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Frequently Asked Questions

LAWNS / PLANTING / STORE INFORMATION / PLANT MAINTENANCE / PRODUCT INFORMATION / CHRISTMAS


Lawns

Q: What are the measurements of a roll of sod?
Q: What is the best way to maintain my lawn?
Q: Do you deliver sod and soil?
Q: Something is digging up my lawn! What is it and what should I do?
Q: What should I use to fertilize my lawn throughout the year?
Q: What kind of grass seed is best for my lawn? How do I apply it?
Q: How do I overseed/top-dress my lawn?


Q: What are the measurements of a roll of sod?
A: A typical roll is 18” x 6’.

To figure out how many rolls of sod you need:
Measure your area in feet and times it by .116 = sod rolls
Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x .116 = number of rolls of sod
ex. 10feet x 20feet x .116 = 23.2 rolls of sod (you would get 24 rolls of sod)


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Q: What is the best way to maintain my lawn?
A: Cut your lawn weekly at a 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" height. Keeping your lawn maintained regularly is very important to its health. Sharpen your lawn mower blades monthly, and remember, it's called a push mower, not a pull mower! Also, only water your lawn when it is needed. Don't be afraid to let the top surface of the soil dry out. This will encourage deep-rooted, stress-tolerant grass. Consider using our new ECO-Lawn grass seed.

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Q: Do you deliver sod and soil?
A: Yes, we deliver sod and soil, as well as other bulk products such as mulch and gravel. Delivery charges are applied and vary by location.

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Q: Something is digging up my lawn! What is it and what should I do?
A: A dug up lawn is a sign that there are grubs present. However it is not the grubs themselves that do this damage, but small animals such as skunks, raccoons, and squirrels looking for a tasty treat. To deter the animals, natural products like Blood Meal and Critter Ridder can be used.

In order to check for grubs you can either peel the grass up like carpet, or use a sharp spade and turn the sod. The grubs will be at root level of the grass. If there are grubs, it is important that you act quickly to treat the lawn and control the grubs.

Rather than using chemicals to combat the grubs in your lawn, Georgina Garden Centre offers an all-natural product called Nematodes. Nematodes are a microscopic organism that will rid your lawn of grubs without worry of it harming your garden, children, or pets.

What Are Nematodes?
Nematodes are naturally occurring, earth friendly microscopic worms. Grub Busters Nematodes are an efficient mix of heterorhabditis bacteriophora and steinernema carpocapsae for control of major turf and garden pests such as white grubs.

How Do I Use?
Follow the easy 3 Step mixing instructions. Water your lawn, mix the nematodes by inserting sponge into an easy to use Grub Busters Sprayer. Attach to your hose and spray. Apply to your lawn or garden in early evening or on cloudy days and keep your lawn moist for a minimum of 3 days.

When Do I Use?
Apply when insects are actively feeding, usually in late April/early May until late June (depending on which species of grub). Another application is ideal from mid August through mid October for White grubs. Keep Grub Busters refrigerated until day of use.

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Q: What should I use to fertilize my lawn throughout the year?
A: The best fertilizer to use varies depending on the time of year. Weeds will thrive in the warm weather of spring and summer a Weed and Feed should be applied such as the natural Turf Maize Bioweed & Feed. The all natural product, Turf Maize can be used as an alternative to control weeds and should be applied in early spring, and late fall, when the weather is cool.

Crabgrass Control should be used in the early spring until mid-May.

We also recommend a 3 step fertilizing program to get the best out of your lawn. Fertilize with a natural fertilizer once from mid-April to mid-May. A second application can be done in July, and a third application again in late Fall from October to November.

An alternative to using weed killers is topdressing, overseeding and fertilizing to choke out weeds. Be sure to deep water once a week. Cut the grass at a taller length in the summer months when it is hot. This will keep the roots shaded and discourage weed germination.

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Q: What kind of grass seed is best for my lawn? How do I apply it?
A: The type of grass seed that is best for your lawn depends on the amount of sunlight the spot will get. We have 3 basic varieties of seed: Sun, Sun and Shade, and Overseeding. To apply, gently rake the soil in the area, and toss handfuls of seed on the ground, using enough force so that the seed is not just loosely sitting on the surface(Spreading it like chicken feed). If you buy grass seed at the garden centre you can rent a spreader for free to apply your grass seed and fertilizer. Apply a natural fertilizer with the grass seed at the same time to save some time. Be sure to keep the area well watered - about once a week for 20-30 minutes per area; and refrain from walking on it. Do not cut the grass until it has grown at least 6" in length.

