The Time is Now: Bulb Planning and Planting

Hello again,

Okay September is turning into October and it is time to think Spring! How do you do that? By planning and planting a Spring flowering bulb garden, of course! And this Saturday we want to show you how best to do just that! Fall is the time to plant bulbs for Spring color and we have the best selection in Maine as well as easy to use supplies! Come to our Bulb Planting and Planning Class! Remember that tu-lips are better than none and that the first step toward Spring is the planting of bulbs in the fall!

This free class is being offered at 10 AM this Saturday October 3 in Brunswick, Cumberland and Falmouth and you can reserve a space by calling any of the above numbers OR by contacting us at info@skillins.com (just specify the store!).

Before I forget, we will once again have some nice refreshments on hand this Saturday as well for you to sample. All good gardeners need to keep the blood sugar level high and we love our food. So the subject will keep you on the edge of your seat but our hospitality should keep you smiling!

Want a great view of our Falmouth Maine farm where we grow mums, cabbages & more? Folks we are real Maine people growing Maine products—we are strong Buy Local supporters. Check http://www.skillins.com/2009fallvideo.html for a great tour of the range where our fall mums and cabbages are grown. Terry Skillin is your host and he does a great job!

Bulb Gardening Thoughts

Spring bulb planting begins in October as the night and day temperatures begin to fall and the air becomes clear and dry. Purchasing bulbs is another story and that should begin in late August and September when variety and quantities are at their peak. Bulbs should be firm and show no signs of rot or damage. Some retailers sell inexpensive bulbs but be cautious of these, although they will survive they may be too young to produce flowers for several years if at all. Here are some of the products needed:

Bulbs of your choice Spring bulbs need to be planted in full sun (min. 6 hours) in little well drained soil. Each variety of bulbs has a mature height and bloom time so stag your planting low in front tall in back as well as stagger the variety for bloom time to lengthen the season.

Espoma Bulb Tone Bulbs like many of our garden favorites are not always growing naturally in our yards so the nutrients that they require mat not be available in the levels that they need to perform at their best. Bulb Tone is an all natural plant food (3-5-3) a complete blend aiding in the full development of our bulbs. Always follow the recommend amounts that are suggested on the packaging unless a soil test tells us differently.

Coast of Maine Cobscook Blend or Fundy Mix Bulbs like most of our perennials require a moderate amount of organic matter in the soil for them to flourish. The Coast of Maine products are the most consistent and general show the best results.

Bulb Planters Nothing beats a good shovel when creating a mass planting of bulbs. However for spotting bulbs throughout the garden in and around existing plants a bulb planter or auger that fits onto a cordless drill is a very effective tool. Bulbs should be planted at least 3 X their diameter. This is from the top of the bulb to the surface of the garden bed. This means the top of a 2” bulb should be 6” deep in the soil making the hole approximately 8” deep.

Ro­-Pel Many of our native animals of all sizes enjoy our bulbs as much as we do but for an entirely different reason. They taste good. We have found that Ro-Pel has been one of the most effective repellant to protect our bulb investment. Before planting bulbs soak them in Ro-pel for one minute allow to dry before planting. For deer and other spring feeders spray all surfaces including both sides of the foliage.

Mark Your Calendar!

Here are our more of our classes and events. Our classes will be held Saturdays at all three locations (unless otherwise stated) at 10 AM. Space is limited so reserve today for the classes of your choice! Class participants receive a special Skillin’s discount coupon for use on the weekend of your class.

SKILLIN'S CUSTOMERS WHO ATTEND SIX OUT OF OUR NINE CLASSES IN THIS SERIES RECEIVE A $60 SKILLIN'S GIFT CERTIFICATE! Check out our whole series of classes at www.skillin.com!

You can reserve a space in our classes by calling any of the above numbers OR by contacting us at info@skillins.com (just specify the date, store and time).


OCTOBER 10-Fresh Floral Arranging (10 AM & 2 PM)We are all about color and fun here at Skillin’s! Or is it fun then color? No matter because everyone’s favorite class is back! We will show you how to make the coolest, most colorist, most funnest arrangement!There is a $15 fee to cover materials.
We hope to see you soon here at Skillin’s!

OCTOBER 17- Birds in the Back Yard Gardening is great! And birding is awesome—they really go hand in hand; 2 outdoor activities that attract people of the same feather. HaHaHa! Let us show you how to attract and keep the finest of our feathered friends.

Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
September 30, 2009