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Check out Think Ahead by KCB for a great article about garden planning as well as some great tips about alliums and chives. Here are some great pictures by KCB!
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Thanks to the chives; there will be nodeer munching this hosta! (above)
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Spring Pictures by KCB
Check out Think Ahead by KCB for a great article about garden planning as well as some great tips about alliums and chives. Here are some great pictures by KCB!
Thanks to the chives; there will be nodeer munching this hosta! (above)
Think Ahead by KCB
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KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are proud to tell you that KCB rules as the 2008 Maine Master Gardener of the Year. And we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family.
Biting ones tongue can be painful, figuratively and literally. On two occasions I felt this pain. I could also feel the pain of those who caused my lament. The store staff couldn’t help them. I couldn’t help them. They did not plan and now would have to wait.
In my harried "shoot from the hip lifestyle" I’m hard pressed to think about tonight never mind tomorrow. As the busiest time of my year winds down I am often asked, how do you prioritize? I once joked that I write all my clients names on golf balls, throw them into the air and whichever falls on my head first will get my attention. That may have been true early on in what I now refer to as ‘my calling’, yet surprisingly I am have become more organized. Adult like, even. I guess I can thank the skyrocketing gas prices of the summer of 2008.
When my associate, Ryan, and I met for our 2008 strategy, I came up w/the brilliant idea to plan the schedule according to neighborhoods. This may mean that my Cape Elizabeth Tuesday client may have to move to Thursday, the same day as another Cape client, or vice versa. Similar negotiations were made for Falmouth, West or Foreside, South Portland and Portland neighborhoods. I began to plan. It was working! Then, upon a referral, I acquired a new Cape property; along with the request to have Wednesday as their scheduled date. It seems the couple wanted to enjoy their property on Thursday, their only day off sans children. This would also mean I wouldn’t have to contend with flying soccer balls, badminton birdies or sun worshipping teens. This had my attention. Another plan was formed. I met w/the other Cape clients to have Wednesday be ‘Cape Day’. I was thinking ahead.
Enough about me. What of those people that caused me to remain silent? What was it that they wanted? Alliums!
The first person was at a nursery in the Spring asking for those big purple lollipops she was seeing everywhere. The person she asked did not understand so radioed another associate. When it was determined that Alliums were the key she was led to the bulbs. Alas, not available. Now is not the time. Alliums are purchased in the fall.
Within a day or two I visited yet another garden center. This time a young man entered with a shopping list, with alliums # 1 (was it alphabetical?) Again, sent to a bin of bulbs until one associate explained that these were only available for fall planting. This particular customer had another motive for his quest. Aesthetics aside, he wanted to keep deer at bay. Chives was the associates recommendation. A practice I follow myself.
It is known by some that Alliums, ornamental onions, have become one of my favorite garden elements. Their sizes, shapes and even colors vary. I tend to navigate towards the large purple orbs that seem to hover above the rest. Many varieties bloom before many of the companion plants that skirt the base.
Alliums are best planted among perennials whose foliage will flourish about the time those of the allium wane. In fact, in most cases the tropical low growing foliage browns before it blooms. The alliums I grow stand tall long after the bloom is off the bloom. They dry to a unique ball of mini spikes. In the dry state they remind me of the ‘Sparklers’ that was so much part of my childhood 4th of July celebrations, without the fear of burning or the bright light. If this is not a look that pleases you, simply cut the stalk. The foliage will ultimately disintegrate. If stalk is left as is, ultimately it is laughingly easy to pull out when ready. An easier and more powerful perennial you may not find.
As far as the chives. I wrote last year of my celebration of saved hostas. Four years I struggled. The deer, well, what can I say? Last spring I installed chives between the hosta. Not one of these succulents were touched. Each week the circular bed where my experiment percolated was approached with apprehension. Would it work? The succulent spikes of the aromatic herb worked well with the broad leaf hosta. Miniature purple pompoms offered color while the other plants waited to display theirs. At seasons end a dance of joy shook the small landscape. I thought Ryan was going to quit on the spot, but soon understand, though he opted out of the dance.
Chives can be planted now. For the alliums, you will have to think ahead.
In my harried "shoot from the hip lifestyle" I’m hard pressed to think about tonight never mind tomorrow. As the busiest time of my year winds down I am often asked, how do you prioritize? I once joked that I write all my clients names on golf balls, throw them into the air and whichever falls on my head first will get my attention. That may have been true early on in what I now refer to as ‘my calling’, yet surprisingly I am have become more organized. Adult like, even. I guess I can thank the skyrocketing gas prices of the summer of 2008.
