Blog Archives

Protect your garden from frost and hail

3/29/2024

Summary of information and products from March 23 Garden Club Event

Protecting your garden from frost and hail is essential for ensuring the health and productivity of your plants, especially during vulnerable periods like we experience in Colorado Spring and Summers.

Black Forest Garden Club recently hosted expert gardener Jeff Roth whose presentation on strategies to reduce damage from frost and hail provided a wealth of tips and product recommendations for local gardeners.

Jeff manages the food grow operation at Hidden Mesa south of Parker. To learn about Hidden Mesa (and their volunteer program) click here.

Jeff's Presentation and Product Recommendations PDF

Strategies to safeguard your garden:

Protective covers such as row covers, cloches, or frost blankets and even UV resistant plastic are invaluable for those extra cold nights and Spring snow days. These lightweight materials can provide a barrier between your plants and the elements, helping to retain heat and prevent frost damage. Row covers are particularly effective for covering rows of crops, while cloches can be placed directly over individual plants. Frost blankets, made of breathable fabric, are also great for draping over delicate plants during cold nights. Make sure to secure the covers tightly to hoops or hog panels made into arched structures using clips to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.

Consider planting frost-resistant or cold-hardy vegetable varieties in your garden. By choosing plants that are adapted to cooler temperatures, you can reduce the risk of frost damage. Look for varieties that have been specifically bred for cold climates or that have a reputation for withstanding frost. Additionally, consider planting in raised beds or containers, as these can provide better drainage and allow soil to warm up more quickly in the spring.

Be proactive in monitoring weather forecasts and taking preventative measures when frost or hail is predicted. Keep a close eye on temperature fluctuations and be prepared to cover your plants at a moment's notice. If hail is forecast consider erecting temporary structures, such as hail nets or shade cloth, over your garden beds to protect plants from damage.

NOTES from the event:

High Tunnels are three-season and not heated. They extend the growing season because they trap heat inside when covered with plastic or fabrics (see product list).
Hoop Houses - make out of EMT or PVC pipe "3/4 schedule 40 (thicker) plus fitting or nuts and bolts to secure it into the ground, and then cover with plastic and Agribon for extra insulation
EMT electrical conduit (metal) holds up well season after season. You'll need a pipe bender for this. Hidden Mesa has a pipe bender you can use if you wish - contact Jeff to coordinate.
Frost coverings: see FarmTek or Johnny's Seeds or Gardener's Supply for a thorough walk through of information and products regarding frost covers, plastics, hoops and more.
FarmTek sells remnants for a great price (so you don't have to buy a large amount you don't need).
Shade cloth with grommets is expensive. You can buy shade cloth and put your own grommets on it easily. Search websites mentioned.
Knitted shade and hail cloths are best because they don't fray. Black or dark green hold up better than lighter colors.
Wall 'o Waters work well for tomatoes and peppers. To fill without hassle, use a simple radiator filler tool available at Amazon or any auto parts store. Hooks up to your hose.

Other Resources
There are a large variety of videos on YouTube showing various ways to build your own small hoop house, how to provide protection over raised beds, and how to build your own high tunnel. We recommend you use the products recommended by Jeff as these are well-tested to withstand what the weather throws at us in our area, but the actual structure you put the cloths/plastics over will vary from person to person.

Photo credit: FarmTek

Is that plant invasive?

3/28/2024

Invasive plants can have negative impacts on landscapes and gardens. Here's an easy way to learn if a plant is considered invasive (even when it isn't noted on the tag).

The Good:
Some folks might argue that invasive plants have a certain charm. They're often pretty resilient and can adapt to all sorts of environments. It's almost like they have a survival superpower, being able to thrive where others struggle. Plus, in some cases, they can help prevent erosion, which is a big deal, especially in areas where the soil is fragile.

The Bad:
But let's not sugarcoat it, there are definitely downsides. Invasive plants can really wreak havoc on ecosystems. They march in like bullies, crowding out the local plants and disrupting the whole balance of nature. That means less food and habitat for native critters, and it can really mess with the way an ecosystem functions. It's like inviting a rowdy party crasher who ends up trashing the place.

