Blog Archives

The Pro's pick perennials "impossible to kill"

7/28/2023

Great for dry gardens, bad soil, and shady gardens too!

According to the garden writers at Real Simple, "If you've always assumed that your yard was too dry, too shady, or that the soil was too sandy to support beautiful plants - guess again."

With expert advice and care tips from plant professionals, RS has identified 15 really pretty plants that thrive anywhere and in most soils. Here's their list of 15 (the full article is here with great photos and a details on each plant):

Ajuga
Caladium
Persian Shield
Oakleaf Hydrangea (see article on when to plant hydrangeas here)
First Frost Hosta
Carex Pensylvanica
Agave
Desert Rose
Sedum
Armeria
Dianthus
Shrub Cinquefoil "Primrose Beauty"
Zagreb Threadleaf Tickseed
Butterfly Weed
Lilac Sage aka Purple Rain

These hard-to-kill plants are readily available at nurseries and garden centers, so there's no reason to let a difficult planting spaces stop you from creating a showstopping yard.

DIY the exorbitantly priced "mugolio" pine-flavored syrup at home using something we all have where we live!

7/26/2023

Put little green pine cones to use in this syrup beloved by chefs worldwide

Mugolio, also known as pine cone syrup or fir cone syrup, is a traditional Italian delicacy made from young, green pine cones. The syrup has a unique and aromatic flavor that pairs well with various dishes and desserts.

Here's a simple recipe for making mugolio at home:

Ingredients:

Fresh pine buds (make sure they are clean and free from pesticides)
Granulated sugar
Water

Instructions:

Harvesting Pine Buds
- The first step is to collect fresh, young pine buds*. It's essential to make sure you're harvesting from a pine tree that is free from any harmful chemicals or pollution.
Preparing the Pine Buds
- Clean the pine buds gently to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a soft brush or rinse them lightly under cold water.
Creating the Infusion
- Take a clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Fill the jar with the cleaned pine buds, leaving some space at the top.
- Cover the pine buds with granulated sugar. The general ratio is about 1 part pine buds to 2 parts sugar by weight.
- Seal the jar with the lid.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 to 3 months. This allows the pine buds to infuse into the sugar syrup fully. Be sure to roll the concoction around in the jar regularly (at least once a week).
Straining and Bottling
- After the infusion period, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. This will remove the pine buds and any impurities, leaving you with a clear syrup.
- Discard the used pine buds
Storing Mugolio
- Transfer the strained mugolio syrup into sterilized glass bottles or jars with airtight lids.
- Store the syrup in a cool, dark place, and it should last for several months.

* Fresh spruce tips can be used in place of little green pinecones.

Mugolio syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various culinary applications. You can drizzle it over desserts like ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles. It also makes a delightful addition to cocktails and mocktails. The unique pine flavor adds a special touch to many dishes, so feel free to get creative with its usage!

More information with images and details here.

Some recipe ideas here.

Credit: this idea was suggested to us by Madison Luna.

The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. Black Forest Garden Club makes no representation or warranty, express or implied. Your use of the site is solely at your own risk. This site may contain links to third party content, which we do not warrant, endorse, or assume liability for. This site may contain information on growing food and making food products - you do so at your own risk and we do not assume any liability.

Lawn-free front yards are gaining in popularity

7/26/2023

A lawn-free front yard reduces maintenance and water consumption and can be striking

Creating a lawn-free front yard can be a creative and eco-friendly way to enhance the beauty of your home. Ideas for lawn-free front yards abound!