When my associate, Ryan, and I met for our 2008 strategy, I came up w/the brilliant idea to plan the schedule according to neighborhoods. This may mean that my Cape Elizabeth Tuesday client may have to move to Thursday, the same day as another Cape client, or vice versa. Similar negotiations were made for Falmouth, West or Foreside, South Portland and Portland neighborhoods. I began to plan. It was working! Then, upon a referral, I acquired a new Cape property; along with the request to have Wednesday as their scheduled date. It seems the couple wanted to enjoy their property on Thursday, their only day off sans children. This would also mean I wouldn’t have to contend with flying soccer balls, badminton birdies or sun worshipping teens. This had my attention. Another plan was formed. I met w/the other Cape clients to have Wednesday be ‘Cape Day’. I was thinking ahead.
Enough about me. What of those people that caused me to remain silent? What was it that they wanted? Alliums!
The first person was at a nursery in the Spring asking for those big purple lollipops she was seeing everywhere. The person she asked did not understand so radioed another associate. When it was determined that Alliums were the key she was led to the bulbs. Alas, not available. Now is not the time. Alliums are purchased in the fall.
Within a day or two I visited yet another garden center. This time a young man entered with a shopping list, with alliums # 1 (was it alphabetical?) Again, sent to a bin of bulbs until one associate explained that these were only available for fall planting. This particular customer had another motive for his quest. Aesthetics aside, he wanted to keep deer at bay. Chives was the associates recommendation. A practice I follow myself.
It is known by some that Alliums, ornamental onions, have become one of my favorite garden elements. Their sizes, shapes and even colors vary. I tend to navigate towards the large purple orbs that seem to hover above the rest. Many varieties bloom before many of the companion plants that skirt the base.
Alliums are best planted among perennials whose foliage will flourish about the time those of the allium wane. In fact, in most cases the tropical low growing foliage browns before it blooms. The alliums I grow stand tall long after the bloom is off the bloom. They dry to a unique ball of mini spikes. In the dry state they remind me of the ‘Sparklers’ that was so much part of my childhood 4th of July celebrations, without the fear of burning or the bright light. If this is not a look that pleases you, simply cut the stalk. The foliage will ultimately disintegrate. If stalk is left as is, ultimately it is laughingly easy to pull out when ready. An easier and more powerful perennial you may not find.
As far as the chives. I wrote last year of my celebration of saved hostas. Four years I struggled. The deer, well, what can I say? Last spring I installed chives between the hosta. Not one of these succulents were touched. Each week the circular bed where my experiment percolated was approached with apprehension. Would it work? The succulent spikes of the aromatic herb worked well with the broad leaf hosta. Miniature purple pompoms offered color while the other plants waited to display theirs. At seasons end a dance of joy shook the small landscape. I thought Ryan was going to quit on the spot, but soon understand, though he opted out of the dance.
Chives can be planted now. For the alliums, you will have to think ahead.
KCB for Skillin's Greenhouses
June 23, 2009
Hey! Check the next post, Spring Pictures by KCB, for some great KCB pictures that really complement this post!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Garden Talks June 22--Weeds! (and rain)
Hello again,
I will be back in another day or so (and KCB has a piece that will be posting!) so check back with us soon!
Actually got a little time away from work today and man are my gardens infested with weeds. I am paying for "slacking" on my weed pulling from last year and many weeds have re seeded and come back in heavier than I have seen in my 21 years of gardening on my property.
It is time to go to war...I have filled the equivalent of 2 barrels with tall, short and medium sized weeds. My soon to bloom daylillies, perennial geraniums and other plants appreciate it. There is more weeding left to do.
I will say one advantage to these large volumes of rain is that even tall well rooted weeds are easy to pull completely out now. So this is today's garden lesson: take advantage of the moist, moist earth for relatively deft pulling of weeds. Ground too muddy? Maybe like you me you are blessed with plenty of ledge or other stones. Lay the stones out in open spaces and step on the stones! That way you won't sink into the garden too much!
More tomorrow and look for KCB as well!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 22, 2009
I will be back in another day or so (and KCB has a piece that will be posting!) so check back with us soon!
Actually got a little time away from work today and man are my gardens infested with weeds. I am paying for "slacking" on my weed pulling from last year and many weeds have re seeded and come back in heavier than I have seen in my 21 years of gardening on my property.
