Home, Lawn and Garden, Wednesday, July 18, 2007 3 The difference is in the dirt Your garden's foundation is the earth in which it is planted. Soil is comprised of minerals, organic matter, which provides nutrients and deteriorates or decomposes over time, moisture and air. Nutrients in soil are steadily diminished as organic matter in compost and fertilizer or plant food is used by plants and eroded by the elements, so it's important to amend your soil and add nutrients regularly. In new subdivisions or developments, the topsoil used is often of poor quality, so amending the soil is an essential step in establishing and maintaining healthy lawns and gardens. Household composters provide an excellent source of organic matter to add nutrients to soil, but they require some work. The mixture must be allowed time to break down to a desired state, and it must be kept moist and turned for even consistency. Some municipalities provide ready-to-use compost in the spring; you simply bring your own container and help yourself. Or, new this year from Scotts is a line of Pro Blends Professional Quality soils to improve your lawn or garden and grow bigger, healthier trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetables. Know Your Dirt: Professionally blended soils to look for this season include: · Black Earth, great for lawns, provides a three-in-one blend of black earth, compost and manure. The natural, organic-based ingredients will help improve the soil structure by increasing porosity and allowing more water and nutrients to reach the root zone. Look for these icons to help you choose the right soil for your lawn or garden. · Topsoil is a blend of topsoil, compost and manure, an organic-based blend of nutrients to promote healthy plant growth. · Organic Compost is designed for in-ground gardens. It's a professional quality blend of compost and manure, containing essential organic matter from composted leaves and yard clippings. Add it to flower and vegetable beds for healthier plant growth and more abundant vegetables and blooms. · Containers require a different type of soil altogether. Since containerbound plants tend to dry out faster; choose a container planting soil with a mixture of sphagnum peat, bark fines, compost and perlite to help soil hold moisture, promote strong root growth and better drainage for container gardens. Pro Blends Potting Mix is also enriched with a slow release fertilizer for healthier plant growth. MiracleGro Potting Mix contains coconut fibre husks, which hold moisture until the plant needs it. Get the scoop on dirt before you buy blends by reading labels and choosing the appropriate one for your needs. --News Canada Call LEATHERTOWN LUMBER for Competitive Prices on all your SUMMER PROJECTS WE NOW STOCK TOP QUALITY FULL STOCK of quality 5X5X10' 5X5X12' PRESSURE TREATED PASTWAY pressure treated lumber & accessories Beyond the Screen Door Incorporated ROUGH 1 x 6 x 16' WE STOCK TOP QUALITY OAK FENCING PRESSURE TREATED ROUND POSTS WESTERN RED CEDAR Lengths to 20' ROUGH PINE Great for Board & Batten ¢ 1 x 12 lin. ft. CRAFTERS PLYWOOD Baltic Birch $ 99 Victorian Style Wood PET PROOF SCREENING 36" $ 99 48" DECK RAILINGS $ 2 399 ft. ft. 1"x3"x24" CLEAR PINE 18.99 ea. $ 5'x5'x1/4" 24.99 ea. $ 5'x5'x1/2" 39.99 ea. 5'x5'x1/8" $ Bundle 5 99 10 Pc. The Better InsulationTM Great for Home or Cottage Easy to Install Easy to Maintain FORMULA 77 FOR USE ON PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER CREATE A DISTINCTIVE DECK with HEAVY DUTY We stock a full line of $ 2699 TREX The composite material that doesn't crack, rot or splinter. TARPS Various Sizes Up to 30' x 50' 3.78 L PAINTS & STAINS WE STOCK A FULL LINE OF PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES While Supplies Last 264 MAIN ST. N ACTON FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED 519-853-1970 FAX LINE: (519) 853-2542 · Toronto Line: (416) 601-1259 FREE LOCAL DELIVERY HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 6 pm · Saturday 8 am - 4 pm Want New WOOD FLOORING? We've got you covered! · Large Selection · Certified Installation · Best Warranties Anywhere MAIN ST. (olde Georgetown) CALL US FOR YOUR "FREE" IN-HOME ESTIMATE ST. MILL CARPET BARN CARPET ONE 9TH LINE MOUNTAINVIEW RD. 8TH LINE 5TH SIDEROAD (Downtown Georgetown) Locally owned & operated by neighbours you've known & trusted for over 35 years! 10TH LINE CARPET BARN carpetone.com · 1-800-CARPET-1 26 Guelph St, Georgetown · 905 877-9896 TRAFALGAR RD GU ELP HS T. ( Hw y. 7 ) MAPLE AVE. N GEORGETOWN SOUTH 10TH SIDEROAD ARGYLL ROAD