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Q: How do I overseed/top-dress my lawn?
A:
1.     Rake lawn with either hard rake or fan rake and discard dead grass to compost – if lawn is long – cut to ½” height. (makes topdressing easier)
2.     Topdress lawn with triplemix spreading out soil no more than ¼” to ½” deep over existing lawn area.
3.     Spread seed evenly over lawn but keep it out of the gardens
4.     Fertilize lawn with an organic fertilizer
5.     Lightly fan rake entire area to put the seed just below the surface.
6.     If you happen to have a roller – roll entire area, if you don’t – it’s not a big deal – your seed will still germinate.
7.     Water entire area in each section for 20 minutes. Keep area moist but not wet until seed has germinated – likely 6-10 days depending on the weather and your watering practices.
8.     You might have to seed some areas you missed after germination has occurred
9.     When cutting your lawn – set the mower to its highest setting and keep it there all season long to encourage deep rooting of your lawn.

To figure out how much soil you will need to topdress:
LENGTH' (L) (in feet) times (x) WIDTH' (W) (in feet) times (x) 1/4" (.25) (in inches) divide by (/) 12 divide by (/) 27 equals (=) number of yards of soil

L' x W' x .25" / 12 / 27 = number of yards of soil

eg. 40' x 50' x .25" / 12 / 27 = 1.5 yards of soil - you could either get 1 or 2 yards of soil.

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Planting

Q: When is the best time of year to start planting?
Q: What plants require acidic soil, and how do I add acidity?
Q: What do I require when planting a tree?
Q: What is considered full sun?


Q: When is the best time of year to start planting?
A: You can plant anything as long as you can dig in the soil. You have to watch for frost when planting in the spring. If you really want to plant early spring before the risk of frost is gone, then you can cover your plantings with a frost blanket. However, we recommend to wait until the risk of frost is gone to be on the safe side.

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Q: What plants require acidic soil, and how do I add acidity?
A: Many plants, such as rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangeas, dogwood and blueberries love acidic soil. In order to increase the acidity of soil, mix items such as peat moss, aluminum sulfate, mur-acid, or sulfur into the soil. Some plants will require you to amend the soil monthly - check with one of our knowledgeable staff to find out which ones!

Some plants need the opposite - some need alkaline soil such as Clematis. To get alkaline soil, add Dolomitic Lime to your soil before planting. If you are adding Dolomitic Lime after something has been planted, mix the lime into the soil around the plant according to directions on the box.

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Q: What do I require when planting a tree?
A: When planting a tree, you should also purchase one of our tree planting kits. Included in this kit are 2 tree stakes, 2 rubber and wire ties, 2 bags of Triple Mix, 2 bags of mulch, and a container of transplanter fertilizer. After the tree is planted, water, then apply transplanter fertilizer according to directions. Do this once a week for 3 weeks afterwards to promote a healthy and strong root system on your tree.

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Q: What is considered full sun? Part sun? Shade?
A: A full sun location receives at least 6 hours of sun. Usually any hours that include 11am-3pm is full sun, the hottest time of the day.

Part sun location would either be sun before 11am or sun after 3pm. Any time excluding the hot part of the day.

Shade would be only 1-2 hours of sun either in the morning or late day. Or filtered sun under a tree or covered porch.

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Store Information

Q: What are your store hours?
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
Q: Do you deliver?
Q: Do you have a planting service?
Q: I purchased a plant and it died. Is it guaranteed?
Q: Do you have a flyer?
Q: Where are you located?
Q: What is your guarantee?


Q: What are your store hours?
A: Our store hours vary by season. Store hours are extended in the spring and during the Christmas seasons and shortened through the winter. We are open every day. Our hours are posted at the on the entrance door, and on the back of each flyer distributed to our customers. You may also call us for our store hours. Please refer to our Location and Hours page to learn more.

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Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Visa and MasterCard, as well as cash and debit. Georgina Garden Centre gift certificates and bonus points may also be redeemed and used as a payment method.

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Q: Do you deliver?
A: Yes, we do deliver. A delivery charge will be applied and varies by location.

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Q: Do you have a planting service?
A: Yes, we do have a planting service. Prices vary according to product and location. Please phone or drop in and talk to our knowledgeable staff to learn more.

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Q: I purchased a plant and it died. Is it guaranteed?
A: Our trees and shrubs are guaranteed for one year, and roses and perennials are guaranteed until the fall of the year of purchase. Bring the plant and receipt in to receive an in-store credit. Our experienced employees can offer you advice on a suitable replacement, and provide tips for how to get the best out of your plants.