The Ugly:
And when it comes to the ugly side of things, invasive plants can get downright nasty. They can cost us big time, both economically and environmentally. Some of can be real health hazards, causing allergies or even poisoning animals. And the headaches they give us (and all our neighbors too) in terms of trying to manage and control them is well-documented. It's like trying to wrangle a bunch of unruly toddlers on a sugar high – exhausting and never-ending.

While invasive plants might seem harmless or even helpful at first glance, the truth is they can be a serious issue for you, your garden, and the greater environment. It's a reminder that not everything that grows in your garden is a friend.

Don't rely on the growers' tags on store-bought plants - many won't have any information at all on the plant info tag. If you have a plant in your yard or garden that you suspect might be invasive but don't know the name, use an app like Google Lens or Picture This Plant Identifier to identify the plant and its name, and then use the tip below to quickly determine if it is invasive.

TIP: How to check if a plant is invasive: simply Google "name of plant invasive" - for example "pansy invasive" or "Russian sage invasive". If you want to be extra sure, add "Colorado" after the word invasive as in "pansy invasive Colorado". See photo above.

Tour 'Farm and Market' in RiNo on March 30 - spots still available - FREE

3/28/2024

**Special tour offered by Les Dames d'Escoffier, Colorado Chapter**

Orange thyme, Black Magic kale, Pomegranate Crunch romaine, and Mrs. Burn's basil (smell and tastes like Froot Loops).

These and more can be seen during this Saturday's special tour of Farm & Market with co-founders Davis Breedlove and Austin Breedlove who will show you their unique urban farm and tell you how it works.

They produce nutrient-rich hydroponically grown plants (50 varieties) that are served in their on-site restaurant and sold in the on-site market along with a selection of over 120 other local, Colorado grocery products.

Their space is equipped with 1,100 vertical hydroponic towers, all of which can be seen from the dining and shopping areas of the space through a towering glass wall.

You can purchase greens to go while you're there!

Farm & Market is a 'neighborhood farm' run by brothers who are "obsessed with small-impact, big-flavor farming".

We do more than grow plants, we nourish people. - Market & Farm motto

The event is Saturday March 30 from 2 - 3:30pm
Location: Farm & Market 2401 Larimer Street, Denver CO 80205

Register for your spot here.

Les Dames d'Escoffier is a woman-based philanthropy group that provides scholarships to other women in the hospitality and food industry.

Photo credit: Farm & Market website

How to create a garden that thrives

3/28/2024

Good location, good soil, and good seeds will get you results.

Sometimes the best thing we can do to achieve success in gardening is to uproot the old and bring in the new.

If you have a garden area that under performs year after year, or are new to gardening in high altitude with wind, harsh weather, and deer/rabbits, here are tips on what to do to start a garden from scratch:

Choose a flat area that gets at least 6 hours of sunshine a day and has good access to water.
Remove unwanted tree stumps and roots as these may prohibit plant growth. Soil that is loose and free of debris is a good start.
Remove any insect infestations. There's no point starting out with insect problems. Eradicate unwanted insect populations and follow recommended disposal instructions (i.e. squash bugs, ants, leafminers, cutworms, beetle grubs, fungus gnats, Japanese beetles, and flies etc.). For info on how to handle soil pests, click here.
Amend soil before putting in seedlings or seeds. This is the most important step in setting yourself up for a great growing environment. Add a 4-inch layer of quality compost and using a shovel, till in thoroughly. Rake smooth and remove rocks and clumps.
Have a plan for watering. Ground irrigation typically works best because a lot of vegetables and flowers don't like overhead watering, but if you aren't able to set up a on-the-ground irrigation system, just plant to have adequate access to water and learn what kind of watering your chosen plants prefer. Once you know this, you can plant things with similar watering needs together so nothing gets too much or too little water. Using a soil moisture meter is useful in knowing when it's time to water once the garden is established, and helps to prevent overwatering, which kills more gardens that underwatering (plants are resilient!).
If you have deer or rabbits, plan on putting a 6-8ft fence around your garden area. Chicken wire that goes around the bottom of the fence and under the ground by about a foot will keep out voles, moles, and rabbits.
Timing is everything when it comes to knowing when to plant your garden and when to harvest. Start sowing seeds towards the end of May, and for seedlings, put in the ground with a plan for protection if needed late April to mid-May.
You can plant cool season crops like cabbage, radish, broccoli, beets, onions, kale, spinach, and peas in April.
Create a theme of colors or textures that complement each other to make your garden look appealing and cohesive.
Manage and prevent weed growth by adding a layer of mulch to the soil and pathways along the growing beds and weeding by hand regularly to prevent them from choking out your wanted plants and from setting weed seeds.

