Garden Talks January 17, 2008

Hello again,

I just thought I would pop into the Skillin's Garden Log with some January garden topics that are always good to review!

January is the time for garden planning. This is a good time for you to update your garden records of areas that you might have limed or fertilizer. Most areas should be limed every 2 to 3 years although we recommend doing a soil test every now and then.

Map out your vegetable garden and remember that it is vital to rotate your vegetable crops. If you have room consider leaving a piece of your garden empty for a year to better allow the soil to replenish. Most of us do not have that kind of room so that is why we recommend using natural fertilizers like Plant Tone by Espoma or Pro Gro by North Country Organics that nurture the soil. Crop rotation also confuses pests that lie in wait for the vine crop that is in the same spot every year or the root crop that you have planted in that same row.

Hey folks, the days are getting a little longer! We have gained over 30 minutes since the shortest day of the year (December 22). It is a great time to start seeds for perennials, geraniums and fun hanging plants like verbena and fuschia. We have a great variety of seeds that are available!

One of my favorite companies that we feature is a seed company called Botanical Interests a family business based in Colorado. Their focus is to provide high quality seed at a reasonable price. Combining the art and science of gardening, Botanical Interests offers a full line of untreated flower, vegetable, and herb seeds as well as a Certified Organic seed line. Their seed packets feature incredible detail about the plant you will be growing. Not only how to grow the plant but the best uses as well as history for the plant. Check out Botanical Interests seeds here at Skillin’s as well as their informative web site at www.botanicalinterests.com. A lot of seed, a lot of information for not much money!

The folks at People, Places and Plants magazine (produced right here in Maine) check in this issue with some great gardening tips that deserve special mention. Their web site can be found at www.ppplants.com:

“Design and plan the spring garden space. Early planning allows time to research plants' habits and performances. Review notes and photographs from the previous year.”
Now is the time for planning! Let us know if we can help you with any aspects of landscape design! We do have a landscape designer on staff named Chad Skillin who would love to speak with you!

“Check your seed starting supplies. By the end of the month supplies will be rolling into many garden centers."We have them now!

"Start perennials, geraniums and pansies. Many other plants such as lobelia and verbena also need to be started indoors by the end of the month to be ready for spring.” This is true and we can give some great tips on how to get your Spring off to an early start!

“Remember to water forcing bulbs. As the roots develop on the bulbs that are being forced for indoor flowering, the demand for water increases. Check each pot every two or three days; it should feel moist, but not saturated.” This is great advice and can often be missed.

“Care for house plants. During the dark winter months many of our house plants become dry and vulnerable. Move even shade-loving plants such as begonias and ferns into a sunny area. Be sure to remove any excess water from containers, yet frequently spray the plants with a light mist - except for African violets. Keep plants away from a direct heat source, or a cold window, and watch for insects. Fertilize lightly.” The low light of late fall and early winter can really set plants back. Get your plants near a window!

“Re-coat your evergreen plants with an anti-desiccant such as Wilt-Pruf on a dry day when temperatures rise above 45 degrees. This will help the plants' foliage retain the limited moisture available until spring.” Good advice especially as we head into February. Wilt-Pruf is an all natural product that will really help protect your broad leafed evergreens!

“Check mulch around outdoor plants during mild days. Mulch is applied to keep the ground frozen, and frost heaves on mild days can push plants upward.” We have had a pretty good snow blanket so this advice may not ring as true this year as it does other Januarys. I will say I have one south facing perennial bed that I do apply mulch to in late fall to keep the ground cold. But on sunny winter days that sun can beat down hard on my little perennial bed. This bed is at the top of the driveway so I take special care to shovel as much snow as possible on top of the perennial bed to keep that ground nice and cold and frozen in place through the winter.

Thanks for reading the Skillin's Garden Log!

If you have any comments or questions we would love to hear them! Simply post a comment by clicking on "comments" at the end of this posting OR drop us your question with an email at info@skillins.com!

Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
January 17, 2008