Advice From The Ritchie Team Experts

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...

Many homeowners see fall as the end of the lawn care season, but in reality, it’s the most important time to give your grass the attention it needs. A lawn left on its own in autumn often develops problems that surface in spring: weed outbreaks, bare patches, and shallow roots that struggle after winter’s stress.

Without care now, you’ll be playing catch-up when the growing season returns.

Fall is one of the most important and often overlooked seasons in the gardening calendar. While many think of it as the end of the growing season, it’s actually a time of renewal, preparation, and abundance.

By taking the right steps now, you can protect your garden through winter, set it up for success in spring, and even learn how to make the most of your harvest indoors.

As the seasons shift, September is one of the best times to refresh your garden beds with a layer of mulch. While many gardeners think of mulching only in spring, applying it in early fall provides unique benefits that protect your plants and prepare your soil for the colder months ahead.

Fresh shipments of spring bulbs are arriving at your local Ritchie’s, and they’re the secret to waking up your garden with colour after a long winter. Plant them this fall, and by spring you’ll have a landscape full of texture, fragrance, and cheer. Here’s why each one deserves a spot in your garden beds or borders:

Most people think garden design begins in spring, but that’s when your options are limited, plants cost more, and tender roots struggle with sudden heat waves. Starting then often means impulse buying, mismatched plants, and a garden that only looks good for one short season.

September offers a smarter solution.

If you have been browsing lawn care aisles this season, you may have noticed bags of corn gluten meal and wondered why so many gardeners swear by it. Corn gluten is a natural way to reduce weeds and promote a healthier lawn, but timing is everything.

Here is what makes it special, why fall is the right time to apply, and what to avoid when using it.

From their deep cultural roots to their spectacular fall performance, chrysanthemums are much more than a decorative plant. They are a living celebration of autumn. With their love for water, cool weather, and short days, mums thrive just when we need them most, brightening gardens, porches, and patios with lasting colour

As summer winds down, many gardeners wonder how to keep their landscapes vibrant and healthy through the shift into fall. Late August is a transition point: blooms are fading, leaves are hinting at colour, and your plants need a little extra care to prepare for cooler days.

Here are some of the top questions we hear this time of year, with answers to help your garden shine from now into autumn.

Between squirrels, raccoons, and nonstop feathered visitors, summer can be tough on backyard bird feeders. If your setup looks a little worse for wear such as bent hooks, chewed wood, or clogged seed ports, you’re not alone. Even the best feeders need a little TLC after months of heavy use.

As summer winds down and cooler days roll in, your flock needs a little extra support to stay strong and healthy through the seasonal shift. Chickens are surprisingly resilient, but the right care now makes all the difference for their comfort, egg production, and overall well-being.

When it comes to watering your garden, not all hoses and sprinklers are created equal. From spray patterns to sprinkler styles and clever accessories, the right setup can make all the difference in keeping your plants thriving (and your lawn looking lush). Let’s break it down.

Fungal diseases can be sneaky visitors in your vegetable and squash patch — thriving in warm, humid conditions or in gardens where plants are overcrowded. Once they take hold, they can spread quickly, affecting leaves, stems, and even your harvest.

There’s something magical about this time of year — the air is crisp, the colours are rich, and the fields are full of bounty. It’s peak harvest season, and nothing compares to the simple joy of filling a basket with fresh-picked produce straight from the garden or orchard.

At Ritchie Feed & Seed, we know many gardeners are looking for effective, eco-friendly ways to keep pests under control. One question we’ve heard a lot lately is: “Do you sell neem oil?” The short answer is no — and here’s why.

In a remarkable show of community spirit, Ritchie Feed & Seed, a cornerstone of Ottawa's gardening community, has teamed up with Radio 88.9 to provide a $1000 gift certificate to the Barrhaven Food Cupboard (BFC).