoreThe Cost Savings of Do-It-Yourself Compared to Contractor Prices
Encouraged by a never ending stream of television shows that feature home renovation, landscape makeovers and other DIY projects, more and more homeowners are tackling backyard projects that, years ago, they likely would have hired a contractor to complete. Successful DIY projects will leave you with a sense of accomplishment, more money in your pocket
Read MoreWhen & How to Transplant Seedlings
Starting vegetable or ornamental plants indoors from seed is a great way to neutralize the last of the winter blues. It also provides a greater selection of vegetable or flower varieties than what is available at the local nursery. After germination, the next step is to prepare your seedlings for the outdoors. When to Transplant
Read MoreGerminating Seeds in Soil versus Paper Towel
Germinating your own garden seeds instead of purchasing seedlings is fun and saves you money to boot. However, seeds are delicate and may require coddling during germination and when transplanting them to their final location. There are two popular home gardener methods for germinating seeds: A germination bed made from moistened paper towel or filter
Read MoreHow to Set Up an Indoor Planting Station
Before winter ends, get a jump on your next garden by starting seeds or cuttings indoors. Creating an indoor planting station that provides the right amount of light, temperature and humidity ensures your garden gets off to a healthy start. Rack and Bench Photo credit to Monik Markus under cc2.0 A table about six feet
Read MoreWhat Kind of Wood is Best for Fireplaces or Stoves?
Renewable, High Energy Fuel Firewood as a heat source is superior to fossil fuels in that it is a renewable energy source. The energy for trees to grow comes directly from the sun. After it is cut, more can be grown on the same land. Well-seasoned firewood, especially hardwood species, has high energy content that
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