Native Plant Garden: Design a garden using native plants that are adapted to our local climate. Native plants often require less water and maintenance than traditional lawns and provide essential habitats for local wildlife.
Xeriscaping: Xeriscaping involves landscaping with drought-resistant plants, succulents, and cacti. These plants can thrive in arid conditions and require minimal watering.
Rock Garden: Create a rock garden with various sizes and shapes of rocks combined with low-maintenance plants like sedums, alpines, or other rock garden perennials. This design can be visually appealing and require little upkeep.
Mulch and Ground Covers: Replace your lawn with organic mulch or ground covers such as clover, creeping thyme, or moss. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weed growth, while ground covers provide greenery with lower maintenance needs.
Edible Garden: Consider planting edible plants and herbs, such as vegetables, fruits, and culinary herbs. This not only reduces maintenance but also provides you with fresh produce right from your front yard.
Hardscaping: Use hardscape elements like flagstones, pavers, or gravel to create pathways and outdoor living spaces. Combine them with strategically placed planters for pops of greenery.
Rain Garden: Create a rain garden to collect and absorb rainwater runoff. It can be a visually appealing way to reduce water wastage and help the environment.
Artificial Turf: While it may not be entirely lawn-free, artificial turf requires significantly less maintenance and water compared to real grass. Be aware, however, that many (but not all) artificial turf contains PFAS chemicals. Do your homework before installing.
Zen Garden: Design a Zen-inspired garden with sand, rocks, and carefully placed plants to create a peaceful and meditative space. Get out the little rake each day for a meditative practice!

When planning your lawn-free front yard, consider the climate, soil conditions, and the amount of sunlight the area receives. Also, check any local regulations or HOA rules that may dictate what changes you can make to your front yard.

The best time to plant hydrangeas is nearing

7/25/2023

Fall is coming - plan ahead to get hydrangeas in and established

The best time to plant hydrangeas is not right now. Much too hot!

The ideal time to plant hydrangeas is during the fall when the temperatures are cooler. Because we live in an area with harsh winters, it's better to plant at least 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost. This allows the plants to establish their root systems before facing the stress of extreme heat or cold.

Remember to choose a location with the right amount of sunlight and well-drained soil for hydrangeas. They generally prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, along with consistently moist soil but not waterlogged.

The soil should be fertile (amend with compost, not manure which can burn the roots) and well-drained.

Choosing which hydrangea to plant is important where we live due to altitude, heat, deer, and wind. We live in zones 3, 4, and 5 (depending on exactly where you live). Best hydrangeas for our area include:

Annabelle
Paniculata hydrangeas - especially Late Panicle, Pee Gee, and Limelight
Oakleaf hydrangea
Endless Summer

Holly Acres Nursery in Elizabeth gives descriptions of the first two hardy hydrangeas here.

Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter? No. Prune only to get ride of dry, ill, or rotting branches. Prune hydrangeas before the plant produces new buds in the spring and well before it opens new leaves. Fall is a good time to do this because the plant is entering dormant stage.

Watering: Be sure to water well and keep moist after transplanting - especially in the first two months. After that, water 1 to 2 gallons per week for a large hydrangea. Do winter water!

Fertilization: Hydrangeas are generally low-maintenance so you won't need to do a lot of feeding - just a little flower fertilizer in spring and again in late summer.

Deadhead? Yes! Click here for how to.

The prettiest birds grace these FREE phone wallpapers

7/21/2023

Birds, eggs, and nests are symbols of renewal and hope in these special phone backgrounds

For many years David Arms was one of the leading special event designers in the country, producing award-winning corporate and social events from coast to coast, including Nashville’s Swan Ball. In 1997, he decided to devote himself full-time to his art.

He is a self-taught artist whose love for nature comes through vividly in the still life paintings he creates.

For those who love everything botanical, Mr. Arms is offering eight different images for you to use on your phone at no charge. Delicate and striking paintings of birds (and a sheep) grace these optimistic images; some include sayings such as "Be still and know", "Blessed", and "Hope".

To download, click this link and follow the instructions. You will download your choice of phone wallpaper from your phone, not the website.

David Arms also sells full size original paintings and Giclee reproductions on his website.

Do you see holes in your tomatoes?

7/17/2023

The culprit may not be a tomato hornworm or grub

It can be very disheartening to walk out to your garden on an early, cool Colorado morning and see peck marks on your tomato fruits.

The culprit may not be insect-related but instead something bigger but just as persistent: birds.

Many bird species have a varied diet that includes fruits, and tomatoes can be attractive to them due to their bright color and juicy texture. They eat tomatoes for the food and also for hydration.

While some birds may peck at tomatoes to eat them, others may do so out of curiosity or playfulness.

Keep in mind that birds are not the only animals that may be interested in tomatoes. Other creatures like squirrels, insects, and small mammals may also take a bite or peck at ripe tomatoes when given the opportunity.