Growing a garden that thrives and you'll be proud of takes planning and preparation, but most of all patience as you wait for harvest time.

Article contributor: Gardener Gigs

How to naturally dye Easter eggs using ingredients you already have at home

3/22/2024

No need for artificial dyes when you gather natural ingredients to use instead

You can easily dye Easter eggs using natural ingredients found in your kitchen, creating beautiful and unique colors without the need for artificial dyes. Here's how to do it:

Hardboil eggs and allow them to cool completely. You can use white or brown eggs, but note that the colors will turn out differently on each.

Raid your pantry and fridge for ingredients that can be used as natural dyes including the following:

Red or purple cabbage (for blue or purple dye)
Turmeric powder (for yellow dye)
Onion skins (for orange or brown dye)
Spinach or parsley (for green dye)
Beets (for pink or red dye)
Coffee or black tea (for brown dye)
Blueberries = blue eggs
Dried hibiscus flowers = lavender or indigo

Prepare the dye: In separate pots, bring water to a boil and add your chosen natural dye ingredients. Use roughly 2 cups of water per dye ingredient. For example, for cabbage dye, chop a small head of red or purple cabbage and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water.

Allow the dye ingredients to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the water has taken on a rich color. Remove the pots from heat and let the dye cool to room temperature.

Strain the Dye: Once cooled, strain the dye mixture to remove any solid pieces, leaving only the colored liquid behind.

Dye the Eggs: Carefully place your cooled, hard-boiled eggs into the dye baths. The longer you leave the eggs in the dye, the deeper the color will be. For lighter colors, you can leave the eggs in the dye for just a few minutes. For darker shades, leave them in for several hours or overnight. Make sure the eggs are fully submerged in the dye for even coloring.

Remove and Dry the Eggs: Once you've achieved your desired color, carefully remove the eggs from the dye baths using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to dry completely.

Optional: If you want to add a shiny finish to your dyed eggs, you can rub them with a little vegetable oil once they're dry.

Once dry, your naturally dyed Easter eggs are ready to be displayed or used for egg hunts and other festivities!

Seeing last year's spring onions popping up in the veggie bed?

3/20/2024

Go ahead and eat them!

Spring (green onions or scallions) that have been left in the ground since last year and are now sprouting or growing anew can generally be eaten.

They can regrow from their bulbs if they weren't harvested last year. This regrowth can be eaten, but you'll want to focus on the fresher, greener parts for the best taste and texture.

Here is what to consider before consuming:

Inspect the spring onions for signs of spoilage or disease. They should be firm and vibrant in color, without any mushy spots, mold, or unusual odor. If the onions have developed a slimy texture or an off smell, it's best to discard them.

The new 'fresh' growth that emerges in spring tends to be the most tender and flavorful. Older, more fibrous parts might not be as pleasant to eat (often bitter) but can still be used in cooking where they'll be softened, such as in soups or stews.

Clean the onions to remove soil and debris by rinsing them under running water. Peel away the outer layer if it looks damaged or dirty.

Safety: As a general rule, if the plant looks healthy and is growing vigorously, it's likely safe to eat. Just ensure you properly clean and inspect it before consumption.

Remember, the quality and taste might vary depending on how well the plant has overwintered and the conditions of the current growing season. Eating spring onions from your garden that have overwintered and sprouted anew can be a delightful way to enjoy early produce, but always err on the side of caution and discard any that don't seem right.

