Advice From The Ritchie Team Experts

Groundhog Day lands every year on February 2, right in that strange stretch of winter where everyone starts asking the same question: Is spring anywhere close?

It’s part folklore, part tradition, and part “we’re all desperate for sunlight” energy, but it also lines up with something very real in the gardening world: the seasonal shift from winter mode to spring prep.

Hydroponics is one of the easiest ways to grow fresh food indoors, especially in Canada, where winter can feel long and outdoor gardens are on pause. It’s clean, efficient, and once you understand the basics, it becomes a simple routine...

Your zone affects how early you can start certain seeds indoors. The colder the zone, the more valuable it is to start slow growers early, especially peppers and perennials. You don’t need a huge setup to start. A tray, seed-starting...

Not all composts and fertilizers are the same, and buying the “wrong” bag isn’t a disaster, but it can be disappointing.

Some products build soil structure, some feed plants, and some do a bit of both. The best choice depends on what you’re working on (garden beds, lawn, containers, raised beds) and what you want to fix (poor soil, low nutrients, weak growth).

Here’s a quick, practical guide to help you choose.

Did you know at Ritchie’s we still read books to keep up with expert advice on gardening, hobby farming, wild birds, and backyard living? Trends come and go, but a solid book is the kind of resource you’ll reach for year after year, especially when you’re trying to figure out what works in real life here in Ontario.

Raising a few backyard chickens can be one of the most rewarding “small farm” projects you’ll ever try. Fresh eggs, less food waste, natural pest control, and a little daily joy? It’s a vibe.

Let’s break down the basics, so you can start confidently.

We just added Revita-Moss to our moss collection, and if you love the look of lush, fresh moss but don’t love the upkeep, this one is for you.

Revita-Moss has one seriously satisfying perk: you can revive it with water. A quick mist or soak helps it plump back up and look vibrant again, giving you that “fresh forest” feel in your home décor, planters, and displays, without the fuss.

Peppers are slow growers, which is why starting them indoors is the key to bigger plants and earlier harvests, especially in Zones 4–6. If you want peppers that actually have time to flower, fruit, and ripen before fall, this is the way.

If you love the idea of growing your own food, but you’re short on space, short on sunlight, or just tired of messy soil, hydroponics might be your new favourite gardening technique.

If you garden in Zones 4–6, pepper season starts now, yes, even while there’s still snow outside.

Peppers are slow growers. The earlier you start them indoors, the stronger your plants will be when summer finally shows up. If you’ve ever had peppers that stayed tiny, flowered late, or didn’t ripen before fall… timing (and warmth) is usually the reason.

When the garden is sleeping, you can still grow something fresh, right on your counter.

Microgreens are young seedlings harvested just after their first leaves open. They’re quick, beginner-friendly, and a simple way to add real greens to winter meals.

Ritchie’s is turning 100 years old in 2027, and we want to celebrate this milestone with the people who helped build it: you.

To mark a century of growth, community, and gardening memories, we’re creating a Ritchie’s 100-Year Memory Wall, and we’re inviting customers to contribute a piece of Ritchie’s history.

How do you prefer to grow your seeds?

Whether you love the convenience of peat pots, the efficiency of pocket inserts, or the classic reliability of nursery pots, the right growing container can make seed starting easier, and your seedlings stronger.

At Ritchie’s, we carry all your favourite seed-starting tools in a variety of sizes to support every stage of your seedlings’ growth journey.

Have you ever picked up a bag of fertilizer and thought… okay, but what do these numbers actually mean? 👀

You’re not alone. Once you understand the NPK ratio, you’ll know exactly what you’re feeding your plants, and why.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to “speak fertilizer,” so you can shop with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and grow healthier plants all season long.

If you want stronger roots, healthier growth, and plants that can handle stress like champs… it starts with what’s under the surface.

PRO-MIX® soils aren’t just high-performing, they’re next-level. Many mixes include MYCOACTIVE™ technology, designed to support plant health from the root zone up.

Nervous About Growing Edibles From Seed to Harvest?

If “seed to harvest” feels like a big leap, you’re not alone. The good news? You can start sowing right now, and with a few key tools (and the right steps), you’ll be set up for a strong, bountiful season.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a seed rack thinking, “Is it too early for this?” or “Did I miss the window?”, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we created our new 12-month sowing calendars for Ontario gardeners in Zones 4, 5, and 6. They’re designed to make seed-starting and sowing feel simple, clear, and doable, whether you’re growing a full backyard garden or just a few containers on the porch.

January in Ontario isn’t about rushing spring,  it’s about getting a smart head start. While snow covers the garden and the ground is frozen solid, a few carefully chosen seeds can be started indoors to set you up for a stronger, earlier, and more productive growing season.

The secret to January seed starting?
Slow growers, patience, and proper lighting.

When winter feels long and colour is in short supply, amaryllis bulbs step in and completely steal the spotlight. With their bold blooms, dramatic height, and surprisingly easy care, they’re one of the most rewarding winter plants you can grow indoors.

But not all amaryllis bulbs are the same. Let’s break down the difference between waxed and traditional bulbs, how to force them to bloom in winter, and what to do after flowering if you want to enjoy them again next year.

Winter can be beautiful… but it’s also one of the harshest seasons for your plants. Cold winds, bright winter sun, and frozen ground can quietly do damage long before spring arrives. If you’ve ever noticed browning needles, dry leaves, or evergreens that just don’t bounce back, winter dehydration is often the culprit.

That’s where Wilt-Pruf comes in.

The holiday season is full of sparkling lights, meaningful moments… and a whole lot of wrapping paper waste. This year, why not skip the crinkly paper and try something more thoughtful, reusable, and honestly, way more charming?

Here at Ritchie Feed & Seed, we’re surrounded by everyday items that make perfect gift-wrap alternatives. They’re practical, festive, and guaranteed to make your gift stand out under the tree.