Before you employ any of the protection strategies below, make sure you’ve correctly identified the culprit. Ripe tomatoes are the target of many pests, but bird damage leaves a particular mark.

When birds feast on your tomatoes, they aim to reach the juicy, hydrating inner pulp. The tell-tale sign of bird damage is a fairly large, deep hole that looks like it was created by pecking. Picture your tomato being stabbed by a beak because that’s exactly what happened.

Before you employ protection strategies, make sure you’ve correctly identified the culprit. Ripe tomatoes are the target of many pests, but bird damage leaves a particular mark.

How to protect tomatoes from birds
Physical barriers, distractions, and scare tactics are all proven ways to prevent birds from eating your tomatoes, and all three are affordable, accessible, and easy to implement.

To protect your tomato plants try installing bird netting, shade netting, fake scarecrows, or reflective objects to deter them. Or hang a wind-chime(s) nearby to scare the birds away.

Additionally, picking tomatoes as soon as they ripen and not leaving overripe ones on the vine can reduce the attraction for birds and other creatures.

Here's an informative article on 8 kinds of birds that like tomatoes.

Plan and plant a garden that is always in bloom

7/17/2023

Plant these beauties now and you'll have blooms for the next few months and for years to come (they're all flowering perennials).

From the good folks at Finding Nectar Nursery (Arvada), here is a collection of their most recommended blooming plants for summer in Colorado with gorgeous accompanying photos to make plant identification at the nursery easier.

These plants all grow really well in Colorado and will inspire you to create a true four-season garden for next year! You are also able to purchase plants directly from their website's shop.

Summer Blooms click here.

And here are their Spring and Fall blooms lists so you can plan ahead.

America's 10 favorite flowers

7/17/2023

According to Google searches, these are the flowers Americans love best.

Lavender
Sunflower
Rose
Peony
Hydrangea
Dahlia
Tulip
Sweet Pea
Poppy
Clematis

For descriptions/history of each, click here.

Article credit: CNN

Flower shown in photo above: Clematis

The rare Green Gentian is blooming in Colorado. See it while it lasts!

7/17/2023

In the middle of a high-altitude field, towering above the grasses and flowers, looms the elusive green gentian.

This rare plant captivates botanists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts with its rare appearance and unique characteristics.

It flourishes in high-altitude, harsh, rugged terrains where few other plants can survive, lives up to 80 years, and blooms only once in its lifetime.

A Rare Beauty
The green gentian stands out for its striking emerald-green color, a rare trait among the gentian family. With vibrant, glossy leaves and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that boast shades ranging from lime green to deep forest hues, this plant's beauty is further enhanced by its preference for growing in the most remote and untouched corners of wilderness.

As one of nature's most alluring spectacles, the green gentian showcases the beauty and resilience of the natural world, making it a prized discovery for those fortunate enough to encounter it.

Seasonal Magic
The magic of the green gentian is not just in its appearance but also in the timing of its bloom. The plant's short flowering season usually occurs during late spring and early summer when the snow recedes and temperatures rise. This is when the green gentian, also known as 'monument plant', lives 20 to 60 years but blooms only once, sometimes reaching nearly 10 feet, before it dies.

Green gentian looks similar to the noxious plant, Mullein. You can tell the two apart by looking at the leaves. Mullein has soft, fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers while the desirable gentian’s leaves are smooth and the flower is a light green. It’s a source of food for wildlife.

Conservation Concerns
Like many rare and exquisite species, the green gentian faces challenges related to its survival. Human activities, including habitat destruction and climate change, pose significant threats to its delicate ecosystem. Conservation efforts are vital to safeguarding this precious botanical gem for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

What to know
The green gentian is flowering in Colorado this summer, particularly in the mountains near Aspen, along the river walk in Breckenridge, in Routt County (Steamboat), and in the wildflower meadows around Crested Butte.

This plant bloom typically occurs four to five years after a good snow year, and begins to form about three years before actually blooming. The historical snowpack in 2019 is likely the reason for the bloom this year.

Learn more here.

To see closeup photos of this plan t click here.

Homemade orange peels spray for fighting aphids

7/14/2023

We tried this and it works!

Seeing aphids on plants can be a jolting experience. No one wants to dig up and discard their plant(s), but we don't want the creepy crawlies to spread like crazy and destroy every plant in their path either.