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Q: Do you have a flyer?
A: Yes, we have a flyer which is distributed by both mail and email, and can be picked up in-store. The flyers have information on weekly sales, upcoming events, and handy gardening tips.Click here for this week's flyer.

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Q: Where is your store located?
A: 2297 Old Homestead Rd. Keswick, Ontario at the corner of Woodbine Ave. and Old Homestead Rd.
We are located about 5 minutes south of Lake Simcoe
We are 20 minutes north of Newmarket and Hwy 404
We are 1 hour north of Toronto.
Click here for a map.

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Q: What is your guarantee?
A: Georgina Garden Centre is proud of the superior quality of our nursery stock!
Hardy trees, shrubs & berry bushes are guaranteed at GGC for one full year from the time of purchase. Your commitment is to water, fertilize, mulch and properly maintain this product to ensure a stable environment. If your plant happens to die, we require the original number invoice, cash register receipt, & the dead plant before we can issue an in-house credit note. The credit note will be for the original price paid. Plant material is replaced one time and one time only.

Roses, perennials, vines & tender specialty plants such as Japanese Maples, Magnolias, Eastern Redbuds, Rhododendrons, Azaleas & Daphnes are guaranteed until the fall of this year (the year purchased) due to our harsh winter conditions. Your commitment is to water, fertilize, mulch and properly maintain this product to ensure a stable environment. If your plant happens to die, we require the original number invoice, cash register receipt, & the dead plant before we can issue an in-house credit note. The credit note will be for the original price paid. Plant material is replaced one time and one time only.

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Plant Maintenance

Q: How often should I water my plants?
Q: How do I take care of my roses?
Q: When should I do my pruning?
Q: What are the black spots on the bottom of my tomatoes?
Q: How do I winterize my garden?
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Upright Evergreens
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas
- Roses
- General Information


Q: How often should I water my plants?
A: There is no set time as to how often you should water your plants. Typically every 2-3 days should be satisfactory, but in hotter weather and dryer locations it will be more often - sometimes up to 2 times a day. It really depends on the plant and the location that it is in. Checking the soil is the most effective way to know whether a plant needs to be watered or not. Be careful not to over-water your plants, as over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering. We also offer a variety of products to help plants retain moisture.

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Q: How do I take care of my roses?
A: With roses you have just purchased, do not remove them from the fiber pot. Simply break the lip of the pot off to have it even with the soil level, and plant. Do not plant any deeper than the level of existing soil in the pot. If you add to the soil level, it will choke the rose and you will get less or no blooms. Water, and use transplanter fertilizer. Continue to use the transplanter fertilizer once a week for 3 weeks after planting to ensure a strong root system. After this, switch from transplanter fertilizer to a rose food. Roses should be feed weekly from early spring to late August. If you notice any insects or diseases on your rose use a natural insecticide or fungicide.

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Q: When should I do my pruning and how do I do it?
A: Pruning depends largely on plant variety, weather and season. Generally, flowering shrubs should be pruned after they bloom, trees in the winter, roses in the spring or the fall, and evergreens should be pruned continually throughout the season. Prune the branches on an angle, and close to the bud. Be careful not to cut too close or too far from the bud.

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Q: What are the black spots on the bottom of my tomatoes?
A: Blossom end rot in tomatoes is caused by a calcium deficiency. A plant's ability to absorb calcium is most affected by wide swings in moisture. Make sure you water only in the morning and give your tomato water at least 1 inch of water a week - and don't get the foliage wet...only the soil under the plant. You can also add organic matter to your garden in the spring before you plant. This helps to replenish the soil with calcium and other nutrients that have been leached out of the soil. You can also add Superphosphate and/or Murate of Potash to your garden to help replace the calcium. Do not plant your tomatoes too early in the spring - wait until nighttime temperatures are between 13-15 degrees Celsius. And remember Calcium = Healthy Tomatoes!!!

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Q: How do I winterize my garden?
A: There are a variety of tasks that need to be done to prepare your garden for winter.

Trees:
- Wrap young trees with a Plastic Spiral Tree Guard to protect bark from rodent damage and/or sun scald.
- Remove any broken branches and treat them with Wilson's Pruning Paint. Discard of any diseased leaves.
- Ropel is a great product to apply for protection from deer, rabbits, and other chewing animals.

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Shrubs:
- If your shrubs have experienced snow or ice damage in the past, build a tee-pee of either 1"x1" or 2"x2" wood and burlap. This will allow the snow to run off and keep icicles from breaking the branches.
- Remove any broken or diseased branches.
NOTE: Do not compost diseased leaves. Discard them.

