Blog Archives

DIY a rainwater collection system using a rainbarrel

8/29/2025

Rainwater collection in Colorado - the why, the how, and the (updated) law.

DIY Rainwater Collection System PDF

This information is from a presentation by Board member Dennis Volz at a Black Forest Garden Club meeting in the Spring of 2025.

If you have questions about information provided in the PDF and want to contact Dennis to learn more, please email [email protected] and we'll connect you with Dennis.

Plant Autumn Crocus now for September/October blooms (this year - no waiting!)

8/28/2025

Autumn Crocus is a beautiful fall-blooming bulb that sends up delicate, crocus-like flowers long after most summer blooms have faded.

This small bulb (actually a corm) barely reaches 6 inches high, but the color carries across the garden in September and October where we live. Autumn Crocus is the easiest of the late-blooming crocus to perennialize, it multiplies readily. Plant in variously sized groups for a more natural look. Zones 4-8.

Despite its name, it isn’t a true crocus but a member of the Colchicum family.

To grow it successfully, plant the bulbs (corms) in late Summer about 3–4 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in well-drained soil.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade, ideally beneath deciduous trees or in a mixed border where their flowers will shine against autumn foliage. Once planted, they require little attention and will return year after year.

These beauties are unusual in that they flower in the fall without any foliage — the strap-like leaves appear in spring, then die back in summer before the blooms emerge each year.

Because they naturalize well, autumn crocus is perfect for planting in drifts, rock gardens, or lawns where mowing is delayed until after the bulb's spring foliage dies back. They are deer- and rodent-resistant but should be handled with care since all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

With minimal maintenance, autumn crocuses add a surprising and elegant splash of color when the garden is winding down for the season.

Bloom time: September to October
How to Plant: The small corms should be set with flattest side down in the soil at a depth of 3½ to 4 inches.

CSU PlantTalk information all about Autumn Crocus for local gardeners is here.

More images of Autumn Crocus and details for care are here.

Plant snowdrops in fall for gorgeous early sprites in spring

8/28/2025

Snowdrops are low-maintenance perennial bulbs that produce tiny white bell-shaped flowers. They are a good choice for early Spring blooms and can be used for beds, borders, and mass plantings.

Snowdrops (also called Galanthus) are among the earliest spring bloomers, often pushing through the last patches of snow to signal the end of winter. With their delicate, nodding white flowers and slender green leaves, they create a striking contrast against the still-dormant landscape.

Their ability to bloom in late winter makes them a vital early nectar source for pollinators (and great choice to plant in cool-season veggie gardens to attract pollinators).

Gardeners appreciate snowdrops for their resilience and low-maintenance charm. Once planted, they spread gradually in drifts, rewarding patience with carpets of white over the years.

They prefer well-drained soil and dappled shade, and they can be left undisturbed for decades, multiplying naturally.

Why plant in the fall?
Bulbs need a period of chilling to bloom in the spring. Planting them in the fall gives them enough time to root before the ground freezes. Plant them en masse between September and November.

How to plant

Amend the soil to ensure good drainage.
Plant the bulbs 3–4 times as deep as the height of the bulb.
Water the bulbs well after planting.
Apply mulch, such as wood chips, several inches deep after planting.

Where to plant

Snowdrops prefer rich, well-draining soil.
They grow well in shade or part-shade.
They can be planted in groundcovers, rock gardens, or raised planters.

When to fertilize

Fertilize with bulb fertilizer at the first sign of spring shoots or right after blooming.

CSU PlantTalk Information on Snowdrops

Snowdrops are deeply rooted in folklore, often associated with purity consolation, renewal, and hope. They are cherished for their beauty and the optimism they bring during the year’s coldest months.

The Money-Saving Gardener - book review

8/27/2025

Create your dream garden at a fraction of the cost through propagation of plants you already own

This budget-conscious book guides gardeners through an eco-friendly approach to propagating plants for abundance in the landscape without the need to constantly purchase new plants.

Written by Anya Lautenbach (known as Anya the Garden Fairy), this book provides creative ways to reduce costs, repurpose household items for garden use, and choose plants with strong long-term value.

The Money-Saving Gardener encourages readers to select the right plants for the right place to reduce expenses and improve effort over time.

