Advice From The Ritchie Team Experts

Not all composts work the same way; some feed slowly over winter, some improve soil structure, and others deliver a nutritional “boost” just before freeze-up. Here’s how to choose the right one for your garden beds before winter sets in....

Whether you love watching wildlife wander through your property, support deer through winter, or you’re a hunter preparing for the season, Ritchie’s has everything you need for proper feeding and conditioning.

When the leaves fall and the garden starts looking bare, it’s easy to assume everything is “done for the year.”

But below the surface, your garden is still wide awake, and what you do in November matters more than most people realize.

With cooler temperatures and slowing grass growth, late fall creates the perfect conditions for smothering grass naturally, with no chemicals, no ripping up sod, and no digging required.

If you’re putting your garden to bed for fall, planting a cover crop is one of the best things you can do for your soil. Think of it like a “blanket” for your garden, as it protects the soil over winter and feeds it naturally for spring planting.

Not all Halloween décor comes in the form of cobwebs and carved pumpkins; some of it grows quietly in the corner of your living room. These tropical houseplants bring a naturally eerie, gothic, or enchanted look indoors, making them perfect for spooky season (and beyond).

As temperatures drop and the snow begins to settle, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your garden for the months ahead.

Ontario is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, with over 500 having been recorded across the province!

Whether you love seeing wildlife in your yard or prefer to keep them out of your garden beds, freshly planted bulbs and interlock areas often attract curious critters.

The good news?

Garlic is one of the easiest, and most rewarding crops you can grow. Fall planting sets the stage for a bountiful harvest next summer.

Here’s how to do it right:

We may be turning 100 years old soon, but we’re never too old to stay on trend! This fall, we’re bringing the season back in style and letting you in on a little secret: the best-selling products of the season—chosen by you

Did you move into a new build? Maybe your backyard is cozy, narrow, or you simply want to maximize space without giving up the beauty and benefits of trees. The good news: there are plenty of incredible narrow, columnar, and compact trees that thrive in smaller urban yards while still bringing shade, privacy, and year-round interest.

If you’ve been strolling through the garden centre lately, you might have noticed the name MYKE popping up more and more. But what exactly is it, and why are gardeners raving about it?

When the days get shorter and the evenings turn crisp, many gardeners assume the planting season is over. But here’s the secret: fall is actually one of the very best times to get new plants in the ground. Here's why Fall planting works: 

Whether you’re just starting or have decades of dirt under your nails, the same question always comes up: When is the right time to cut back perennials, and which ones should be left standing until spring?

There’s no single rulebook, but there are tried-and-true favourites and practical tips that make the decision easier. Here’s what you need to know this fall.

Are you struggling with weed growth on your lawn, in your garden, or in your vegetable plot? Let’s explore some of the most common weeds found in Eastern Ontario and the most effective treatment options: Chickweed What: Cool-season annual plant...

Designing your dream outdoor space is exciting, but choosing the right contractor is what makes the difference between a yard that looks good for one season and a landscape that grows with you for years.

So, what should you look for?

Winter in our region can be tough. Freezing winds, heavy snow, and hungry wildlife all put stress on your trees and shrubs. But with a little preparation now, you can give them the best chance to not just survive; but thrive, so they’re ready to burst with fresh growth come spring.

Imagine stepping outside and being greeted by color, texture, and life in every season, not just in spring, but all through summer and into fall. That’s the power of thoughtful garden design. With the right mix of bulbs, perennials, and shrubs, your garden can bloom in waves, ensuring something magical is always in season.

As the year winds down, it’s tempting to pause the gardening mindset until spring. But here’s the secret: fall is the season that sets the stage for everything beautiful next year. Every spring, many gardeners look at their neighbor’s yard bursting with tulips and think, “I wish I had planted bulbs last fall.”

Many gardeners assume spring is the best time to scatter wildflower seeds, but nature tells a different story. In fact, the ideal time to plant most wildflowers is in the fall.

That’s because many native wildflower seeds need...