Aphids reproduce faster than any insect on the planet. When the weather is warm, many species of aphids can develop from newborn nymph to reproducing adult in seven to eight days. Because each adult aphid can produce up to 80 offspring in a matter of a week, aphid populations can increase with great speed.

Aphids can cause stunted growth with curled or distorted leaves and drastically weaken a plant. They excrete a sticky honeydew on which black sooty molds can grow, and the white cast skins of aphids can accumulate on the upper surface of leaves.

Aphids do have natural enemies, including other insects, insect larvae, and birds, but these are typically not enough to handle an infestation because of how quickly aphids multiply.

One method we've been testing to kill off an aphid infestation is consistent use of an orange peel spray. Boil two oranges worth of orange peels in a cup or two of water for ten minutes, let it sit for 24 hours, and then strain the liquid into a spray bottle. The hot water helps to release the natural oils in the orange peels.

Orange peels contain a natural insecticide called D-Limonene that will repels a number of insects including fruit flies and whiteflies in addition to aphids. The smell of citrus puts them off.

Spray the entire plant, taking care to spray thoroughly under every leaf where aphids love to congregate, and also stems and tops of leaves. Give a spray to unaffected plants next to the affected plants while you're at it, to keep them safe from acquiring an infestation of their own.

The key is to spray this every 3 days to kill the bugs and keep them away.

This spray can be used on any plants that have pests, including indoor plants.

Curling tomato leaves common causes and what to do about it

7/13/2023

Curling tomato leaves should not be ignored. Learn what to do to bring your tomatoes back to good health.

Curled tomato leaves can be caused by weather, pests, diseases, and poor watering practices.

Where we live, extreme temperatures (particularly high heat or cold) and exposure to high winds can cause tomato leaves to curl. Protect your plants from environmental stressors by creating a consistently warm place for them to grow. This can be wall-of-waters, building a small 'pop-up' greenhouse with plastic and stakes, or planting them close to a south-facing wall to minimize wind and take advantage of the heat the wall gives back at night.

Tomatoes that receive inconsistent or improper watering often exhibit leaf curling, especially over-watering, which suffocates the roots and hinders nutrient uptake. Conversely, under-watering causes drought stress which causes the leaves to curl. Keep track of when and how much water you give your tomatoes, and always check the soil before watering by using a soil moisture meter to accurately gauge whether water is necessary.

A lack of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, or magnesium can cause leaf curling. Note, however, that too much of any nutrient, particularly nitrogen, can also cause the condition. Here is a guide on how and when to fertilize your tomatoes.

A raised bed with a soil depth of minimum 8 inches works best for growing tomatoes and established plants should be watered deeply for 20 to 30 minutes three to four times per week. If you grow tomatoes in a shallower bed, check them daily to catch early signs of dehydration.

Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips are all pests that vex tomato plants. These pests feed on the plant's sap and disrupt normal growth. Closely inspect your plants to see if you spot any pests that may be harming your plant(s). Manage pests by using Pyrethrin, a natural product for the control of aphids and caterpillars. Neem oil extract and insecticidal soap are less toxic options for the control of aphids and whiteflies. Horticultural oil is a less toxic option to control spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.

Viral infections, like tomato yellow leaf, curl virus, and tomato mosaic virus, can result in distorted and curled foliage. Fungal diseases such as Fusarium wilt and early blight can also cause leaf curling symptoms. To prevent disease, only use certified disease-free seeds and plants. Avoid planting in areas that were planted with peppers or tomatoes during the previous year. Use drip or furrow irrigation - no overhead watering. Remove and dispose of all diseased plants that appear to be diseased, or the issue will migrate to other tomatoes in the same space.

Curly Top Virus - when the leaves of your tomatoes, squashes, watermelons or other garden crops thicken and curl, plant growth is stunted, and they eventually die, the cause might be curly top virus (CTV). The disease is also known as beet curly top virus named after the beet leafhopper, the insect that transmits the virus. Learn more about this here.

Exposure to herbicides or weed killers, either through drift from nearby applications or accidental overspray, can cause leaf curling and other abnormalities in tomato plants. Use these products only on very calm days (early morning is best) to ensure drift doesn't occur.