The main focus of the book is on plant propagation, and in this regard the author does not disappoint. The book features tips and tricks on how to boost your plant collection with seed-saving and propagation.

Other reviews
The Home Page
Blackberry Garden
Hodges Figgis

Other books on plant propagation

How to combat powdery mildew

8/27/2025

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds.

Powdery mildew is a disease that has distinct, powdery white dust that covers a plants leaves. This resilient fungus thrives in warm, dry days followed by cool, humid nights. While it rarely kills plants outright, it can weaken them, distort new growth, and reduce flowering or fruiting.

The spores that make up the mildew will spread readily, and don't just limit themselves to leaves - they go after stems too. According to an excellent and thorough article in Epic Gardening, the life cycle begins when the fungi are swept by the wind onto a plant, or splash up from mildew infected soil by raindrops or irrigation.

As the disease progresses, small white spots form a root-like structure that enters plant leaves and saps them of nutrition, leading to plant starvation.

The article in Epic Gardening covers ways to control and treat powdery mildew, selective pruning, prevention, and, importantly, treatments to avoid.

To manage it, start with good cultural practices: space plants properly for airflow, water at the base (not overhead), and remove and dispose of infected leaves —never compost them.

This Spray is an effective treatment for powdery mildew
Milk spray is one of the simplest and most effective natural treatments for powdery mildew. Researchers believe the proteins in milk interact with sunlight to create an antiseptic effect that suppresses the fungus.

It is safe for vegetables, ornamentals, roses, herbs, and fruit plants, but it’s most effective as a preventive measure or at the very first sign of infection.

Regular applications can slow the spread. If the infection is widespread, prune back heavily infected parts to encourage healthy new growth. Choosing resistant plant varieties and rotating crops in the vegetable garden will also help prevent future outbreaks.

How to make and use Milk Spray

Mixing ratio: Combine 1 part milk (any type — whole, skim, or powdered reconstituted) with 9 parts water. For example, 1 cup milk + 9 cups water.
Application: Pour into a spray bottle and coat the tops and undersides of leaves until just damp, not dripping.
Frequency: Apply once a week during powdery mildew season, or every 3–4 days if mildew is already present. Reapply after rain or overhead watering.
Best time: Spray in the morning so leaves dry quickly, reducing the risk of other fungal issues.

Other Good Products for Treatment
Bonide Sulfur Fungicide
Neem Oil (thought to work better as a preventative, not a treatment)
Copper Fungicide
Baking Soda Spray (limits spread)

NOTE: remember that you must re-apply any treatment after a rain or spray from sprinklers

Celosia - the pretty annual you want for Fall

8/27/2025

Celosia is a vibrant, heat-loving annual prized for its bold, flame-like blooms that come in brilliant shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and purple.

Its flower forms vary from feathery plumes to striking crests resembling coral. They add unique texture and drama to Fall garden beds and containers, and make a striking addition to any bouquet.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Celosia is both drought-tolerant and long-blooming, making it a favorite for late-summer displays. Its flowers are also excellent for cutting and drying, holding their vivid color for months, which makes it as valuable for indoor displays as it is in the garden.

Detailed information on all the types of Celosia, and how and where to plant plus care tips click here.

First average frost day in our area

8/25/2025

You can usually expect a frost on any given day in October.

Our first frost is typically around late September or early October, with a 50% chance occurring by September 27th, according to data for The Pinery area, Franktown, and Elizabeth.

Factors Influencing Frost Dates

Elevation and Microclimates
.Our elevation and terrain can lead to microclimates that differ slightly from larger nearby areas like Denver.
"First Frost" vs. "First Freeze"
A "first frost" can occur when temperatures are slightly above freezing (32°F) but below dew point, while a "first freeze" requires the ground-level temperature to be at or below 32°F for a prolonged period.

More Specific Information

Old Farmer's Almanac provides limited information for our area here. The National Gardening Association has more detailed information here.

