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Issue #266 - July 15, 2010
Tips, Tricks and Tactics from Our Garden Professionals

Annuals Clearance Sale

Annuals Clearance Sale Bring fantastic summer color to your home for a fraction of the price during our Annuals Clearance Sale!

Whether you want to create containers for the patio, fill bare spots of your landscape with instant color or rehab your window boxes, now is a great time to visit Estabrook's in Yarmouth, Scarborough or Kennebunk because ALL annuals are now at least 25% OFF.

Plus, take advantage of even deeper discounts on the following plants:
Best of all, we still have a fantastic selection of plants so you won't have to worry about picking through spring leftovers!

Dollar Off Deals

Thanks for subscribing to our garden newsletter! As a thank you, please take advantage of these exclusive coupons.
  • $5 OFF 1 Gallon Proven Winners Perennials
  • $100 OFF $500+ in Trees and Shrubs
  • $50 OFF $250+ in Perennials
  • $10 OFF 5 Gallon Endless Summer Hydrangea
  • $10 OFF Any Rose
CLICK HERE for your exclusive coupons

Fertilizing Your Annuals

Snapdragons When perennials bloom poorly or produce little or no seed, they can try again the next year. Unfortunately, annuals don't get this second chance. Annuals work hard to form flowers, and a little help from you will ensure they provide the best show possible.

Like other plants, annuals need the big three nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium). Healthy soil that is rich in organic matter provides the basic nutrition most plants need, but some annuals will want a boost, especially if they are grown in pots. Every time water drains through the hole at the bottom of the container, nutrients in the soil are carried along with it, and they should be replaced.

Periodic applications of fertilizers containing all three major nutrients will ensure that your annuals are well-nourished. For flowering annuals, use an all-purpose plant food that will provide them with the phosphorous and potassium they need to realize their blooming potential. Foliage plants will flourish with a formula higher in nitrogen (the first of the three numbers in a fertilizer formula).

Types of Fertilizer

Whatever type of fertilizer you choose (granular or liquid, synthetic or organic) remember to follow the directions on the package for how much to use and how often to apply it. Overfertilizing is worse for plants than feeding them too little. Too much fertilizer causes rapid, weak growth that is susceptible to damage by pests and diseases, and excess fertilizer may run off and find its way into the water table, causing pollution.

Granular Fertilizer

For annuals in beds and borders, granular fertilizers are one option. Spread granular fertilizers over the soil around the plants and scratch them in lightly before watering. You can apply synthetic granular fertilizers at planting time and periodically throughout the growing season.

Liquid Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizers are ideal for potted plants. There are a number of liquid fertilizers on the market that are environmentally safe yet contain the nutrients needed to ensure good plant growth. During application, you can either follow the instructions on the package or dilute the concentrate to half the recommended strength. A half-strength solution will still provide adequate nourishment while keeping you from overfertilizing your plants. Simply apply your liquid fertilizer every three or four weeks for best results.

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Spotlight Selections
WOW! Check out these new perennials that just arrived

Guardian Delphinium
Guardian Delphinium

Volcano Phlox
Volcano Phlox

Camelot Foxglove
Camelot Foxglove

'Big Sky Echinacea
Big Sky Echinacea

Garden Reminders
Will you be in town for the Clam Festival this weekend? Swing by our Yarmouth location and take a break from the crowds.

Keep your garden happy and healthy by watering 2-3 times a week even when it rains. Plants will shed rainfall like an umbrella!

Upcoming Events
P. Allen Smith Day

Only 17 Tickets Left!

August 6th

Learn More...

Gifts and Gear
From the ultimate garden solution to perfect gifts, you're sure to find something great in our emporium!

Pottery
Choose the perfect piece of pottery to showcase your new annuals!

Estabrook's - Open 7 Days a Week - (207) 846-4398 - www.estabrooksonline.com