It is time to go to war...I have filled the equivalent of 2 barrels with tall, short and medium sized weeds. My soon to bloom daylillies, perennial geraniums and other plants appreciate it. There is more weeding left to do.
I will say one advantage to these large volumes of rain is that even tall well rooted weeds are easy to pull completely out now. So this is today's garden lesson: take advantage of the moist, moist earth for relatively deft pulling of weeds. Ground too muddy? Maybe like you me you are blessed with plenty of ledge or other stones. Lay the stones out in open spaces and step on the stones! That way you won't sink into the garden too much!
More tomorrow and look for KCB as well!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Garden Talks June 10--Slugs and more!
Hello again,
I need to get back out to the greenhouse and I hope to type more later in the day but I just wanted to reinforce that wet weather brings out voracious slugs and snails. The volume of fleshy plant material these slimy little serpents can eat AT NIGHT is incredible.
Last night just before dusk I went out to cut some broccoli and reviewed a bed where I have planted some small tomato plants and marigolds. (Yes, I LOVE marigolds and am not ashamed to admit it!). The marigolds looked great.
This AM I went out to add some kitchen waste to the back compost pile (aka Worm Eden) and these very same marigolds were almost "sawed off" from the ground up. Slugs and/or snails for sure. There were none around (never are during the day because they work so hard all night) but the damage from the ground up (the marigold tops are just fine) is unmistakeable. In my haste I have never applied Slug Magic to this bed.
A mere 30 feet away is another bed of broccoli, brussel sprouts, red sails lettuce, pepperd, eggplant and, of course, marigolds. AND a generous scattering of Slug Magic The marigolds and everything else is full and lush.
The message: All natural Slug Magic stops slugs from eating plants. Pure and simple. If you have not done so in this wet weather get that Slug Magic down around your plants.
Some quick pointers I want to "flesh out" later:
NOW is the time to trim your lilacs and most rhododendrons for shape.
My perennial hibuscus has at last come up! Wow! I will tell you what this means.
Many customers I have spoken to have not planted their peas yet! Don't despair. Beans make a good predecessor for fall peas. I would like to talk more about that.
Back to the greenhouse; I will be back later today I hope to "flesh out" the above topics and more!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 10, 2009
I need to get back out to the greenhouse and I hope to type more later in the day but I just wanted to reinforce that wet weather brings out voracious slugs and snails. The volume of fleshy plant material these slimy little serpents can eat AT NIGHT is incredible.
Last night just before dusk I went out to cut some broccoli and reviewed a bed where I have planted some small tomato plants and marigolds. (Yes, I LOVE marigolds and am not ashamed to admit it!). The marigolds looked great.
This AM I went out to add some kitchen waste to the back compost pile (aka Worm Eden) and these very same marigolds were almost "sawed off" from the ground up. Slugs and/or snails for sure. There were none around (never are during the day because they work so hard all night) but the damage from the ground up (the marigold tops are just fine) is unmistakeable. In my haste I have never applied Slug Magic to this bed.
A mere 30 feet away is another bed of broccoli, brussel sprouts, red sails lettuce, pepperd, eggplant and, of course, marigolds. AND a generous scattering of Slug Magic The marigolds and everything else is full and lush.
The message: All natural Slug Magic stops slugs from eating plants. Pure and simple. If you have not done so in this wet weather get that Slug Magic down around your plants.
Some quick pointers I want to "flesh out" later:
NOW is the time to trim your lilacs and most rhododendrons for shape.
My perennial hibuscus has at last come up! Wow! I will tell you what this means.
Many customers I have spoken to have not planted their peas yet! Don't despair. Beans make a good predecessor for fall peas. I would like to talk more about that.
Back to the greenhouse; I will be back later today I hope to "flesh out" the above topics and more!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 10, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Garden Talks June 8--Cleome and Peonies; Broccoli and Lettuce; Perennials!
Hello again,
Wow! What a beautiful run of weather we have had!
I want to just "line item" some quick thoughts that I have--mostly as a result of talking to many of our customers who are fine gardeners.