The right time to tackle garden cleanup isn't as early as you might think

3/20/2024

We know you are tempted to get out there and start cleaning up your gardens, but...

If you didn't do a thorough clean-up of your gardens in the Fall (and many of us don't, preferring to let the old growth act as protection and compost for new growth), you'll be conducting a Spring clean-up instead.

Spring clean-up sets the stage for a fresh start in the growing season. Gardeners should aim to clean up their gardens when weather conditions are favorable and before new growth begins in earnest.

In Colorado we have wild Spring weather (given this last "lion" of a storm we don't need to tell you this), so waiting for mid-Spring (typically late March/early April) is a good time to start your garden tidying.

Wisdom holds that the best time for Spring clean-up in cold climates is after seven days of 50-degree temperatures.

This timing is best because it gives beneficial insects, including bees, a chance to wake up and leave their cozy winter abodes before we go after those little homes with gloves, rakes and garden tools.

When cleaning up, be gentle with spring bulb and perennial shoots poking through debris as these are tender and need a little extra care.

Kentucky bluegrass to be banned per new Colorado law

3/20/2024

The Act will conserve a LOT of water.

Large areas of Kentucky bluegrass will become a less common sight across Colorado after lawmakers recently passed a bill to ban new nonfunctional turf. You can read this PDF of Senate Bill 24-005 to learn more.

According to an article by The Denver Post, the bill was signed into law last Friday by Gov. Jared Polis and prohibits the installation of ornamental grass, invasive plants and artificial turf on most commercial, industrial and state government property. The ban includes medians, parking lots and along roads.

Residential properties are excluded from the law, except for land managed by homeowners’ associations.

Here is the Denver Post article excerpt:

"Bill sponsors’ goal was to reduce water use as Colorado’s supplies shrink due to climate change-fueled drought and warming. Nearly half of water used in cities and towns goes to water lawns, many of which are planted with nonnative grass", experts have said.

“Water-wise landscaping conserves our precious water resources and encourages communities to embrace Colorado’s natural landscapes,” sponsor Rep. Karen McCormick, a Longmont Democrat, said in a news release. “Our law sets us on a path forward to more effectively manage and preserve the water we all rely on.”

The new restrictions go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, except for the ban on state government property, which starts a year earlier in 2025.

The law is part of an ongoing effort by lawmakers to reduce the amount of water used on ornamental lawns. The legislature in 2022 passed a law that gave money to local governments and nonprofits to replace nonnative ornamental grass with water-efficient landscaping. Local governments, too, have passed ordinances to limit thirsty nonnative turf."

Also exempt from the ban are parks, sports fields and playgrounds.

The Denver Post's full article with interesting related articles is here.

The hope is that all Coloradans will be inspired to plant native grasses and plants that use less water in an effort to be part of a water-saving solution that benefits everyone.

UPDATE: broken links on Douglas County site are now fixed. March is a good time to check for Mountain Pine Beetle

3/20/2024

While mountain pine beetle has not been widely detected in our area (fortunately), isolated incidents of trees with the beetle have been identified.

Douglas County "Forest Pests" webpage links are now fixed. Click here to see the page and successfully click on all the links under the category Ponderosa Pine.

Here is an excellent PDF from the U.S. Forest Service about pine beetle, including a map of where they are prevalent and information on natural enemies, hazards and concerns, and other excellent information.

March is considered a critical period for monitoring and managing mountain pine beetle populations, as it marks the beginning of their activity and provides and early opportunity to respond to, and work to prevent, and infestation.

Keep in mind that your tree(s) may have something other than mountain pine beetle such as winter burn (desiccation), red turpentine borer, Ips bark beetle, pine tip moth, Western bark beetle, spruce beetle, roundheaded pine beetle, and issues due to drought and/or extreme weather (freeze/thaw). It is best to call a professional arborist to help you identify what may be causing problems with your trees.

