Belgian carries a well-balanced selection of potting and garden soils year-round! We have specialized soils for Cacti and other plants that require extra drainage, as well as specifically designed potting soils for indoor Houseplants and hanging baskets. We also carry an assortment of soils and soil amendments for the garden, including 3/1 (Triple) Mix, Manure, Peat Moss, Sand, Drainage Stone, Cedar Mulch (natural & coloured), and Decorative Stone. Large bales of Vermiculite, Perlite, and compressed potting soil are also available. All our products are sold only by the bag; we do not carry any products in bulk.
If you’re in need of soil, mulch, or any of our other Bagged Goods, please come inside the Main Store and purchase directly from one of our cashiers. They will then direct you to drive your vehicle to the loading area; if you require assistance, one of our team members will be happy to help.
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 soilless (or nearly soilless) mixes which make them perfect for seed starting.
Garden soils are usually less costly than potting mixes and are often enriched with composted manure and humus. Gardens benefit greatly from this balanced and nutritious mixture. Garden soils should never be used in pots as their weight and consistency 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 type of 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; it can even reduce how often you need to water during dry spells! Mulch also helps regulate the soil temperature, as it helps to insulate the surface from the scorching summer sun, and also retains heat during cool nights in the spring and fall.
Mulch can also be beautiful! Our bagged cedar mulch comes in 3 colours (black, brown, 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 favourite garden plants, all while contributing to their health and vigour.
At Belgian, our mulch, stone and soils are sold by the bag in cubic foot denominations; we do not sell 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, then divide by 12; each cubic foot covers about 6 square feet at a depth of 2 inches.