Cleome is one of my favorite annuals. It is a tall flower needs at least half a day sun to do well. But once it begins to flower in early summer; watch out! The colors of the cleome are ELECTRIC! As the plant grows and clumps it you get more and more flowers and the cleome fast becomes a standout in your garden. One customer I spoke to plants her cleome right around her peony plants. Peonies flower in the latter part of June; they are brilliant but then they are done for the year. As the peonies complete their flowering and the peony foliage starts its decline the cleome really "turns it on" and earnestly starts to become its "showy" self. So pair up peonies and cleome. Sounds like fun!
Gardening friend and guru Paul Parent reminded listeners the other day to cut the broccoli florets when they are small and young and tender. Yummy! Store the small florets in a zip lock baggy in your refrigerator. The sooner you cut the more florets you will get. Just keep adding little florets to the baggy and use them when you want. Young is when they are the most tender as well! Good timely advice as my broccoli is ready to cut now! Paul Parent can be found at http://www.paulparent.com/.
Speaking of cutting vegetables I highly recommend the planting of leaf lettuce. About the time I planted my broccoli I planted Red Sails leaf lettuce and the plants are bearing many juicy lettuce leaves now. Very very good tasting!
Many of you know I absolutely recommend the application of the all natural Four Step Lawn Program by Organica. I started to use the Program last year and I am elated by how good my lawn seems this year. My turf is pretty thick and the weeds are under control. NOW is the time to apply Step #2--the Kelp Booster; this product supplies much needed calcium and natural beneficial microbes to your soil. Put that Kelp Booster down and really improve your soil. (Kelp Booster can also be applied to your garden. Calcium is extremely beneficial to all plants--especially vegetables!).
I love my perennial beds. Tom Atwell--a great friend of local Maine gardening--wrote a terrific article about Must Have Perennials in this weeks Home and Garden Section of the Maine Sunday Telegram. I highly recommend you read his piece and I don't think he or his supervisors would mind me giving you the link: http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=259877&ac=Home.
I agree with all the names on his list and I soon will write about a few more Must Haves for you. And what the heck I challenge my good friend KCB to do the same!
More Garden Talks soon....
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 8, 2009
Wow! What a beautiful run of weather we have had!
I want to just "line item" some quick thoughts that I have--mostly as a result of talking to many of our customers who are fine gardeners.
Cleome is one of my favorite annuals. It is a tall flower needs at least half a day sun to do well. But once it begins to flower in early summer; watch out! The colors of the cleome are ELECTRIC! As the plant grows and clumps it you get more and more flowers and the cleome fast becomes a standout in your garden. One customer I spoke to plants her cleome right around her peony plants. Peonies flower in the latter part of June; they are brilliant but then they are done for the year. As the peonies complete their flowering and the peony foliage starts its decline the cleome really "turns it on" and earnestly starts to become its "showy" self. So pair up peonies and cleome. Sounds like fun!
Gardening friend and guru Paul Parent reminded listeners the other day to cut the broccoli florets when they are small and young and tender. Yummy! Store the small florets in a zip lock baggy in your refrigerator. The sooner you cut the more florets you will get. Just keep adding little florets to the baggy and use them when you want. Young is when they are the most tender as well! Good timely advice as my broccoli is ready to cut now! Paul Parent can be found at http://www.paulparent.com/.
Speaking of cutting vegetables I highly recommend the planting of leaf lettuce. About the time I planted my broccoli I planted Red Sails leaf lettuce and the plants are bearing many juicy lettuce leaves now. Very very good tasting!
Many of you know I absolutely recommend the application of the all natural Four Step Lawn Program by Organica. I started to use the Program last year and I am elated by how good my lawn seems this year. My turf is pretty thick and the weeds are under control. NOW is the time to apply Step #2--the Kelp Booster; this product supplies much needed calcium and natural beneficial microbes to your soil. Put that Kelp Booster down and really improve your soil. (Kelp Booster can also be applied to your garden. Calcium is extremely beneficial to all plants--especially vegetables!).
I love my perennial beds. Tom Atwell--a great friend of local Maine gardening--wrote a terrific article about Must Have Perennials in this weeks Home and Garden Section of the Maine Sunday Telegram. I highly recommend you read his piece and I don't think he or his supervisors would mind me giving you the link: http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=259877&ac=Home.
I agree with all the names on his list and I soon will write about a few more Must Haves for you. And what the heck I challenge my good friend KCB to do the same!
More Garden Talks soon....
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
New Beds by KCB
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are proud to tell you that KCB rules as the 2008 Maine Master Gardener of the Year. And we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family.