What this means for gardening

Warm-Season Plants
You should plan to protect or remove any warm-season plants by late September to avoid frost damage.
Fall Planting (Late July–August for Harvest Before First Frost)
- Lettuce, spinach, arugula (harvest through early October)
- Radishes, turnips, beets, carrots
- Kale, chard (can survive light frost)

Tips for Protecting Crops Near First Frost

Use row covers, cloches, or cold frames to extend the growing season 1–3 weeks.
Harvest tender vegetables before frost, or bring containers indoors.
Mulch around root crops to insulate soil and prolong harvest.

Rattlesnake activity in Parker area prompts law enforcement warning to residents

8/15/2025

High number of rattlesnake encounters along trails and in residential yards a concern to Parker residents.

According to a recent press release, a high number of rattlesnake encounters have recently taken place in open spaces and along local trails, as well as in residential yards.

A common trend in the sightings is that snakes are found near rock formations, in tall grass, and in prairie dog burrows.

Be aware and be safe while walking, hiking, and gardening!

Read full article here.

How to avoid rattlesnakes and what to do if a snake bites you.

Clever cradles keeps pumpkins and melons in shape

8/15/2025

When left to sit on the ground, blossom end rot and regular rot can create less than stellar melons, gourds, and pumpkins

Check out these clever 'cradle' and hammock products for lifting squashes and melons off the ground.

Credit: bhg.combhg.com
Photo credit: Amazon

Why tomatoes split

8/14/2025

Tomatoes crack or split when the fruit’s skin can’t expand fast enough to match a sudden increase in internal water pressure.

Splitting on tomato skins happens after a dry spell followed by heavy rain or irregular watering — the plant takes up water quickly, swelling the fruit until the skin bursts.

It’s most common in ripening tomatoes when the skin is already thinner and more delicate.

What to do about splitting tomatoes

Water consistently — Deep water your plants on a regular schedule so the soil stays evenly moist.
Mulch around plants — A 2–3 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or compost helps retain soil moisture and reduce fluctuations.
Harvest promptly — Pick tomatoes as soon as they’re fully colored to minimize time on the vine in fluctuating conditions.
Provide even drainage — Avoid letting plants dry out completely, then soaking them heavily.
Choose crack-resistant varieties — If splitting is a persistent problem, look for cultivars bred for thicker skins and resistance to cracking such as Celebrity, Big Beef, Arkansas Traveler, and Sun Sugar. These varieties have been bread to withstand fluctuation in moisture and temperature.

Split tomatoes are still edible if the cracks are fresh and clean — just use them quickly to prevent mold or insect damage.

Salvaging Split Tomatoes

Pick Them Immediately - As soon as you notice the split, harvest the tomato to prevent insects, mold, or rot from setting in.
Rinse & Dry - Gently rinse the tomato under cool water, then pat completely dry with a clean towel.
Use Quickly - Split tomatoes won’t store well — use them within 24–48 hours.
They’re perfect for:
- Chopping into salads (cut away any damaged area)
- Cooking into sauces or soups
- Making salsa
- Roasting for freezing or immediate use

💡 Extra tip: If a heavy rain is expected after a dry spell, harvest any nearly ripe tomatoes in advance and let them finish ripening indoors on the counter — this is the best prevention against splitting.

Recipe for easy and fast fresh Freezer Tomato Sauce - perfect for using up a big batch of split tomatoes (no peeling, no simmering). Click here.

When and how to harvest rosemary

8/14/2025

The best harvest window is spring through early fall, when the plant is actively growing

You can harvest rosemary any time of year if it’s grown indoors or in a mild climate, but for outdoor plants in cooler regions, harvesting in late summer and early fall helps the plant focus on hardening off before winter.

Note: rosemary flowers are also edible and can be harvested along with the foliage.

How to harvest rosemary

For best flavor — harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, when essential oils are most concentrated.
Choose healthy stems — look for green, pliable stems with plenty of fragrant leaves - the top 2-3 inches of stem tips are best. Don't cut into woody stems.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners — this prevents tearing and reduces disease risk.
Cut above a leaf node — snip stems just above where a pair of leaves meet; this encourages bushier regrowth.
Avoid over-harvesting — never take more than ⅓ of the plant at once, so it can recover and keep producing. Allow plants to regrow before harvesting again.

Fresh sprigs can be used right away, stored in water like a bouquet for a few days, or dried for long-term use.