Emergence from Winter Dormancy: Mountain pine beetles typically overwinter in the bark of infested trees. As temperatures begin to rise in March, these beetles become more active and start emerging from their winter dormancy. This activity makes March an ideal time to inspect trees for signs of infestation.

Flight Season: March marks the beginning of the flight season for adult mountain pine beetles. During this time, the beetles mate and seek out new host trees to infest. By monitoring trees in March, it is possible to detect the presence of adult beetles before they lay eggs and initiate new infestations.

Identification of Early Infestations: Early detection of mountain pine beetle infestations is critical for effectively managing and controlling their spread. In March, trees may begin showing initial signs of infestation, such as pitch tubes, boring dust (looks like yellow crumbly popcorn on the bark of the tree), or yellowing/browning foliage.

Preventative Treatments: For areas susceptible to mountain pine beetle, preventative treatments may be applied to protect healthy trees from attack. (If you can clearly see that a pine is being attacked by beetles, it may as well be already dead. Pine trees are not like oaks. Oaks and many other broadleaf trees can regenerate from even a bad disease or stress, but pines typically cannot. Once on the path to death, there is no recovery for a pine tree).

March provides an opportune time to assess the need for such treatments and implement them before the beetles become more active later in the season. Learn more about prevention which includes excellent images in this article.

Timing for Tree Removal: If infested trees are identified during March inspections, timely removal of these trees can help prevent the spread of mountain pine beetles to neighboring healthy trees. Removing infested trees before the beetles emerge in large numbers can help mitigate the impact of the infestation on the surrounding forest.

Colorado State Forest Service article on mountain pine beetle.
2022 Forest Health Highlights for Colorado from Colorado State Forest Service with aerial detection of disturbance pests.
2023 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests including notable pests in Colorado
Douglas County common insects and diseases in trees, plus resources for professional identification through the county, and information on programs to assist landowners with forest management including the removal of dead trees. (Some links in this article are broken - we have contacted Douglas County about fixing these so we can access the information. We will provide an update when the links are fixed).

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

Bee houses for only $5!

3/13/2024

Help our bee populations and at this price, buy two!

Spotted this cute little bee house (also called a bee hotel) at Target in Parker this week for only $5 (at the entrance where inexpensive seasonal items are on offer).

Bees are important pollinators for many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Providing a habitat like a bee house near your garden helps to increase pollination rates and can improve the yield and quality of your crops.

Bee houses can attract a variety of solitary bee species, which contributes to supporting a diverse range of pollinators in your area. In Colorado, we have over 900 bee species! Approximately 30% of those bees build nests in cavities, or tunnels, including bee hotels. Leafcutter bees and mason bees are among the most common bees seen nesting in bee hotels.

Unlike honeybees which live in colonies, solitary bees nest individually. Installing bee houses helps the conservation of native bee populations by providing them with suitable nesting sites.

Many bee species are facing habitat loss and population decline due to factors such as urbanization, pesticide use, and climate change. Having a bee house provides an opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship and the role bees play in supporting local wildlife.

Where to locate your bee house: bees love places that get plenty of sunlight but are also sheltered from strong winds. They want a spot where they can raise their brood and store their honey without worrying about intruders.

Flowers nearby are a huge plus. Bees need nectar and pollen to feed themselves and their young, so having a variety of flowering plants and shrubs close by is like having a grocery store right next door.

A little peace and quiet goes a long way. Bees don't want to be bothered by loud noises or constant disturbances. They just want to go about their buzzy business in peace.

Maintain and clean: This is the most overlooked part of having insect hotel. Inspect your bee hotel at the end of summer to remove and clean dead cells. This will prevent mold and mites that would feed on the dead bees or larvae. Bring the insect hotel into cool dry area such as garden shed during winter to protect the untreated wood and other materials from wind, rain, and snow. Without timely maintenance and clean-up, a once-occupied insect hotel may not attract a new batch next season.

Replace when it is time: Insect hotels can degrade naturally after two or three years of use. Change the nesting blocks (often made of cardboard) or degraded parts every couple of years.

Note: sorry, but we have been unable to find this bee hotel online, so your best bet is to pop into Target to buy it.

