The Basics

Are you a beginner or novice gardener? Just looking for a refresher on the basics? You're in the right place! For advice on the basics of plants, pruning, dead-heading, and everything in between, read our tips below.


A Seed is a Promise | Best Tips on Growing & Sowing Seeds

A Seed is a Promise | Best Tips on Growing & Sowing Seeds

Posted Mar 5th, 2017

Seeds are an economical way to grow and a wonderful way to teach children about the magic of plants and gardening. Read on for our best growing tips for your seeds.

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Planting Instructions with Easy Steps for Success | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Planting Instructions with Easy Steps for Success | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Aug 25th, 2021

We want you to be successful with your garden. To achieve the best results, we recommend following these planting instructions with easy steps for success.

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Cool Weather Crops, Soil & Seeding | Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Barrhaven

Cool Weather Crops, Soil & Seeding | Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Barrhaven

Posted Apr 14th, 2020

If this is your first season growing your own garden WELCOME! Here is the first edition of our Victory Garden 2.0 series. This year more than ever is a perfect opportunity to learn something new that may stay with you for a lifetime.

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Much More than a Pretty Face: 8 Health Benefits of Plants | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Much More than a Pretty Face: 8 Health Benefits of Plants | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Nov 6th, 2019

Sure plants are pretty and smell great, but did you know that many plants can actually benefit your physical and mental health?

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Fall Garden Tasks: Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Fall Garden Tasks: Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Oct 10th, 2018

Falling leaves signal the beginning of the fall clean up season. Let's get your garden Winter ready with Gemmell's Fall garden tasks.

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Autumn Joy: The Benefits of Fall Gardening | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Autumn Joy: The Benefits of Fall Gardening | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Sep 27th, 2018

Autumn has arrived and with it come the benefits of Fall gardening. It's the perfect time for moving / dividing perennials or planting Spring bulbs & adding more colour.

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Best Flowering Shrubs for Your Garden This Summer | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Best Flowering Shrubs for Your Garden This Summer | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Jun 11th, 2018

Enjoy beautiful, low maintenance and easy to grow summer-blooming shrubs in your garden this summer. Here are our picks for the best flowering shrubs for your garden. 

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Hydrangeas: Tips for Planting & Caring for Your Type of Hydrangeas  | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Hydrangeas: Tips for Planting & Caring for Your Type of Hydrangeas | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted May 14th, 2018

Hydrangeas are a classic garden shrub that are a must-have in every garden. We have your tips for planting & caring for your type of hydrangea.

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Caring for Your Succulents & Air Plants | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Caring for Your Succulents & Air Plants | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Apr 12th, 2018

Succulents and air plants are once again on trend. Learn how to easily care for them with our simple tips.

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7 Simple Tips for a Well Designed Garden | Gemmell's Garden Centre

7 Simple Tips for a Well Designed Garden | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Jul 12th, 2017

We know many gardeners feel that garden design is a daunting task, so we've gathered 7 simple tips to help you create a well designed garden.

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Proper Watering Techniques for your Trees, Shrubs & Hanging Baskets | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Proper Watering Techniques for your Trees, Shrubs & Hanging Baskets | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Jun 28th, 2017

As the weather heats up so does the need to thoroughly water your plants. Here is a guide to proper watering techniques...

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Stop & Smell the Roses | Timeless Beauty and Fragrance, Roses are a Classic in the Garden

Stop & Smell the Roses | Timeless Beauty and Fragrance, Roses are a Classic in the Garden

Posted Jun 14th, 2017

Coveted by gardeners for their timeless beauty and fragrance, roses are a classic in the garden. Our selections include...

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Hooray for Hostas | Drought Tolerant, Shade Loving & Gorgeous All Summer Long

Hooray for Hostas | Drought Tolerant, Shade Loving & Gorgeous All Summer Long

Posted May 31st, 2017

With beautiful foliage, shade & drought loving hostas are the perfect plant to accent flowers in the garden.

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Benefits of Trees | For the Love of Trees | Brockville Garden Centre

Benefits of Trees | For the Love of Trees | Brockville Garden Centre

Posted May 17th, 2017

Trees are an investment in our future, providing shade, reducing carbon dioxide, and providing homes for birds and small animals. Read on to see why you shouldn't take trees for granted.