Some tomato varieties may naturally exhibit leaf curling traits. This is often seen in heirloom or wild-type tomato varieties.

Colorado's biggest night for pollinator conservation is coming!

7/13/2023

Butterfly Ball at the Butterfly Pavilion is August 19, 2023

Butterfly Ball Colorado is an annual gala supporting invertebrate education and global conservation.

From a Monarch menagerie filled with live monarchs, cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, seated dinner, and dancing, this special event raises funding for Butterfly Pavilion’s Pollinator Awareness through Conservation and Education (PACE) initiative which mobilizes people to engage and take positive action to help conserve and protect pollinators in their own neighborhood and around the world.

The Butterfly Pavilion aims to educate and inspire visitors about conservation and environmental stewardship. They offer various educational programs and workshops for all ages, including school field trips, summer camps, and adult classes. These programs cover topics such as pollination, habitat preservation, sustainable gardening, and the importance of insects in our ecosystems.

It serves as a valuable educational resource and contributes to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these delicate and vital creatures.

Purchase tickets here.

Cycle and soak watering for lawns in hot temps

7/10/2023

As temperatures rise, you may be tempted to run your sprinkler longer. But resist that temptation, and instead practice cycle-and-soak watering. It’s an efficient way to keep your landscape healthy and be sure that none of your watering goes to waste.

Here’s how to cycle and soak:
Break up your watering into shorter intervals. For example, if you usually water an area of lawn for about 15 minutes, then don't apply all the water within one 15-minute timeframe.

Watering all at once creates run-off and wasted water your plants won't get to use. Instead, break the watering time into three intervals so that the water runs for about 5 minutes, and take a break, water another 5 minutes, take a break and so on.

This break gives the water time to soak into the soil. It is easy to schedule these cycle-and-soak intervals with the timer on your sprinkler system. By the time each zone has received water, the first zone has had time to absorb the first interval’s water and is ready for the next interval.

Need help programming the cycle-and soak method? Check the manual, look for a video online that walks you through the steps, or consult a landscape professional to help you troubleshoot your turf issues and properly schedule your sprinkler.

When scheduling your sprinklers, make sure you’re following watering rules for our area. They can help you establish good habits and not over-water your lawn. For example, most watering rules prohibit watering midday, which is an excellent guideline since you can lose a lot of irrigation water to evaporation during those hours.

Credit: ALCC

NEW FLASH! Wildflowers are saturating this local open space right now!

7/7/2023

A thirty minute drive brings you to wildflower heaven

A visit to Lincoln Mountain Open Space this week netted a huge surprise - a plethora of wildflowers!

Lincoln Mountain has breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, Rampart Range, and the entire eastern plains of Douglas County. The trail takes visitors through the fields to a forested and rocky pass (easy) up to the flat top. The variety of terrain and views are hard to beat.

The trails are easy and of varying distances, and there are few visitors, so you can be out in nature virtually alone with the flowers, birds, and big blue sky.

Click here for address, hours, trail information, and amenities.

Combined with 360 degree views of still-lush Spring Valley and its numerous ranches and ranchettes, this magical place is one you don't want to miss. Go soon or the wildflowers will be gone!

Creative uses for mint - that prolific and hardy summer herb

7/6/2023

Experiment and get creative with mint in your culinary endeavors. Its cool and refreshing flavor can add a delightful twist to many dishes and beverages.

Hurray for mint - that wonderful herb that keeps on giving! It is the epitome of summer - fresh and clean tasting and a wonderful addition to many recipes. Here are ideas for using mint straight from your garden:

Mint Salad Dressing: Blend fresh mint leaves with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt to create a unique and zesty dressing for salads. Recipes here and here.
Minty Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate and mix in finely chopped mint leaves. Pour the mixture into molds or spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool. Enjoy your homemade mint chocolate treats. Recipe here.
Minty Yogurt Dip: Mix finely chopped mint leaves with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Use it as a dip for veggies or as a sauce for grilled meats. Recipe here.
Minty Frozen Dog Treats: This frozen dog treat has the added benefit of a fresh scent for you pup’s breath. Recipe here. See important note below.
Mint Sugar Scrub: Combine finely chopped mint leaves with sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil to create a homemade exfoliating scrub for your skin. Recipe here.
Minty Cocktails: Use mint leaves as a garnish or muddle them with other ingredients to create refreshing cocktails like mojitos or mint juleps. Recipe here. Add alcohol as you wish.
Mint Pesto: Prepare a traditional pesto sauce by replacing or adding mint leaves to the basil. Use it as a sauce for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Recipe here.
Mint Tea: Steep fresh mint leaves in hot water for a soothing and aromatic herbal tea. You can also add a touch of honey or lemon for extra flavor.
Mint Ice Cubes: Place fresh mint leaves in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. These mint-infused ice cubes can be used to add a refreshing twist to your drinks.
Minty Fruit Salad: Toss together a variety of fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple with freshly chopped mint leaves for a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad. Recipe here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly, and never use Pennyroyal, which is a kind of mint that is toxic for humans and dogs alike. Read more here.

Here's an article with even more creative uses for mint (i.e. mint vinegar, mint soap, mint tincture for what ails you, cucumber mint bath soak and more)!

Free Resource: Here's a helpful mint reference printout with tips on using mint, its benefits, how to harvest and preserve, plus uses. Credit: The Nerdy Farmwife

Attract dragonflies to your garden - you'll be glad you did!

7/6/2023

From pest control to pollination to biodiversity - dragonflies are amazing creatures in the garden

Dragonflies are fascinating and beautiful insects, with their iridescent wings and slender bodies. Watching them flit around your garden adds an element of natural beauty and interest to your outdoor space.

These beautiful insects are outstanding with pest control. They are voracious predators and feed on various garden pests such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other small insects. They are particularly effective at controlling mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance and transmit diseases.

Female dragonflies lay their eggs in water, including ponds, lakes, and garden water features. The nymphs that hatch from these eggs are aquatic and feed on mosquito larvae. By keeping the mosquito population in check, dragonflies contribute to a more pleasant outdoor environment.

While dragonflies primarily feed on insects, they occasionally consume small flower nectar as well. As they move from flower to flower, they inadvertently transfer pollen, aiding in the pollination process.

Dragonflies are highly sensitive to changes in the environment, particularly water quality. Their presence in your garden indicates a healthy ecosystem, as they require clean water sources for their life cycle. By attracting dragonflies, you can encourage a balanced and thriving ecosystem in your garden.

A single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day. They are beautiful to watch and a sign of a healthy environment. You want these in your garden!

To attract dragonflies to your garden, you can create a suitable habitat by incorporating the following elements:

Water source: Provide a small pond, water feature, or even a shallow dish of water. Dragonflies need water for their reproductive cycle, and these water sources will attract them.
Sunlight: Dragonflies prefer sunny areas, so ensure that your garden has open spaces that receive ample sunlight.
Native plants: Plant native flowers and grasses near the water source to provide shelter, perches, and nectar for dragonflies. They are especially attracted to plants with clusters of small flowers.
Avoid pesticides: Dragonflies are highly sensitive to pesticides, so minimizing or eliminating their use in your garden will create a safer environment for them.

Does vinegar kill weeds?

7/6/2023

Vinegar can be effective in killing weeds if it's high in acetic acid.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has herbicidal properties and can damage or kill plants, including weeds. However, it is important to note that vinegar is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it can harm or kill any plant it comes into contact with, including desirable plants.

When using vinegar as a weed killer, it's best to apply it directly to the leaves and stems of the weeds on a sunny day. The higher the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar, the more effective it will be in killing the weeds. Household vinegar typically contains about 5% acetic acid, but for stronger results, you can use horticultural vinegar with a higher acetic acid concentration.

Keep in mind that vinegar may not be as effective on established or deep-rooted weeds, and it might need multiple applications to completely eliminate them. Additionally, be cautious when using vinegar around desirable plants, as it can harm them too.

Click here for instructions for using 20% vinegar in your landscape.

BONUS ARTICLE from Better Homes & Gardens with great info on using 20% vinegar is here.

July Gardening to-do list

7/6/2023

What to tackle in the garden this month to keep your garden looking its best

Fertilize (again) - your plants are likely struggling to recover from all the hail and cool weather. Fertilize every other week this month to keep them strong and help with nutrients while they work to grow.