Plan to plant sunflowers with edible seeds to attract birds

3/13/2024

Sunflowers are popular not only for their cheerful appearance but also for their delicious and nutritious seeds. Here's a list of some sunflower varieties with edible seeds.

Sunrich: Sunrich sunflowers produce large, tasty seeds and are available in various colors including yellow, orange, and red. They are often grown for both ornamental purposes and seed production.
Russian Mammoth: This variety is known for its huge flower heads and large seeds. Russian Mammoth sunflowers are favored by gardeners and seed enthusiasts for their robust flavor and sizeable seeds.
ProCut Series: The ProCut series includes several sunflower varieties bred specifically for seed production. Varieties such as ProCut Orange, ProCut Red, and ProCut Lemon produce high yields of uniform seeds with excellent flavor.
Italian White: Unlike traditional yellow sunflowers, Italian White sunflowers produce seeds with a white or cream-colored shell. These seeds have a slightly milder flavor compared to traditional sunflower seeds.
Black Oil: Black Oil sunflowers are primarily grown for seed production and are commonly used for making sunflower oil. The seeds have thin black shells and are rich in oil and flavor, making them a favorite among birds and humans alike.
Autumn Beauty: While Autumn Beauty sunflowers are often grown for their stunning array of colors, they also produce seeds that are perfect for snacking. The seeds are medium-sized and have a delicious nutty flavor.
Giant Sungold: As the name suggests, Giant Sungold sunflowers produce large, golden-yellow flower heads filled with plump seeds. These seeds are perfect for roasting or adding to salads and baked goods.
Teddy Bear: Teddy Bear sunflowers are a dwarf variety with small flower heads and seeds. While they may not produce as many seeds as larger varieties, their seeds are still edible and have a delightful flavor.
Peredovik: Peredovik sunflowers are a popular variety for both seed production and wildlife food plots. The seeds have a high oil content and are favored by birds, making them an excellent choice for bird feeders.
Pike's Peak: Pike's Peak sunflowers produce large flower heads with plump seeds that are perfect for snacking. These seeds have a rich, nutty flavor and are a favorite among gardeners and seed enthusiasts.

NOTE: When growing sunflowers for their seeds, it's important to choose varieties that are specifically bred for seed production and to ensure that the plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients throughout the growing season. Harvest the seeds once the flower heads have dried and the seeds are fully mature for the best flavor and texture.

Skeleton flower - the unique plant with petals that look clear when wet

3/12/2024

Despite its ethereal beauty and intriguing characteristics, the Skeleton Flower remains relatively rare in cultivation, adding to its allure and desirability among plant enthusiasts.

The Skeleton Flower, scientifically known as Diphelleia grayi, is a plant renowned for its remarkable ability to transform its delicate white petals into transparent structures when they come into contact with water.

Native to the moist, wooded slopes of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States and parts of East Asia, particularly Japan and China, this mysterious plant has captured the curiosity and admiration of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

The name "Skeleton Flower" aptly describes its distinctive characteristic. When the petals of the flower become wet, they turn translucent, revealing the intricate network of veins that resemble the delicate structure of a skeleton. This transformation is both mesmerizing and ephemeral, as the petals return to their opaque white appearance once they dry.

The mechanism behind this phenomenon lies in the unique cell structure of the petals. The cells contain microscopic channels filled with air, which scatter light and give the petals their white color when they are dry. When water enters these channels, it displaces the air, causing the petals to become transparent. This transparency enhances the flower's ability to attract pollinators by making the reproductive organs more visible.

The photo shown above is similar to what skeleton flower looks like when dry. To see the actual flower wet and dry, and to learn about growing this unique flower, click here. (Credit BHG.com)

Skeleton Flower has a rich cultural significance in the regions where it grows. In Japan, it is known as "skeleton leaf" or "ghost plant" (hahanohi) and is associated with themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of beauty in traditional art and literature. Its transparent petals are often used in decorative crafts and arrangements, symbolizing the transient beauty of life.

