Sprainbrook Nursery Home

<HTML> <HEAD> <LINK REL=STYLESHEET TYPE="text/css" HREF="/sprain.css" TITLE="styles"> <TITLE>Sprainbrook Nursery</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY BACKGROUND="deco/ramp-grn.jpg" TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#ffffff" LINK="#0000ff" VLINK="#0000a0" ALINK="#0000a0"> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Search the Catalog" SRC="/icons/but-cat.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="fra-landscape.shtml" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Landscape Department" SRC="icons/but-land.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all">  <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="/bin/contact/" TARGET="content"><IMG ALT="Contact Us" SRC="/icons/but-cont.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <A HREF="http://www.gardeningthings.com" TARGET="_blank"><IMG ALT="Gardening Things Online Shop" SRC="icons/but-gt.gif" HEIGHT=31 WIDTH=144 BORDER=0></A><BR CLEAR="all"> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 cols=2 rows=1 width=100%> </table> <IMG SRC="deco/space.gif" width=10 height=10><BR> <style>.signup{font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7.5pt; color: 006000;}</style> <table bgcolor=#ffffff width=100% cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 border noshade bordercolor=#006000> <tr><td class=signup valign=middle> <a href=http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=18368b target=_top>Click here to sign up</a> for timely and informative gardening news and information. Your email address will never be shared or sold. </td></tr></table> <small> <br></small> <CENTER> [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.18&dbname=Nursery" target="content">HELP</a>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.11&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Introduction</A>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.10&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Sprainbrook History</A>] [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13.3&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Driving Directions</A>] [<A HREF="http://www.sprainbrook.com" TARGET="_top">HOME</A>] </small> <hr> </center> <TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=1 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFE699"> <TR> <TD> <small> <B>Quick finder</B> and key to icons: Use these links to find 'just the thing' for that special garden spot! Keep in mind that a "Sun/Part Shade" plant will work in a "Full Sun" garden, as well as other plants that overlap light regions. </small> </TD> </TR> </table> <TABLE BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=2 COLS=2 BGCOLOR="#FFF8DF"> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <SMALL><CENTER> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-sun.gif+light-sun-pshade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-sun.gif" ALT="Full Sun" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Full Sun</A> </CENTER></SMALL> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <SMALL><CENTER> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-pshade.gif+light-sun-pshade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif+light-pshade-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-pshade.gif" ALT="Part Shade" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Part Shade</A> </CENTER></SMALL> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=light-shade.gif+light-pshade-shade.gif+light-sun-shade.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/light-shade.gif" ALT="Shade" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Shade</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=v.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/v.gif" ALT="Vegetative Plants" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Vegetative Plants</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=winner.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/winner.gif" ALT="Proven Winner" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Proven Winners</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=cut.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/cut.gif" ALT="Good Cut Flowers" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Good Cut Flowers</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%"> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=.jpg" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/picture.gif" ALT="Item has picture" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Item has picture</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP> <CENTER><SMALL> <A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1&dbname=Nursery&keywords=butterfly.gif" target="content"><IMG SRC="icons/butterfly.gif" ALT="Attracts Butterflies" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=20 WIDTH=20><BR>Attracts Butterflies</A> </SMALL></CENTER> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="50%">   </TD> <TD VALIGN=TOP>   </TD> </TR> </TABLE><TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=1 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFE699"> <TR> <TD> <B>Catalog Navigation</b> </TD> </TR> </table><TABLE WIDTH=100% COLS=2 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=2 BGCOLOR="#FFF8DF"> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-cabinet.