We carry a well balanced selection of potting and garden soils. We have specialized soils for cacti and other plants that require extra drainage, as well as water retaining soils for outside pots and hanging baskets. For the garden we also have black earth, 3-way mix, peat moss, sand, drainage stone, manures, cedar mulch (natural & coloured), and decorative stone. All our products are sold by the bag only, we do not carry any products in bulk. Large bales of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and compressed potting soil (Sunshine Mix) are also available. Our bagged good selection at Belgian is available all year; however some items may be frozen on the coldest days of winter.
What is the difference between potting soil and Garden soil?
You may think dirt is dirt, but potting soils and garden soils do vary greatly in their composition and consistency. Potting soils contain high percentages of peat moss, vermiculite (looks like gold flecks), and perlite (the little white things!) which makes the soil lighter and less likely to compact in your containers. Potting soils also offer superior drainage, a big advantage in a pot where lingering water can lead to root rot. Many potting “soils” are actually soiless (or nearly soiless) mixes which can make them appropriate for seed starting as well.
Garden soils are usually less costly than potting mixes and are often enriched with composted manure and humus, making them nutrient rich. Gardens benefit greatly from this balanced and nutritious mixture. Garden soils should never be used in pots as their heavy consistancy will not provide adequate drainage for your potted plants.
What are the benefits of mulch?
Mulch offers so many benefits all in one bag! The term “mulch” can refer to almost any plant-friendly, water-permeable material used to cover the bare soil between your garden plants. Mulches come in a variety of forms from many different sources. Cedar chips, pine bark, straw, leaf litter, gravel, plastic, newsprint, and lawn clippings are all popular choices for mulch in the garden. Different mulches have different advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a mulch, be mindful that some mulches can affect the drainage and acidity of your soil, so make sure that the material you are using is appropriate for your application.
Covering the exposed soil between your plants with mulch can go a long way to help reduce weed growth. The mulch creates a barrier between the soil below and any wandering weed seeds that might be passing by on the wind. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil by reducing surface evaporation and can reduce watering during dry spells. Mulch also helps regulate the soil temperature, insulating from the scorching summer sun and retaining heat during cool nights in the spring and fall.
Mulch can also be beautiful! Our bagged cedar mulch comes in 3 colours (black, red, and natural) to match your garden scheme. The finished look of mulch can add real polish to your beds and borders and highlight of your favorite garden plants, all while contributing to their health and vigor.
At Belgian, our mulch, stone and soils are sold by the bag in cubic foot denominations, not in bulk or by the yard. To calculate how many bags you need, multiply your area to be covered (in square feet) by the depth required in inches, divided by 12. Or, remember that each cubic foot covers about 6 square feet at a depth of 2 inches.