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!

It is time to inventory and then gather your indoor seed starting supplies! We have all you need for seed starting here at Skillin's!

Start perennials, geraniums and pansies. I was just down to our production greenhouse and we have some healthy looking fushcia babies that we are transplanting into their summer pots!

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. Speaking of houseplants and their care we have recently posted two excellent articles about houseplant care to our Skillin's Garden Log! Check out "Clean Air Houseplants" and and "Keeping Houseplants Healthy in Winter".

Re-coat your evergreen plants with an anti-desiccant such as all natural 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.