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File Cabinet: Indicates 'Departments' in the catalog. File Cabinets contain many file-folders and files. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-folder.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File Folder: Contains multiple 'files'. For plants, this means there is more than one variety. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD WIDTH=40 VALIGN=top> <CENTER> <IMG SRC="icons/folder-page.gif" height=32 width=32> </CENTER> </TD> <TD> <SMALL> File: This is a single item, like a plant or an information article. </small> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD colspan=2> <hr> <SMALL> As you follow the links through the Catalog, the top and bottom of each page will have history links that resemble | Annuals | Catalog | Home |. These links bring you UP to that previous level so you don't get lost. </SMALL> </TD> </TR> </table> &nbsp<br> &nbsp<br> <center> <small>Copyright © 2007 by Sprainbrook Nursery, all rights reserved.<br> </small> </center> </BODY> </HTML> <p> <HTML> <HEAD> <LINK REL=STYLESHEET TYPE="text/css" HREF="/sprain.css" TITLE="styles"> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="Frank Kennedy"> <TITLE>Sprainbrook Nursery</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#ffffff" LINK="#0000ff" VLINK="#0000a0" ALINK="#0000a0"> <CENTER> <font face="Times New Roman, Times, Roman, Serif" size=+3>``</font><B><I>Beautiful unilock walks take you through our nursery</I></B><font face="Times New Roman, Times, Roman, serif" size=+3>´´</font><BR> </center> <center> <IMG SRC="/logo2004.jpg" ALT="Welcome to Sprainbrook Nursery!" HEIGHT=189 WIDTH=578><br><span class=green>Westchester County's premier nursery and garden supply store <br>Sprainbrook Nursery, Inc. 448 Underhill Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583. <br>Mon-Sat 8:00 - 5:30, Sun 9:00 - 4:30. 914-723-2382, FAX 914-723-1677. [<A HREF="http://www.sprainbrook.com/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13.3&dbname=Nursery" TARGET="content">Driving Directions</A>] </span> </center> <br>  <b>Features: <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.35&dbname=Nursery>Deer Control and Deer Resistant Plants</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.33&dbname=Nursery>Native Plants</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.36&dbname=Nursery>Plants that Attract Hummingbirds</a>, <a href=/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.34&dbname=Nursery>Plants that Attract Butterflies</a></b>       <p> <A NAME="GC"> <TABLE BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 WIDTH="100%"> <TR> <TD> <table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=100%> <tr><td> <hr width="50%" size=6> <small><b>Sprainbrook Nursery presents</b><BR></small> <span class=h2><span class=blue>Krautter's Korner</span></span> <BR> <B>February.</B> An educational newsletter from <a href="mailto:al@sprainbrook.com?subject=Plant Question">Al Krautter</a>. This is a free service to the web community! Follow the link in each section's title for archived articles. This page is updated every month, so check back often! <BR> </td></tr></table> <br> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Garden Calendar:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Plan your garden<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.6&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> In the month of February the days get longer, the sun gets brighter and there is a longing for spring. We realize that a lot of thought that goes into organizing for the upcoming garden season. With an informative approach we can save ourselves a lot of time, money and heartaches. Take advantage of our winter lecture series and our weekly email. Sprainbrook has changed it's emphasis to the Organic Approach to gardening. Those who have followed our programs are meeting with great success. Our organic growing program is producing superior plants. We carry the products that you need to successfully go organic. We have developed programs that work. They are the Organic Approach to: Lawns, Perennials, Annuals, Vegetables, Roses, Evergreens and Shrubs and the Home Orchard. These are 4 page programs that can be downloaded on Sprainbrook.com.-catalogue-information. We will lead you through the process of understanding the concept and employing modern technology coupled with old fashioned wisdom. Our goal is to develop strong healthy plants and to make our environment a healthier place to live. Our concept is to add a mixture of organic materials to the soil. The greater the mix, the greater the success. We have had great personal success and have tweaked our programs. We as a society have been abusive tenants of our land., and it is important that we make the changes to improve this situation. Take some time to read our programs: and if you haven't already done so, commit to the change. We will continue to write 2 page reports on important garden topics throughout the winter.