Wouldn’t be great if we could have the sleep number bed for our garden beds? Simply push a button and the preferred comfort level would appear. Mattresses allow for our comfort and ultimate good health that is brought about by a good night’s sleep. A flower bed allows for the comfort and ultimate good health of the ornamentals and or/vegetable plants we want to enjoy via mouth or site.
Often when I’m improving the look of an existing landscape I subtly change the existing flower bed. A gentle curve, the addition of a few inches or feet often makes a considerable difference. Some of my clients have opted for less lawn, more ornamental plantings. Perhaps a vegetable patch or a kitchen garden to grow herbs. The thought of eliminating sod (grass) to allow for new plantings once intimidated the heck out of me. Not being fond of tilling a small patch of earth, I would dig by hand. The process took several weeks. No longer. It is as if I discovered the fountain of youth.
Recently the Skillin’s garden log offered an excellent instruction on creating a raised bed. I will not duplicate that. I’m talking about a simple garden bed all prepared for planting. Little effort, lots of results. It all stems on one major component….newspaper!
This magical elixir happens to arrive on the coat tails of the shrinking daily news. Gone are the days that you would need to lift weights before attempting to carry home the Sunday Paper. Not to fret, there are plenty of free newsy periodicals to get your hands on.
So, how do these inky pages create new beds? So easy, my friend.
I no longer recycle my papers in the usual way. I also ask clients to begin hording once they have completed the cross word or word game of the day. Glossy or heavily inked print can still be relegated to the recycle bin. Once I only utilized the black and white pages however I have incorporated colored print into my beds.
Step one, mark off the new bed. I’m not known for straight lines so a free form spray of lining spray paint works. A flexible garden hose is also useful. For a more crisp, formal and straight line use string tied to wooden stakes.
Cut through sod with a sharp flat end spade or half-moon edger. I use the spade. Make cuts approximately 4 inches deep at an angle pushing sod toward the inside of the bed. To keep weeds at bay and kill existing grass, lay newspaper strips or whole pages to cover the area that represents the new or expanded bed. I usually over lay 4-5 pages. Wet paper as you go to keep in place. For large areas you may have to work in sections. Top paper with a mixture of bagged loam and organic compost to a depth of 4 inches. Coast of Maine Penobscot blend and Jolly Gardener Top Soil are my bagged material of choice.
Once soil/compost blend is in place water again. Within a day or 2 you may begin to plant. You will be able to cut through newspaper to install any perennials, annuals, shrubs and even bulbs. Over time the newspaper will break down allowing for more plant material to be installed. The bonus is the earth worm activity that will be generated. Time after time I have been totally impressed and puzzled as to how these gardening beneficial beings suddenly appear where once there were none.
I have created countless beds this way. Gone are the days of toiling for hours hand digging clumps of sod or renting a rotatiller I admit, I haven’t used this technique for massive vegetable beds. I’m just pleased it has worked for what I have needed. And sometimes that is the best thing of all…………………
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
June 3, 2009
Wouldn’t be great if we could have the sleep number bed for our garden beds? Simply push a button and the preferred comfort level would appear. Mattresses allow for our comfort and ultimate good health that is brought about by a good night’s sleep. A flower bed allows for the comfort and ultimate good health of the ornamentals and or/vegetable plants we want to enjoy via mouth or site.
Often when I’m improving the look of an existing landscape I subtly change the existing flower bed. A gentle curve, the addition of a few inches or feet often makes a considerable difference. Some of my clients have opted for less lawn, more ornamental plantings. Perhaps a vegetable patch or a kitchen garden to grow herbs. The thought of eliminating sod (grass) to allow for new plantings once intimidated the heck out of me. Not being fond of tilling a small patch of earth, I would dig by hand. The process took several weeks. No longer. It is as if I discovered the fountain of youth.
Recently the Skillin’s garden log offered an excellent instruction on creating a raised bed. I will not duplicate that. I’m talking about a simple garden bed all prepared for planting. Little effort, lots of results. It all stems on one major component….newspaper!
This magical elixir happens to arrive on the coat tails of the shrinking daily news. Gone are the days that you would need to lift weights before attempting to carry home the Sunday Paper. Not to fret, there are plenty of free newsy periodicals to get your hands on.
So, how do these inky pages create new beds? So easy, my friend.
I no longer recycle my papers in the usual way. I also ask clients to begin hording once they have completed the cross word or word game of the day. Glossy or heavily inked print can still be relegated to the recycle bin. Once I only utilized the black and white pages however I have incorporated colored print into my beds.