Audit your watering system - some gardeners experienced hail damage to their irrigation nozzles. Check all of your watering sources to make sure they are in tip top shape for the heat still to come.

Mow the lawn high - in the hottest months of the year the lawn will be green and healthy if you keep the grass blades about 3 inches long. This helps to cool the soil and prevents the blades from drying out.

Deadhead, deadhead, deadhead - this is your mantra this month. Every plant that blooms will reward you with even more blooms if you snip off the dead and dying flowers regularly.

Give patio furniture a good scrub and clean up outdoor areas - the rain and hail made a mess of everything, and cleanup has been ongoing. Turn your attention to your outdoor sitting areas this month to get rid of muck in and around furniture. Remove any sources of standing water to keep pests and mold away. Refresh water in the birdbath. Paint or stain furniture as needed to make your outdoors look as clean and spiffy as your indoors.

Weed - Especially important due to all the moisture we've received. Plants can't grow adequately if weeds are crowding them and taking important nutrients needed by the plants. A fifteen minute weeding session every day goes a long way towards eradicating weeds from planting areas.

Cut back petunias - These popular annuals are quick to get 'leggy' looking. Prevent this and encourage an whole new round of blooms by trimming the petunias back by a third to one-half, then fertilize.

Stake tall or floppy plants.

Watch for pests and remove promptly - You don't want an infestation and hail-damaged plants will be more susceptible to disease and pests. Pick off by hand or use an appropriate insecticide.

Go plant shopping! If perennials from last year didn't show this year or are doing especially poorly, they probably aren't going to appear to do very well in the garden long-term. Replace lost plants.

Pansies may start drooping - Pansies do so well in our area, but they don't look their best in the heat of summer. Consider replacing them with something that tolerates heat.

Plan for fall - Start planning and preparing for your fall garden. Cool weather crops like snap peas, beets, carrots, kale, turnips, and lettuce all do well in cooler temps.

The Pro's pick perennials "impossible to kill"

Great for dry gardens, bad soil, and shady gardens too!

DIY the exorbitantly priced "mugolio" pine-flavored syrup at home using something we all have where we live!

Put little green pine cones to use in this syrup beloved by chefs worldwide

Lawn-free front yards are gaining in popularity

A lawn-free front yard reduces maintenance and water consumption and can be striking

The best time to plant hydrangeas is nearing

Fall is coming - plan ahead to get hydrangeas in and established

The prettiest birds grace these FREE phone wallpapers

Birds, eggs, and nests are symbols of renewal and hope in these special phone backgrounds

Do you see holes in your tomatoes?

The culprit may not be a tomato hornworm or grub

Plan and plant a garden that is always in bloom

Plant these beauties now and you'll have blooms for the next few months and for years to come (they're all flowering perennials).

America's 10 favorite flowers

According to Google searches, these are the flowers Americans love best.

The rare Green Gentian is blooming in Colorado. See it while it lasts!

In the middle of a high-altitude field, towering above the grasses and flowers, looms the elusive green gentian.

Homemade orange peels spray for fighting aphids

We tried this and it works!

Curling tomato leaves common causes and what to do about it

Curling tomato leaves should not be ignored. Learn what to do to bring your tomatoes back to good health.

Colorado's biggest night for pollinator conservation is coming!

Butterfly Ball at the Butterfly Pavilion is August 19, 2023

Cycle and soak watering for lawns in hot temps

As temperatures rise, you may be tempted to run your sprinkler longer. But resist that temptation, and instead practice cycle-and-soak watering. It’s an efficient way to keep your landscape healthy and be sure that none of your watering goes to waste.

NEW FLASH! Wildflowers are saturating this local open space right now!

A thirty minute drive brings you to wildflower heaven

Creative uses for mint - that prolific and hardy summer herb

Experiment and get creative with mint in your culinary endeavors. Its cool and refreshing flavor can add a delightful twist to many dishes and beverages.

Attract dragonflies to your garden - you'll be glad you did!

From pest control to pollination to biodiversity - dragonflies are amazing creatures in the garden

Does vinegar kill weeds?

Vinegar can be effective in killing weeds if it's high in acetic acid.

July Gardening to-do list

What to tackle in the garden this month to keep your garden looking its best

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