<p>February is the month to look at new varieties and to take a good look at what needs to be done structurally in the garden. Time constraints will soon be upon us. Take a good look at what needs pruning. Are your shrubs overgrown? Are your trees providing too much shade? Have you adhered to the principles of good design? Are there additions you would like to make to your garden? These and many other questions should be thought through during the month of February, for Spring is just around the corner. Our online catalogue at Sprainbrook.com will give you a great deal of cultural information as well as pictorial guidance. If you need the help of a landscape designer, now is the time to contact us and get some ideas and estimates on paper. It is a good year to tackle a landscape project. The reservoirs are filled to capacity so watering will not be a problem. The economy is beginning to rebound but only slowly. Many people will still want to spend more time at home, fix up the garden, entertain while and enjoying the back yard. When you have a beautiful garden, there is no place like home. Improving the landscape will add to the value of your property. Spring gets very busy and we do installations on a first come basis. Attend the Lecture on Landscape Design and get the ball rolling. Plan for spring.<p>February chores include protecting trees and shrubs from breakage during large snowfalls by shaking the snow off. Dormant pruning of deciduous Trees and Shrubs. Remember you may be cutting off flower buds, so prune selectively. Bring some branches in for forcing. If the ground is bare, add mulch. On a warm day add some water to your potted evergreens. Don't forget to add water to the stored plants that you are overwintering. If you planted bulbs for forcing, bring some in. It will brighten your home and your mood. For Valentine's Day we do some beautiful plant combinations that will blow you away and we carry a special selection of double- stem Orchids. Instead of cut flowers give living plants. They will last longer and the thought will be appreciated longer. We are offering a free delivery service for Valentine orders. You will find a full listing of all the house plants we grow including their cultural requirements on the web.<p>  <A NAME="PF"> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Plant Feature:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Cyclamen<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.4&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> The Cyclamen is probably my favorite indoor flowering house plant. In the old days it required a very cool environment but the new hybrids are very adaptable to ordinary room temperatures. Cyclamen need a sunny location and should be cleaned once a week removing any spent flowers or yellow leaves. Feed them with Daniel's, an amazing organic fertilizer, on a weekly basis. The results are incredible. New flower buds are initiated in the crown of the plant. These buds keep the plant blooming all winter and in many cases throughout the spring and into the summer. The trick is to keep the crown clean of any dead material which may cause rot and lead to botrytis. When removing spent flower buds or leaves, pull to the right or left not straight up and make sure the full petiole is removed completely from the crown. Watering is one of the most critical requirements in growing a good Cyclamen. They need a lot of oxygen in the soil and should not be waterlogged. Clay pots are preferable to plastic because they allow an exchange of oxygen into the soil. The best method for watering a Cyclamen is to give it a good drink, filling the pot up to the rim with water than allowing it to dry out before watering again. A customer told me that after all these years he finally learned the secret to watering a Cyclamen. He waits until the plant starts to wilt and tells him "I need a drink." He then waters it thoroughly and by the next morning it is perky and rigid. He has them in flower until the heat of summer. Miniature Cyclamen are f-1 hybrids and are gaining in popularity adding another dimension to the Cyclamen world. They are grown in 4 inch pots, have a smaller flower, are more prolific and often can bloom throughout the year. They lend themselves to planting in window boxes at the same time as pansies. They withstand light frosts and give a dramatic display of color. They are a great windowsill plant and add a lot of color to any home. If you don't own a Cyclamen, stop by the Nursery. Those who bought them earlier in the season keep coming back for more, usually for a friend who admired theirs.<p>  <A NAME="BV"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Best Value:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Indoor plants<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.5&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> There is twenty per cent off on all indoor plants during the month of February. Fill your house with a variety of interesting exotic and flowering plants. . Plants help purify the air and add to the decor. We grow the very best.