BOTANICAL INTERESTS 

Our NEW Seed Introductions!

We are very excited about these new seeds we will be carrying this spring - they are USDA Certified Organic, meaning that all organic seed is untreated - no GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms).

This brand has many benefits to it's line of seeds - first of all, you get more seeds for your money! They pack more seeds into each packet than most of the competitors.

Another bonus is that the company is family owned - a long line of organic gardeners means a great product that you can enjoy in  your garden at home.

Studies have shown that consuming even small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause long-term health damage. Choose organic seed - safer for your family and the environment.

We will be featuring many

Botanical Interests varieties-

here are just a few!

• Artemisia Fringed Sage
• Calendula Pacific Beauty
• Echinacea Purple Coneflower
• Hollyhock Indian Spring
• Penstemon Firecracker
• Rudbeckia Goldsturm
• Sunflower Flash
• Zinnia California Giants
• Basil Lime
• Squash Winter Vegetable Spaghetti
• Wheatgrass 
• And MANY more!

Something special about Botanical Interests - inside every packet is helpful information to guide you through the growing process! Also - a cut out label for staking in the ground with your seeds! 

Visit www.botanicalinterests.com for more information!

BAKER CREEK HEIRLOOM SEEDS

Due to the great success of our heirloom seeds LAST season, we decided to bring them back this season with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.

In addition to all of the seeds Beier's Greenhouse has always carried, we now offer heirloom and organic varieties to give you more options in creating your garden!

We will be offering :  

• Contender Beans
• Red Romaine Lettuce
• Pink Beauty Radish
• Golden Zucchini
• Jubilee Watermelon
• Bloomsdale Spinach
• Red of Florence Onion
• White Scallop Squash
• Oregon Sugar Pod Pea
• ...and many more!

Baker Creek carries one of the largest selections of seeds from the 19th century - working with a network of about 50 small farmers, gardeners, and seed growers to bring you the best selection of seeds available!

DON'T MAKE THIS MISTAKE!

Many gardeners start seeds to early, causing problems in growth and development of a plant that would otherwise be healthy and beautiful! Growing indoors is fun and easy, once you know how to properly provide and care for your plants.

Here is some great information on when to start seeds indoors for optimum growth and performance.

Sort your Seed Packets

Start by separating all your packets of seed into two piles: those that will be "direct-sown" (planted right in the garden) and those that will be started indoors. The outdoors pile will include most vegetables, such as peas, beans, corn, radishes, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, melons, cucumbers, and squash. Put a rubber band around whatever seeds you'll be planting outdoors and set them aside.

Most annual flowers will also go into the direct-sow pile: zinnias, asters, nasturtiums, sunflowers, bachelor's buttons, and calendula. If your growing season is very short or your garden conditions are especially difficult, you may decide to put some of these annual flowers into your "sow indoors" pile. Most perennial flowers will need to be started indoors.

Now spread out your "sow indoors" pile and start reading the back of the seed packets.  Sort your packets into piles according to these directions, making separate piles for 5, 7, 9 weeks, and so on. Some packets, especially those for perennials, may only tell you how long it takes the seeds to germinate. If that's all you have to go on, take that figure (which is usually a range) and add 6 weeks. Then put the packet into the appropriate pile.

If there's no information on the seed packet, you can pretty safely just start all your seeds about 6 weeks before you'll plant them outdoors. Make note of which plants are too big or too small at planting time, and then you can make adjustments next year based on your notes.

Creating the Calendar

To calculate your planting dates, you need to count back from the last frost date in one-week increments. Some gardeners base their calendar on Saturdays, because that is the day most gardeners have time to plant. Ask a local gardener or call your local extension service if you don't know the last frost date for your area.  Simply write the week number (8,4, 6 or whatever) on each seed packet and use a rubber band to keep each pile together. When the planting week arrives, you just grab the right packet and start planting.

Making Adjustments

Now that you have a great schedule, here are a couple reasons you may want to make some adjustments:

Start earlier: Seeds take longer to germinate and plants grow more slowly when air and soil temperatures are cool (below 70 degrees F). If you plan to start your seeds in a cool basement or cool bedroom, you may want to shift your whole schedule a week or two earlier.

You can see on my schedule that I start some greens and broccoli at the end of February. That's because these seedlings get planted outside about a month before the last frost date. If you have a cold frame or greenhouse, or if you use row covers or water-filled teepees, you can plant tender seedlings several weeks before the last frost date. Just count back from that expected planting date to get the right date to sow your seeds.

Start later: If you grow your seedlings in a greenhouse or a very warm room, you should cut a week or more out of your schedule. Heat promotes rapid growth, and you could find yourself with giant plants that are ready for the garden before warm weather arrives.

 Beier's Greenhouse

 is now accepting applications!!!

With the season soon to begin, we are looking for energetic, hard working, and friendly people to join our staff. 

Tell your friends and fellow gardeners about this great seasonal position - basic plant knowledge, retail experience, and basic computer skills will be very helpful. 

You will learn with us, as we grow together as a team.

To apply, print an application form from our website - click HERE.  Send completed applications to 2707 Midway Lane, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

If we feel you are a candidate, we will call you for an interview.  No phone calls please.

Join our ever GROWING team!  Beier's Greenhouse is a great place to work - who wouldn't want to work with plants all day?!?

Winter is here, and staying for a while- just a reminder to start thinking of ideas for the

"NEW" 2011 Beautiful Patio Container Contest!

Watch for more pictures, ideas, and

information on how to enter!