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Upright Evergreens:
- Yews, Skyrockets, Mountbattens, Emerald Cedars, and Spartan Junipers suffer the most from the weight of the snow and ice. This will not kill your plants, but will make them unsightly in the spring. We recommend that you wrap them with Vexar Winter Wrap Netting in the late fall. Leave it on the plant until the threat of snow has passed in the late spring.
NOTE: Wrap Dwarf Alberta Spruce with burlap to prevent scald and winter damage.

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Rhododendrons and Azaleas:
- These plants are very susceptible to wind, sun, and snow damage.
- Build a shelter of 2"x2" stakes and burlap around each plant protecting it from the snow, sun, and wind.
- Once the ground is frozen, apply 5-8" of mulch.
- Important Step: Apply an anti-desiccant such as Wilt Pruf to broadleaf evergreens for optimum protection.

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Roses:
- Cut back roses to approximately 1 1/2' (18") high by removing the frozen buds after a heavy frost.
- Remove as many leaves as possible.
- Important Step: Dust the remaining branches with Green Earth Garden Sulphur or Wilson's Rose Doctor Fungicide.
- Once the ground freezes, install a 'rose collar': Build up your rose with fresh garden soil 12" high and 12" wide. Once this new soil freezes, apply 3-4" of mulch to complete the job.
NOTE: If you are using Styrofoam rose cones, make sure to poke several 1" holes in the top of your cone so the rose can breathe over the winter.
- Don't cover your rose too early in the late fall/early winter or small rodents/animals will make homes in and around your roses.

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General Information:
- Water deeply before the ground is frozen to prevent desiccation (drying out) of your plants.
- Wait until the ground is frozen and apply 3-5" of mulch to provide a good insulating layer.
- Never use plastic as a winter protection wrap. Your plants need to breathe during the winter months.

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Product Information

Q: What kinds of products do you carry?
Q: How do I keep my annuals blooming all season?
Q: What do the numbers on fertilizer mean?
Q: How big are your bag your own bags?
Q: What should I spray my roses with? Fruit trees?

Q: What kinds of products do you carry?
A: We carry a large variety of products. We have diverse selection of both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as hardgoods for tending to your lawn and garden. We also have a wide range of garden gifts and novelties. If there is something specific you are looking for and cannot find, speak with one of our helpful staff members and they will help you locate it.

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Q: How do I keep my annuals blooming all season?
A: To keep your annuals blooming all season, be sure to keep them watered, and fertilize them once a week with an all-purpose fertilizer. Deadhead your plants and don't be afraid to cut your plants back if they get too long and can no longer stand upright. Continue fertilizing and watering and they will rebloom for you.

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Q: What do the three numbers on fertilizer mean?
A: Fertilizer is of 3 main components: Nitrogen (N), Phosphate, or Phosphorus (P) and Sulfate of Potash, or Potassium (K). The Nitrogen promotes overall grass shoot growth and greenness, the Phosphorus promotes strong root growth, and the Potassium strengthens the plant and increases its resistance to disease. In the spring and summer your lawn requires a higher level of Nitrogen for strong green growth. In the fall, it is best to use a higher level of Potassium to strengthen the lawn and increase disease resistance to prepare it for the winter.

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Q: How big are your bag your own bags?
A: Our bag your own bags are heavy duty 30L bags and we encourage you to reuse these bags. Let us know at the time of your purchase that you have bags to reuse and you will save on your purchase.

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Q: What should I spray my roses with? Fruit trees?
A: Roses are susceptible to both disease and insect attacks. The best way to combat this is to use an insecticide/fungicide, such as a rose dust, once a week as a preventative method. You should begin this as soon as new shoots appear in the spring.

For your fruit trees, at the start of the season, use Horticultural Oil and Lime Sulphur before the tree comes out of dormancy. This will help to control most diseases and insects that have overwintered with the tree. Be sure not to use Horticultural Oil at any other point during the year after buds have opened. You may continue using the lime sulphur to control insects and fungus.

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Christmas

Q:Are you open during the Christmas season?
Q: How do I care for my poinsettia?


Q: Are you open during the Christmas season?
A: We do remain open for the Christmas season, during which we sell a selection of Christmas trees, decorations, and a variety of poinsettias. Fresh greenery, twigs and berries for creating beautiful urns and centerpieces are available as well.

We also offer pre-made and custom-made urns. Call or come in to order.

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Q: How do I care for my poinsettia?
A: Poinsettias must be kept in a warm location, between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and free of drafts. They need medium-full sun and to be kept well-watered. They can be kept growing until around mid-May, at which point they should be planted outside. In September, bring the plant inside during night and place it in a light free environment, such as a closet, until late November or until the coloured bracts have developed.

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