Organic Soil and Compost in Ottawa | Greely Sand & Gravel

Better Soil Grows Better Plants

There’s nothing more mouth-watering than the fresh, succulent taste of a sun-kissed tomato right off the vine in your own garden. Taking your culinary pleasure to new heights is the satisfaction you get from knowing what is- and isn’t- in your food. Organic gardening gives you the reassurance that your food has only been exposed to pure and natural elements. Like our customers, Greely Sand & Gravel wants to help make our world a better place. For us, this begins with providing sustainable options that are better for the Earth and people alike.

Growing your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers makes your garden a picturesque haven for bees, butterflies and birds and is easier than you might think. Greely Sand & Gravel has the high-quality, organic materials you need to produce lush, nutritious produce all season long.

Greely’s Topdressing Soil™ (organic) – The same great blend of Greely’s famous screened topsoil, mushroom compost and black peat is now approved for organic growing. Sometimes referred to as triple mix, garden soil or black soil, this is a great all-purpose growing soil that is also organic. Use it to create new gardens or flower beds, topdress your lawn, plant trees & shrubs, or revive & replenish your existing garden and flower beds. Greely’s Topdressing Soil™ is certified for organic growing by the Centre for Systems Integration (CSI), a division of Seeds Canada. We comply with the standards set forth by the CSI, including annual on-site inspections of our processing facilities, detailed record-keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water.

Greely’s Mushroom Compost (organic) – Greely’s Mushroom Compost is an organic soil conditioner approved for use in organic growing! Mix it into your existing soil to give it a readily available boost of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Locally sourced from Carleton Mushroom Farm in Osgoode, Ontario, mushroom compost adds nutrients to your soil, benefiting your plants and your garden’s overall soil health.

Our 4x4 raised garden boxes are organic too! Constructed of unfinished Hemlock wood, our 4x4 raised garden boxes are left untreated, making them organic and safe for your flowers, fruits and vegetables to grow in. They’re also locally made by The WoodSource, reducing their carbon footprint. The cherry on top? You’ll get free shipping within the Ottawa area!

Organic Soil and Compost FAQs

What is Organic Soil?

The upper 2" – 8" layer of soil is known as topsoil. It is composed of organic material and minerals. It is in this layer where plants get most of their necessary nutrients. Technically, all soil is organic matter, but not all soil is free of pesticides. By definition, “organic” signifies that no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage, genetically modified ingredients, or ionized radiation have been used in the production of the soil. Organic topsoil approved for use in organic production, like Greely’s Topdressing Soil™ (organic), has been shown to be free of pesticides and other undesirable elements.

Tracking down a reputable supplier of pesticide-free topsoil is often challenging and costly. Most soil available commercially is stripped from agricultural fields, where the chances of pesticide contamination are high. If you are looking for pesticide-free topsoil, you need to find a supplier that can prove no pesticides have been applied.

Is Organic Soil Better?

Organic soil is composed of plant, animal, or mineral matter that has been processed in a natural way. It has more micronutrients, as well as beneficial organisms, that are not found in inorganic soil. Because of this, it can help improve the fertility and health of the soil while providing optimal drainage. Organic soil also helps to create a more balanced soil pH, which promotes vigorous root growth and improves water uptake. With organic soil, your plants will have an overall healthier growth, leading to better-looking and tastier produce!

Greely’s Topdressing Soil™ has been proven pesticide-free. This helps create a more natural, sustainable environment in your garden, on your table and for the Earth itself!

What Does Mushroom Compost Do?

Mushroom compost is an organic compost composed of plant material and by-products of the mushroom production process. This type of compost is highly valued by gardeners due to its ability to promote the strong and healthy growth of plants. The compost is full of nitrogen and beneficial microorganisms, which help nourish the plants, encouraging their growth and ensuring maximum yields. Overall, mushroom compost is an excellent and affordable addition to any garden, providing plenty of natural nutrition to plants and the soil, ensuring strong and abundant growth.

Is Mushroom Compost Better Than Mineral Fertilizers?

While Organic Mushroom Compost is slightly more expensive than mineral fertilizers in terms of nutrient content per unit weight, it provides an abundance of advantages that mineral fertilizers cannot offer. Applied to the soil, mushroom compost boosts the biological, physical, and chemical features of the soil. Nutrients from mushroom compost are released slowly over a more extended period of time, which helps plants use them more effectively than traditional mineral fertilizers.

What Does “Organic” Really Mean in Canada?

The Government of Canada defines “organic” as: “Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop operations that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.”