In its natural habitat, the Skeleton Flower thrives in cool, moist conditions, typically found in shaded woodland areas with rich, well-drained soil. It prefers acidic soil and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Farmer's Almanac for March

3/12/2024

So many mists in March you see, so many frosts in May will be.

Contrary to popular belief, the symbol of St. Patrick is a three-leaf shamrock (also called a trefoil), not a four-leaf clover.
This month's full moon will be on March 25th - a "worm" moon, so named in reference to beetle larvae, which begin to emerge from winter hideouts at this time.
Worms do wonders for the soil - they improve aeration, moisture retention, structure, and nutrient availability.
The Easter Egg eggplant produces purple flowers in late spring, followed by ornamental white fruit that turn orange as they mature.
Sow peas outdoors even if its snowy. The earlier they mature, the sweeter they'll be.
The word "daffodil" may have come from the Old English word "affodyle" which means "that which comes early". Daffodils pop up in early spring, blooming in yellow, white, or a combination of the two (several new varieties include pink and orange). The bulbs are both deer-resistant and rodent proof.
Daffodil sap shorten the vase life of other cuts flowers, so keep flower arrangements solely daffodils, or soak the stems in cool water for 24 hours before adding to other flowers in an arrangement.
To attract goldfinches to your garden, plant sunflowers such as Aztec Gold and Mammoth Russian, whose seeds are edible. To see a list of other sunflowers with edible seeds, click here.
You can begin planting seeds outdoors as early as late March for beets, broccoli, cabbage, and peas. Plant carrots, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, and spinach outdoors in April. Plant onions, peppers, and tomatoes in May. Beans, Brussels sprouts, corn, and cucumbers go in the ground in June, and squash in July.
To encourage proper beetroot development, sow seeds in well-worked soil that is free of clumps and stones.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. - Anne Bradstreet, American poet

CSU researchers reveal top performing tomatoes and peppers for a short growing season

3/8/2024

These better-performing crops apply to anywhere in Colorado

CSU Extension Master Gardeners have been conducting trials to determine which tomato and sweet pepper varieties perform best in a short growing season. Their findings are a result of a five year trial.

Out of 15 tomato varieties researched and tested, New Girl (indeterminate) and Patio Choice Yellow (yellow cherry tomato) stood out.

Sweet peppers that did the best are Ace and Olympus, and also the 'lunchbox pepper' Just Sweet.

They'll be conducting trials for flowers and winter squash next.

Here's a more detailed article on the trials with video, courtesy KUNR.org.

What is the difference between indeterminate and determinate? Click here.

CSU Extension PDF on growing tomatoes in Colorado

Dreamy landscape has great ideas for outdoor spaces

3/7/2024

Journey to rebuild a property after a destructive wildfire

Today we bring you this inspiring landscape from California landscape design company Inner Gardens.

Mimicking this for Colorado will involve different kinds of native plants, but the overall effect is certainly possible here - especially the patio pots with bushy plants (lavender or rosemary would work well in Colorado) and breezy ornamental grasses such as Shenandoah Switchgrass, Pink Muhly Grass, Cotton Candy Ornamental, Beatlemania Variegated Vernal Sedge, and Alpine Plume Grass.

See the landscape here.

CSU Extension fact sheet all about ornamental grasses is here.

Credit: Inner Gardens

Gardener volunteers needed to help at Hidden Mesa growing food for the Parker Task Force

3/6/2024

Experienced and inexperienced gardeners are all welcome!

Hidden Mesa is a 1200-acre open space property run by Douglas County with an all-volunteer staff. In one area of the property, fruits and vegetables are lovingly cultivated specifically to give to the clients of the Parker Task Force. Hidden Mesa is located just north of Franktown at 3217 Hwy. 83 South.

All produce is grown in raised beds and several greenhouses, and is delivered to the task force (food bank) weekly so that task force clients have access to fresh grown produce.

The program needs gardeners! Volunteers come weekly (or whatever schedule they prefer i.e. every other week) and give their time to help with all the tasks big and small that go into a larger growing operation. Volunteers usually stay for two to three hours (or more if they want).