<p>  <A NAME="GT"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Gardening Tip:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> February Lectures<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.7&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> We are advocating the Organic Approach To Gardening. Our success stories with our plants have shown us that following a preventive program yields better results than following a curative program. That it is more important to build up the immune system of a plant than it is to control the insects and diseases that might attack them. A strong healthy plant will resist insects and diseases. We introduce beneficial insects that will reduce or eliminate the need for spray programs. We have found that a strong healthy plant produces more beautiful flowers and fruits. Mother Nature has mapped out a way for us to follow. All we need to know is how to join forces with her to produce the very best. Our agricultural colleges have taught us a different way. As a result our food supply and our environment has suffered. Our philosophical outlook was altered after World War Two when we were taught that chemical fertilizers were the answers to our agricultural problems. We are now learning we cannot control Mother Nature; we need to work in relationship with her. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are killing the microbes in the soil. The microbes are a gardener's best friend. We have learned that we don't need many different fertilizers with many formulations. We need to feed the soil and the soil will feed the plants. The more I become involved in organic growing and organic solutions to gardening problems, the more I am convinced that it just doesn't make sense to garden any way but organically. I will have to admit that not following a regimented spray program in our greenhouses was a scary concept. We now only pull out the spray tank to spray <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> a Harpin product every 3 weeks, an organic supplement that helps build up the immune system in the plant. For insect control, we release beneficial insects into our greenhouses, we feed with <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.56&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Daniels</A> liquid organic plant food and mix microbes into our soil mixture. We work hard to grow a strong healthy plant that will resist insects and disease. We search diligently and monitor for any outcrops of insects or diseases. If there is any evidence, we treat the localized area early with an organic control. We realize that we need to preserve the beneficial insects and the microbes. Our potting soil is our own and is a large mixture of over 16 different organic materials that we have blended into a great mix. If you are running an organic garden you should know that any of the plants we grow at Sprainbrook we grow using only organic methods. They are not chemically dependent, as a result they will transplant much better into your garden. We use organic seeds for our vegetables whenever available. <P>Sprainbrook Nursery is gearing up for another great year. We are holding the prices on most items because we realize we are facing hard economic times. Our Catalogue is nearing completion with a list of everything we carry. It can be accessed easily on line at Sprainbrook.com and can be downloaded with a PDF file. Look for the many new items and the added articles in our information section. . Our growing operation is in full swing. We are growing plants in our soil formula which we developed and consider to be the very best. There is no better mix on the market and customers drive great distances to buy it. <P>This will be our fourth year of spraying <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> on our plants on a three week basis. <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> has been bought out by PHC and the name will change to Employ. We still have <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> left but will run out this year. We will give you more information on Employ in upcoming garden tip emails. We have tested Harpin protein and have gotten incredible results. Those who used <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> have reported to us back that they never had such a beautiful garden. Harpin protein is part of our organic based program. <A href="http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.11.27&dbname=gt" target=_blank>Messenger�</A> adds harpin protein to the plant's system building up immunity. It makes plants more floriferous, intensifies colors, increases disease resistance and makes them more drought tolerant. It fits into the organic program of gardening, making everything that much better. Organic gardening is all about the health of the plant and the environment. We are very excited about the spring of 2010 <P><CENTER><B>Mark your calendar for our Winter Lecture Series.</B></CENTER>Invite an interested friend. 