Quick guide to drying and storing rosemary so it keeps its flavor and aroma

Prepare the Rosemary

Harvest healthy, green sprigs.
Rinse gently under cool water to remove dust or insects.
Pat completely dry with a clean towel — moisture can cause mold during drying.

Drying Methods
Air-Drying (Best for flavor)

Gather 6–8 sprigs into small bundles.
Tie stems with twine or a rubber band.
Hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of direct sunlight.
Drying usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on humidity.

Oven-Drying (Faster)

Preheat oven to 95–115°F (or the lowest setting).
Spread sprigs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Keep oven door slightly open for airflow.
Check every 30 minutes until leaves are crisp but still green (1–2 hours).

Dehydrator

Spread sprigs evenly on trays.
Dry at 95°F until crisp.

Storing

Strip leaves from stems once completely dry.
Store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
For best flavor, use within 6–12 months.

Tip: Whole dried rosemary leaves hold their flavor longer than crushed ones. Crush just before cooking for the strongest aroma.

Recipe Ideas
Click here for recipes using rosemary, including rosemary salt, rosemary infused olive oil, and rosemary sugar for baking or cocktails.

Recipes using rosemary

8/13/2025

Three simple, flavorful ways to use your rosemary harvest

These recipes are all fragrant, versatile, and make lovely gifts.

Rosemary Salt
Perfect for seasoning roasted vegetables, meats, or even bread.
Ingredients

½ cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
2–3 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 Tbsp dried)

Instructions

Strip rosemary leaves from stems.
Chop finely (for fresh rosemary) or crush dried leaves slightly.
Mix with salt in a small bowl.
Spread mixture on a baking sheet and let air-dry for a few hours (if using fresh rosemary) to prevent clumping.
Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

Rosemary-Infused Olive Oil
Great for dipping bread, drizzling over pasta, or adding to marinades.
Ingredients

1 cup good-quality olive oil
3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Wash and thoroughly dry rosemary sprigs (any moisture can cause spoilage).
Warm olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat — do not boil.
Add rosemary sprigs and let gently infuse for 5–10 minutes.
Remove from heat, cool completely, and strain (for a clear oil) or leave sprigs in for stronger flavor.
Pour into a clean, dry glass bottle.
Store in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 weeks for best safety and flavor.

Rosemary Sugar
Use it to sweeten tea, sprinkle over shortbread, or rim cocktail glasses for an herbal twist.
Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
2–3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)

Instructions

Make sure the rosemary is completely dry — moisture shortens shelf life.
Chop rosemary very finely so it blends evenly with the sugar.
In a bowl, combine sugar and rosemary, stirring until fully mixed.
For a stronger infusion, seal in an airtight jar and let sit for 2–3 days before using.
Store in a sealed jar away from heat and moisture; it will keep for about 2 months.

Gift Tip: Pour into small glass jars, add a ribbon and a tag with serving ideas — it’s simple, beautiful, and smells amazing when opened.

Easy and fast fresh freezer tomato sauce recipe

8/13/2025

No peeling, no simmering!

Fresh Freezer Tomato Sauce
Ingredients

4–5 lbs ripe tomatoes (split ones are fine; trim bad spots out)
4–6 cloves garlic, peeled
½ cup fresh basil leaves (or parsley/oregano mix)
¼ cup olive oil
1–2 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions

Prep tomatoes: Wash, core, and cut into chunks. Trim away any split or damaged areas.
Blend: In batches, add tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth or leave slightly chunky, depending on preference.
Taste & adjust: Add more salt, herbs, or olive oil if needed.
Package for freezing: Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers/jars or zip-top bags (lay bags flat for easy stacking in freezer).
Freeze: Use within 6–8 months.

To use: Thaw in the fridge overnight or run the sealed bag under cool water. Heat gently in a saucepan and adjust seasoning — you can add cooked onions, mushrooms, meat, or extra herbs at this stage.

Turn this sauce into classic marinara, pizza sauce, Tuscan veggie soup base and more with the seasoning chart below:

How to prepare your garden for next week's high heat

8/1/2025

Tips for helping your garden manage during the very hot, dry days ahead

August in Colorado is a season of harvest abundance but can also bring a string of very hot days (including next week per local predictions). To help your gardens manage, sustain plants through the heat with the tips below.