Step one, mark off the new bed. I’m not known for straight lines so a free form spray of lining spray paint works. A flexible garden hose is also useful. For a more crisp, formal and straight line use string tied to wooden stakes.
Cut through sod with a sharp flat end spade or half-moon edger. I use the spade. Make cuts approximately 4 inches deep at an angle pushing sod toward the inside of the bed. To keep weeds at bay and kill existing grass, lay newspaper strips or whole pages to cover the area that represents the new or expanded bed. I usually over lay 4-5 pages. Wet paper as you go to keep in place. For large areas you may have to work in sections. Top paper with a mixture of bagged loam and organic compost to a depth of 4 inches. Coast of Maine Penobscot blend and Jolly Gardener Top Soil are my bagged material of choice.
Once soil/compost blend is in place water again. Within a day or 2 you may begin to plant. You will be able to cut through newspaper to install any perennials, annuals, shrubs and even bulbs. Over time the newspaper will break down allowing for more plant material to be installed. The bonus is the earth worm activity that will be generated. Time after time I have been totally impressed and puzzled as to how these gardening beneficial beings suddenly appear where once there were none.
I have created countless beds this way. Gone are the days of toiling for hours hand digging clumps of sod or renting a rotatiller I admit, I haven’t used this technique for massive vegetable beds. I’m just pleased it has worked for what I have needed. And sometimes that is the best thing of all…………………
KCB
for Skillin's Greenhouses
June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Garden Talks June 2--Slugs and Deer!
Hello again,
Another busy day here at Skillin's BUT there have been some quick things I have wanted to mention to you
Last week's overabundance of rain has really brought the slugs and snails out. These leaf loving creatures can do an amazing amount of eating at night. They love to shred the leaves of many annuals, perennials and garden plants and they do their work at night. We only see a few very fat and satisfied slugs during the day. Do NOT underestimate these pests. Some people try beer and other homemade remedies that can work but are messy to use and since when was beer really cheap? We recommend Slug Magic by Bonide. Slug Magic contains pet safe iron phosphate pellets that are not toxic. They fill the slugs up and the slugs cannot digest these pellets--so then you have plugged slugs. And better quality plants!
Don't let the deer get you down. We have a number of fine solutions here at Skillin's. Liquid Fence is a very dependable and sticky spray that does not wash off in the rain. It is perfectly safe but the deer hate the smell. Also we sell a new product called All Season Deer Repellent. This product is a canister that can get opened partially and the product in the canister emits natural odors slowly over a 6 month time period that deer cannot stand. I have had several customers endorse the All Season Deer Repellent. This product is effective all times of the year--even winter. Finally in season I (and many of our gardening friends) have had success spreading a ring of Milorganite--an all natural fertilizer--around plants that deer find delectable. The deer are deterred by this old time fertilizer and go somewhere else.
Drop a note at this post with any comments or questions or of course we can be reached info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 2, 2009
Another busy day here at Skillin's BUT there have been some quick things I have wanted to mention to you
Last week's overabundance of rain has really brought the slugs and snails out. These leaf loving creatures can do an amazing amount of eating at night. They love to shred the leaves of many annuals, perennials and garden plants and they do their work at night. We only see a few very fat and satisfied slugs during the day. Do NOT underestimate these pests. Some people try beer and other homemade remedies that can work but are messy to use and since when was beer really cheap? We recommend Slug Magic by Bonide. Slug Magic contains pet safe iron phosphate pellets that are not toxic. They fill the slugs up and the slugs cannot digest these pellets--so then you have plugged slugs. And better quality plants!
Don't let the deer get you down. We have a number of fine solutions here at Skillin's. Liquid Fence is a very dependable and sticky spray that does not wash off in the rain. It is perfectly safe but the deer hate the smell. Also we sell a new product called All Season Deer Repellent. This product is a canister that can get opened partially and the product in the canister emits natural odors slowly over a 6 month time period that deer cannot stand. I have had several customers endorse the All Season Deer Repellent. This product is effective all times of the year--even winter. Finally in season I (and many of our gardening friends) have had success spreading a ring of Milorganite--an all natural fertilizer--around plants that deer find delectable. The deer are deterred by this old time fertilizer and go somewhere else.
Drop a note at this post with any comments or questions or of course we can be reached info@skillins.com!
Mike Skillin
Skillin's Greenhouses
June 2, 2009
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