2 hour in-depth free lectures that start at 10:00 am and end at Noon. <LI>PERENNIALS: Saturday February 20th Perennials are the backbone of any good garden. Learn about them and their many uses as we take you through a pictorial presentation. We will supply you with a list of Deer Resistant Perennials, Native perennials, our Top Twenty List of favorite perennials, The Perennial Garden handout and our 4 page outline for growing Perennials organically. This monthly calendar will take you through a step by step process of growing great perennials organically <LI>ANNUALS: Saturday February 27th In this presentation, we will be featuring new varieties, proven winners, old time favorites and our top 20 list. We will set you up with an organic approach to growing better and more beautiful annuals. We will go over plant combinations and mixtures that you can use in your garden. Annuals are what gives your yard life and brighten up your landscape. <LI>LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Saturday March 6th Here is a topic we can all benefit from. Landscape design is a process of fulfilling your needs, solving your problems, developing your tastes, broadening your choices and adding beauty to your property. Care must be given to the cultural requirements of the plants, the ultimate size and their aesthetic arrangement <P><B><CENTER>SPRING WEEKEND<BR>DEMONSTRATIONS & 20% OFF EVERYTHING <BR>FREE PLANT No house charges please <BR>Saturday, March 13th, 2009</CENTER></B><LI>Propagation (seeds and cuttings) 9-10:00am <LI>Perennial Maintenance 10-11:00am <LI>The Organic Vegetable Garden 11- 12:00 Noon <LI>Outdoor Container Planting 12:30-1:30pm <LI>House Plants and their Care 1:30-2:30pm <LI>The Organic Lawn 2:30-3:30pm <LI>The merits of Organic Installations 3:30-4:30pm <B><CENTER>Sunday, March 15th, 2009</CENTER></B><LI>Creating Centerpieces 11:00-12.00 <LI>The Organic Rose Garden 12:00-1:00pm <LI>Pruning: 1:00- 2:00 pm <LI>Landscape Design Principle 2:00 -3:00pm <LI>Focus on Prevention rather than Cures 3:00-4:00pm </LI><p>  <A NAME="GF"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Gardening Frequently Asked Question:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> How do we start seeds indoors?<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.8&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/greenthumb.gif width=40 height=43 ><br> How do we start seeds indoors? There are some basic requirements that are important. You need an area with good bottom heat, lots of light, our organic soil and a plug tray into which you fill our soil. The seed must be kept constantly moist once it is sown. In the greenhouses we use a mist system. A homeowner needs to soak the medium and the seed and cover it with plastic. Some seeds require light to germinate, and you will need clear plastic as a covering. Other seeds will require darkness to germinate and you will need to cover the seed with soil. The seed packet will give you this information. There may be other requirements to get seed to germinate such as pre cooling but here again these should be listed on the package. Using milled sphagnum moss as a top dressing will help prevent damping off. Once seeds have germinated, remove the plastic and place them into as much sunlight as possible. After the second leaf stage appears they can be transplanted into 3 inch peat pots using our organic soil. Timing is important and you will need to know how long to wait before transplanting into the garden.<p>  <A NAME="TN"> <hr width="50%" size=6> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Tour the Nursery:</span></span> <TEMPLATE_NAME=Nursery cat_newsletter_section.htm: Newsletter Section> Flowering and foliage plants<br>  [<A HREF="/bin/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.4.13&dbname=Nursery">Archived Articles</a>]  <br> <IMG SRC=/sm/cimimages/2000-01.jpg width=500 height=375 ><br> The Garden Center is filled with items for the spring. The seeds are in along with all of the material needed to start them. Don't forget food for the birds, books on organics, mulch for bare spots, deer <a href=http://www.gardeningthings.com/sm/cimpublic/retrieve.cgi?catalog_id=1.24 target=_blank>repellents</a> and safe-to-use ice melters. The greenhouses are filled with an enormous selection of flowering and foliage plants. Check the Catalogue-House Plant section on the web. Although many of these crops are maturing into their peak of bloom, our main chore in the greenhouse is in preparation for spring. We are busy seeding, making cuttings and transplanting the many liners of new plant material that are shipped to us from all over the country. We have assembled one of the largest and best selections of plant material that can be found. For over 65 years we have dedicated ourselves to testing, visiting trial grounds, informing ourselves about new material and new trends, substituting better varieties while holding onto those old timers that are superior. A lot of work goes into the selection process. The reward for us is the tremendous repeat business that Sprainbrook has in the very competitive bedding plant business. By now I hope you have all learned that varietal differences make a big difference and that organically grown plants take better when transplanted to your garden.<p>  </TD></TR></TABLE> <HR> <span class=h3><span class=blue>Professional Associations</span></span> <center> <IMG SRC="deco/nurserymen.gif" ALT="New York State Certified Nurseryman" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=99 WIDTH=100>  <IMG SRC="deco/Ppa.gif" ALT="Perennial Plant Association Member" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=95 WIDTH=138>  <IMG SRC="deco/hgs-slant.gif" ALT="Home and Garden Showplace Affiliate" BORDER=0 HEIGHT=61 WIDTH=132> </CENTER> <p> </BODY> </HTML>