Watering & Mulching

Aim for deep, infrequent watering in the early-morning that moistens the soil several inches deep. This helps plants stay evenly moist where they need it most (the roots).
Avoid wetting foliage by spraying from overhead with a hose, which can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water at the soil level, or focus water from a hose at the soil level.
Refresh mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture longer, suppress weeds, and keep soil temperatures moderated. Make sure mulch is applied away from stems to prevent rot.
Remember to give trees and shrubs deep watering too.

Harvesting, Pruning & Planting

Harvest vegetables daily or every other day — especially tomatoes, zucchini, beans, and herbs. This will sustain fruit production and avoid over-ripeness or pest issues.
Deadhead spent annuals and perennials to encourage more blooming. Prune summer‑flowering shrubs soon after they finish.
Begin planting cool-season crops like kale, radish, lettuce, beets, peas and spinach so they have time to mature before our first hard frost in the Fall (late October).

Soil & Fertility Care

Apply a fertilizer to tomatoes, squash, and flowering veggies to sustain fruiting and flowering.
For hot, dry days, the best fertilizer options are slow-release nitrogen fertilizers or those with a lower nitrogen content to prevent burning. Organic fertilizers like Milorganite can also be effective as they release nutrients slowly and can be more beneficial in high heat. Additionally, fertilizers containing humic acid can improve soil structure and water retention, helping plants better handle drought conditions. Fertilizers like Miracle Grow can be used but follow certain guidelines to avoid further stressing the plants:
- Apply any fertilizer in the early morning or late evening - never during the heat of the day. Additionally, ensure plants are well-hydrated before applying fertilizer is crucial because stressed plants prioritize water uptake over nutrient absorption. If the soil is already moist, they will be better able to take up the nutrients being applied.

Pest, Disease & General Maintenance

Monitor for pests like aphids, spider mites, hornworms, and cucumber beetles; use organic controls (hand-picking, Neem spray, companion planting, soap sprays) as needed.
Remove fallen fruit and spent vegetables promptly to deter pests and disease buildup.

Flowers & Containers

There's still time to refresh faded annuals—replace heat-weary plants with late-summer bloomers like marigolds, salvia, zinnias, angelonia, or ornamental kale.
Deadhead tired flowers and cut herbs or flowering growth to help re-bloom and preserve energy.
Water containers daily—and possibly twice on hot days—checking soil moisture with the finger test or moisture meter to prevent drying or conversely root rot (from too much water) in pots and hanging baskets.

Provide shade

.Use shade cloth, umbrellas, or other structures to protect plants from the intense sun and drying winds.
If possible, move container plants to a cooler, shaded location during the hottest part of the day.
Grouping containers together during hot spells can create a microclimate that retains more moisture.

DIY a rainwater collection system using a rainbarrel

Rainwater collection in Colorado - the why, the how, and the (updated) law.

Plant Autumn Crocus now for September/October blooms (this year - no waiting!)

Autumn Crocus is a beautiful fall-blooming bulb that sends up delicate, crocus-like flowers long after most summer blooms have faded.

Plant snowdrops in fall for gorgeous early sprites in spring

The Money-Saving Gardener - book review

Create your dream garden at a fraction of the cost through propagation of plants you already own

How to combat powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds.

Celosia - the pretty annual you want for Fall

First average frost day in our area

You can usually expect a frost on any given day in October.

Rattlesnake activity in Parker area prompts law enforcement warning to residents

High number of rattlesnake encounters along trails and in residential yards a concern to Parker residents.

Clever cradles keeps pumpkins and melons in shape

When left to sit on the ground, blossom end rot and regular rot can create less than stellar melons, gourds, and pumpkins

Why tomatoes split

Tomatoes crack or split when the fruit’s skin can’t expand fast enough to match a sudden increase in internal water pressure.

When and how to harvest rosemary

The best harvest window is spring through early fall, when the plant is actively growing

Recipes using rosemary

Three simple, flavorful ways to use your rosemary harvest

Easy and fast fresh freezer tomato sauce recipe

No peeling, no simmering!

How to prepare your garden for next week's high heat

Tips for helping your garden manage during the very hot, dry days ahead

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