Volunteers help with preparing beds, planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, spreading pine needs to keep weeds down, tending the plants, and harvesting when the time is right. There is always something to do and most tasks are not difficult.

Volunteers are all ages and levels of experience (kids even come to help out in summer when school is out). The program is also great for high school students looking to fulfill their volunteer hours requirement to graduate.

Interested to learn more? Email Jeff Roth.

There is a strong sense of community and camaraderie amongst the volunteer gardeners, and a lot of pride in helping out to give back in this way to those who really appreciate receiving fresh fruits and vegetables and the efforts of all at Hidden Mesa.

How to grow and care for an Easter Cactus

3/5/2024

With proper care, an Easter cactus will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year

The Easter cactus, also known as the Whitsun cactus or spring cactus, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Brazil. It's closely related to the Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus, and they share similar care requirements. It is an indoor plant in Colorado.

How to grow and care for an Easter cactus

These plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as this can scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal.

Keep your Easter cactus in a room where the temperature remains between 60°F to 70°F during the day and doesn't drop below 50°F at night.

Water your Easter cactus thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but make sure it does not sit in water as it can lead to root rot. Water more sparingly during the winter months when the plant is resting.

Easter cacti prefer slightly higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, making sure the bottom of the pot doesn't touch the water. Misting the plant occasionally can also help.

During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Easter cactus monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. No need to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant is resting.

Prune your Easter cactus after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. You can propagate new plants from the cuttings.

Easter cacti typically bloom in spring, producing vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, or white. To encourage blooming, provide a period of cool temperatures (around 50°F to 55°F and reduced watering in late winter or early spring.

Repot every 2-3 years in the spring after flowering. Choose a pot that's slightly larger than the current one, and use fresh soil formulated for cacti and succulents.

Keep an eye out for common pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any signs of pests or disease, isolate the affected plant and treat it promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Protect your garden from frost and hail

Summary of information and products from March 23 Garden Club Event

Is that plant invasive?

Invasive plants can have negative impacts on landscapes and gardens. Here's an easy way to learn if a plant is considered invasive (even when it isn't noted on the tag).

Tour 'Farm and Market' in RiNo on March 30 - spots still available - FREE

**Special tour offered by Les Dames d'Escoffier, Colorado Chapter**

How to create a garden that thrives

Good location, good soil, and good seeds will get you results.

How to naturally dye Easter eggs using ingredients you already have at home

No need for artificial dyes when you gather natural ingredients to use instead

Seeing last year's spring onions popping up in the veggie bed?

Go ahead and eat them!

The right time to tackle garden cleanup isn't as early as you might think

We know you are tempted to get out there and start cleaning up your gardens, but...

Kentucky bluegrass to be banned per new Colorado law

The Act will conserve a LOT of water.

UPDATE: broken links on Douglas County site are now fixed. March is a good time to check for Mountain Pine Beetle

While mountain pine beetle has not been widely detected in our area (fortunately), isolated incidents of trees with the beetle have been identified.

Bee houses for only $5!

Help our bee populations and at this price, buy two!

Plan to plant sunflowers with edible seeds to attract birds

Sunflowers are popular not only for their cheerful appearance but also for their delicious and nutritious seeds. Here's a list of some sunflower varieties with edible seeds.

Skeleton flower - the unique plant with petals that look clear when wet

Despite its ethereal beauty and intriguing characteristics, the Skeleton Flower remains relatively rare in cultivation, adding to its allure and desirability among plant enthusiasts.

Farmer's Almanac for March

So many mists in March you see, so many frosts in May will be.

CSU researchers reveal top performing tomatoes and peppers for a short growing season

These better-performing crops apply to anywhere in Colorado

Dreamy landscape has great ideas for outdoor spaces

Journey to rebuild a property after a destructive wildfire

Gardener volunteers needed to help at Hidden Mesa growing food for the Parker Task Force

Experienced and inexperienced gardeners are all welcome!

How to grow and care for an Easter Cactus

With proper care, an Easter cactus will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year

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