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Lawn Care | I Fought the Lawn and the Lawn Won | Nematodes

Lawn Care | I Fought the Lawn and the Lawn Won | Nematodes

Posted Apr 17th, 2017

If your lawn looks like a war zone this spring with dead patches, and torn up grass then it’s likely you have grubs. We have some tips on how to regain your beautiful lawn with nematodes. These naturally-occurring microscopic organisms are safe for pets and people and are a natural predator to grubs.

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A Breath of Fresh Air | How to Care for Tropical Foliage Plants

A Breath of Fresh Air | How to Care for Tropical Foliage Plants

Posted Apr 10th, 2017

Attractive, decorative and functional, Tropical Foliage Plants are like adding a breath of fresh air to a room and in fact that is exactly what they do - increase the amount of oxygen in a room! Learn how to care for your tropical plant.

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Edible Gardening Tips for Homegrown Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs | Ottawa Valley

Edible Gardening Tips for Homegrown Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs | Ottawa Valley

Posted Mar 1st, 2017

Growing your own vegetables, fruits and herbs is possible no matter your space. Be it a large backyard garden or a container garden on your front porch, balcony or patio, we have some great edible gardening tips so you can enjoy fresh homegrown food from your very own garden in the Ottawa Valley.

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Easy Three Ingredient Beautiful Container Planting Recipe | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Easy Three Ingredient Beautiful Container Planting Recipe | Gemmell's Garden Centre

Posted Feb 27th, 2017

Every spring the challenge of coming up with beautiful containers is a challenge for many gardeners. If you want to be the envy of your neighbourhood this season then here is an easy three-ingredient recipe to follow

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Introducing the Gemmell's Victorian Planter Workshop!

Introducing the Gemmell's Victorian Planter Workshop!

Posted Feb 14th, 2017

Create your own elegant Victorian-style planter, and learn how to keep it looking lovely all summer long with the Victorian Planter Workshop at Gemmell's Garden Centre in Smiths Falls.

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Fertilizer Has Changed | Why It Matters & What You Need to Know | Ottawa Gardening

Fertilizer Has Changed | Why It Matters & What You Need to Know | Ottawa Gardening

Posted Feb 12th, 2017

New 17-5-17 Ratio | Recently the ratios for the N-P-K have significantly changed in fertilizer. Read on to discover why we have embraced this new way of thinking in horticulture and are helping our environment, with this high micronutrient, water soluble fertilizer, as well.

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 Gemmell's Garden Centre | Top 10 Series | Best Shrubs for Your Garden

Gemmell's Garden Centre | Top 10 Series | Best Shrubs for Your Garden

Posted Feb 11th, 2017

In the anticipation of Spring, we've gathered our picks for the best shrubs for your garden. These beautiful, low maintenance, shrubs could easily take centre stage in your garden this season.

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Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 4 | Heirloom Varieties, What's All the Hype About?

Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 4 | Heirloom Varieties, What's All the Hype About?

Posted Feb 8th, 2017

If you've noticed an increased interest in heirloom / heritage plant varieties, you aren't alone ~ here at Gemmell's Garden Centre we are also pretty big fans. Join us as we chat about why we love our heirloom tomatoes and share a few of our favourites.

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Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 3 | Growing and Caring for Your Tomato Plant

Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 3 | Growing and Caring for Your Tomato Plant

Posted Feb 1st, 2017

The best practices for growing and caring for your tomato plant. With a little love and attention you can keep your tomatoes healthy and thriving and will be enjoying fresh tomatoes from your garden in no time.

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Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 2 | Breaking Down the Best Tomato Varieties for Your Needs

Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 2 | Breaking Down the Best Tomato Varieties for Your Needs

Posted Jan 25th, 2017

There is nothing quite like the taste of a fresh tomato from the garden. With over 15,000 varieties of tomatoes being cultivated worldwide, we are here to help you decide which variety of tomato is best for your needs.

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Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 1 | What is the Difference Between Bush and Vine Tomatoes?

Tomatoes 101 Series | Part 1 | What is the Difference Between Bush and Vine Tomatoes?

Posted Jan 18th, 2017

Looking for tips on growing the perfect tomato in your garden or patio container? Today's tomato gardening 101 tip: the difference between bush (determinate) and vine (indeterminate) tomatoes.

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