Potting Soils and Amendments
Goffle Brook Farms provides much more than just beautiful plants! We have everything you need to compliment them, work with them and help them to thrive. We have a wide selection of soils for various needs, including potting soil and top soil. Our fertilizers are available year round to feed your plants when they need it.
So why does Miracle-Gro or any other fertilizer help plants grow bigger and healthier? Fertilizer is material added to the growing medium of plants to supplement nutrient minerals that may be lacking. The minerals are used in very minor, and in some cases almost microscopic, amounts, to help construct all the different parts of the plant, it’s enzymes, proteins, vitamins, reproductive processes, etc. A deficiency of minerals will limit plant growth, while adding certain minerals to the soil (or other medium) can increase growth and yield.
It’s important to understand that while fertilizer is often called “plant food,” plants don’t require food in the same way that animals do. Plants make the majority of their food, or fuel, from air and water, using the energy of the sun. This is called photosynthesis. Think of fertilizer as supplying the “nails” – you can’t build a house of nails, but you need them to hold the lumber together.
There are 3 primary macro-nutrients (those that plants need in the highest amounts) – nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium. The relative concentration of these three is stated on the fertilizer label in the form of a 3-number series, e.g. 8-7-6, or 20-20-20. Then there are 3 secondary macro-nutrients – calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. In some places, notably Australia, the amount of sulfur is added as a 4th number. However, the many aspects of the fertilizer composition vary from nation to nation, so one must study the local regulations if you wish to know the finer points.
In addition to the macro-nutrients, there are a number of micro-nutrients which may or may not be included in the fertilizer, such as iron, copper, manganese, and a number of others. The concentration of the various nutrients elements are stated on the fertilizer label.
It’s also helpful to understand that plants use minerals in the form of mineral salts. Chemical fertilizers are already in the form of mineral salts, but in organic fertilizers the minerals are bound into organic forms, which have to be broken down by the microbes and/or chemical activity of the soil before they can be used by the plant.
The upkeep on your yard and plants is just as important as the installation of your plants. Our selection of hard goods will not only maintain your yard but they will help keep your plants healthy and your yard beautiful.
Goffle Brook Farms – Potting Soils and Amendments
Now it’s easier than ever to transform your outdoor space into an al fresco expression of your personal style with beautiful outdoor decorations. For your outdoor living area and porch or patio; check out the selection of Garden Decor at Goffle Brook Farms. From whimsical country crafts, birdbaths and feeders to hand-crafted decorative globes and spheres, wind chimes and fountains, our selection of garden decor adds a sense of “taste’ to any garden setting. We have a numerous selection of artsy garden flags and banners, ornaments for children’s gardens and much more.
These special garden features will enhance your time spent outside as their pleasant background sounds cancel out annoying sounds and provide the ultimate in relaxation. A weather-vane, garden art, outdoor clocks and flag poles will also add visual interest and a little bit of whimsy to your backyard. For the container gardener we offer a diverse selection of various sizes and shapes of ceramic, clay and plastic containers to dress up the porch, patio and/or garden beds. Choose a container and then choose your plants. Mix and match til you get it right at Goffle Brook Farms.
And don’t forget about our feathered friends. Our extensive collection of bird baths, bird feeders and bird houses are a fun way to get up close and personal to nature while adding a unique decorative touch to your yard.
Goffle Brook Farms has Bergen County’s best equipment and supplies to create the perfect lawn and garden. Browse our selection of garden tools, fertilizers, grass seed, vegetable seeds, pest controls, deer and rabbit repellents, insecticides, herbicides, potting soil, soil conditioners, and a complete line of organic fertilizers and supplies.
Need some grass seed? We have a diverse selection of different grass varieties from Kentucky Blue to Fescue to Shade Blends. Buy a pound or bulk. We also carry PURE Organic products with NO harmful chemicals. SAFE for children, pets and the planet! You can select from granular, liquids, organics and time release fertilizers. In addition to fertilizers we have a wide range of soil amendments to allow your lawn and garden to thrive! Please ask our staff which is best for your specific need.
Our wide range of products for pest and disease management is sure to keep your green goods healthy. Depending on your specific needs we can recommend organic or traditional products to fight those pesky pests and plant diseases that crop up during the season. We have the knowledge, solutions and the products that are made just for garden centers.
We also carry a large selection of mulches and topsoil in bags or bulk. We deliver (within our delivery area)!
Our brief overview will go over why mulch is so important to plant and soil health, how to properly mulch in the summer as opposed to the winter, some problems to avoid, and how to deal with weeding and mulching. There are two basic kinds of mulch: Organic and inorganic. Organic materials — wood, bark, compost, grass clippings, and leaves — will decompose and improve the soil as they do. They last a few years, after which you’ll need to add more. In addition, organic mulches are easy to spread, and do no harm if mixed into soil, as will happen when planting annuals or shrubs, for example. Stone, by contrast, is meant to be a more or less permanent mulch, to be put in place atop a layer of landscape fabric, and then left alone. It’s the lowest-maintenance option but not easy to work plant in. So the key question to ask yourself is: Will I be doing any gardening that requires digging and moving mulch aside to plant ornamentals? If the answer is yes, you will want to stick with an organic mulch.
Why Shop at Goffle Brook Farms
- Courteous, knowledgable and professional staff
- Locally Grown Fresh Seasonal Produce
- Quality Perennials – Annuals – Herbs and Garden Plants
- Full-scale Garden Center on Premises
- Conveniently located in Ridgewood, New Jersey
- Open 7 days a week from March 15th through Christmas Eve
- Family owned and operated since May 1st, 1968
- Serving Bergen County for over FIFTY years
What Our Customer’s Say
Really cute garden center. My boyfriend and I stopped by to get some pumpkins. They had a great variety of both small and large pumpkins. They also have a small petting zoo with goats, sheep, and a pig. They have a small variety of produce for purchase inside. We wound up sampling cider they were selling and bought that as well as it was delicious. We may go back to get more. Employees were very helpful and friendly.
Highly recommend this garden center.
This is such a great place. Goffle Brook Farm & Garden Center has friendly and helpful staff that seem to really appreciate your business. They have a great selection of plants, flowers, gardening supplies, great FRESH local produce and I am sure tons of stuff I have yet to discover. The staff is very knowledgeable and always takes the time to walk me through any garden problem or question I have.
I’ve been going to Goffle Brook Farm & Garden Center regularly for the past year since my family moved to the area and every time I go I leave happy. What more can you ask for?They will have my loyal business. I think they deserve your business too.
