Blog Archives

How to make a DIY hydroponic system

10/25/2023

Interested in growing plants indoors without soil?

Hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution to deliver essential minerals and nutrients directly to the plant's roots. This technique has gained popularity because it offers several advantages over traditional soil-based gardening, including:

Water Efficiency: Hydroponic systems use significantly less water than traditional soil gardening because water is recirculated within the system.
Space Efficiency: Hydroponics allows for vertical and compact growth, making it ideal for small spaces or areas with poor soil quality.
Faster Growth: Plants in hydroponic systems often grow faster and produce higher yields due to the direct access to nutrients and optimal growing conditions.
Controlled Environment: Hydroponic systems enable precise control of environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and lighting, which can lead to healthier and more predictable plant growth.

The key to success in hydroponic gardening is understanding the specific requirements of the plants you are growing and selecting the appropriate system and nutrient mix to meet those needs. Growers can cultivate a wide range of crops, from herbs and leafy greens to fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers.

There are a number of different kinds of hydroponic systems out there, but for DIY hydroponic systems a "deep water culture" system is recommended because it has a "gentle learning curve and allows you to grow a wide array of plants.

To learn about the best plants for hydroponics and instructions for how to easily build your own system using readily available materials, click here. Article comes with great photos for visual reference and excellent 'pro' tips.

Remember that it's ok to start with only one or two kinds of plants to begin. You can always add more variety of plants later.

Credit: HGTV

Q & A - Is it too late to plant bulbs?

10/25/2023

If you miss the best time to plant spring bulbs, go ahead and plant them anyway

The best route to success with spring flower bulbs is to plant them at the optimum time. Ideally, bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before hard, ground-freezing frost can be expected in your area.

The bulbs need time to root and establish themselves. On the other hand, planting bulbs too early can lead to fungus or disease problems. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs when the average nighttime temperatures are in the 40- to 50-degree range. At that point the soil temperature should be just perfect for tucking bulbs in for their winter's rest underground.

If you miss planting your bulbs at the optimal time, don't wait for spring or next fall. Bulbs aren't like seeds. They won't survive out of the ground indefinitely.

Even if you find an unplanted sack of tulips or daffodils in January or February, plant them and take your chances. No matter what, they're better off giving it a fighting chance in the ground or a chilled pot than wasting away in the garage or cupboard.

Flower bulbs are survivors by nature's design. Every year stories abound of bulbs that bloom after being planted under the most improbable circumstances.

— The Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center via HGTV

Alternatively, you can take those bulbs and make an indoor display with them through forcing (see photo above). Our article on forcing is here.

How to force bulbs for winter color and fragrance indoors

10/24/2023

Forcing bulbs indoors encourages blooming earlier than they naturally would outdoors.

If you want gorgeous amaryllis or paperwhites to be blooming for upcoming holidays, now is the best time to start 'forcing' them. You might also want to force bulbs like tulips and hyacinths in early December to brighten up your winter months.

Select your bulbs: Choose the type of bulbs you want to force. Common choices include tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses in addition to the popular amaryllis and paperwhites commonly found in stores and garden nurseries this time of year. Ensure the bulbs are firm (not at all squishy).

TIP: Not all bulbs are suitable for forcing, so choose varieties known to perform well indoors. Additionally, each type of bulb may have specific chilling requirements and care instructions. Here's a good selection of bulbs for forcing.

Containers: You can use a variety of containers, such as pots, bowls, or glass vases. The size and depth of the container depend on the type of bulbs you're forcing. Be creative! For example, a crystal salad bowl filled halfway with fresh cranberries in water (not the dried kind) will force paperwhites beautifully and look festive for the holidays.

Planting: Plant the bulbs in well-draining potting mix OR rocks. Bulbs don't have to be in soil to force as long as the roots are kept moist and the water level just below the bottom of the bulb (not touching the bottom of the bulb). You can plant them close together, but avoid overcrowding. The bulbs should be partially exposed above soil if you are using that medium.

Chilling Period: Most spring-flowering bulbs require a chilling period (10 - 15 weeks) to simulate winter. Roots form and stems lengthen during this cooling period. Place the planted bulbs in a dark, cool location, such as a refrigerator or root cellar, for a specified duration. The duration varies depending on the type of bulb - here is a 'chill guide' for you to follow.

Check for Roots: After the chilling period, you may notice roots starting to develop. This is a good sign that the bulbs are ready to grow.

Forcing Phase: Once the chilling period is over, move the bulbs to a location with indirect light and temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Gradually increase the light exposure to encourage growth. After a few weeks, you can move them to a brighter location with warmer temperatures.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. If forcing in water, all you have to do is keep the water level just below the bottom of the bulbs - don't let the water dry out.

Blooming: It can take a few weeks to several months for bulbs to bloom. Keep an eye on their progress and adjust light, temperature, and water as needed.

Enjoy the Blooms: Once the bulbs start to bloom, move them to a location with indirect light to prolong the flowering period. You can also display them in a more prominent location in your home.

Aftercare: After the forced bulbs have finished blooming, you can plant them outdoors in your garden at the appropriate time (usually Fall in our area). Clean the bulbs and their roots with your fingers, and store in a cool dry place in a box with newspaper or shredded paper. However, already forced bulbs may not bloom again the following year because forcing weakens the bulbs.

Here's a great beginner's guide resource to forcing bulbs indoors including chilling and bloom times.

Compost (most) fall yard waste and get great soil in return

10/19/2023

Give yard waste the opportunity to give back to the garden

As the growing season winds down and you prepare your landscape for winter, you may find yourself with a lot of yard waste. Instead of bagging it and tossing it into the garbage, why not make that yard waste continue to benefit your plants by composting?

What to put in your compost bin:

Leaves
Grass clippings
Straw
Plant debris

While you’re at it, you can also add food waste from indoors, like coffee grounds, fruit peels and cores, and vegetables.

What not to compost:

Any plants which are diseased, such as plants with powdery mildew
Large pumpkin and squash vines, which may take too long to decompose in your backyard compost
Weeds that have gone to seed

Food waste that should never go into your backyard compost includes, but is not limited to, meat, bones, pet waste, dairy, or fats.

What’s in it for me?
Once the process is completed, your compost is best used in one of two ways:

Mulch – Spreading a layer of compost can help your garden or landscape retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil amendment – Colorado’s dry, clay soil benefits from adding compost. It helps the soil retain moisture and improves air flow. Work your compost into any planting hole or bed.

Why it works
Compost needs time to mellow or break down, whether it is tilled into the soil or applied atop it. It can create a homogeneous soil mixture ripe with microbial activity. This process does not add many nutrients to the soil but improves the soil's capacity to hold onto both nutrients and water. It improves the root zone. That’s what makes it so beneficial to your landscape.

Plus, by composting at home, you can reduce waste, save landfill space, and improve your landscape in the process.

Perennials you want to cut back in Fall

10/18/2023

Cutting back some plants and shrubs helps to reduce disease and pests before their next growing season

Not all plants need pruning/cutting back in the Fall (in fact, some don't prefer it and may perform poorly after winter is over). But there are plants and shrubs that like to be cut back in the Fall to perform at their best in Spring.

Bee Balm (Monarda)
Blazing Star (Liatris)
Catmint
Daylilies
Garden Phlox
Hostas
Irises
Lavender
True Lilies
Peonies

For detailed information on each of these plants and why it is best to prune them back in Fall, click here.

Before pruning any plant or shrub, it's important to research its specific needs and the best time for pruning in our area, as timing can vary based on climate and local conditions. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and minimize stress on the plants.

Winter flowering plants

10/18/2023

Numerous sunny days during winter means some plants continue to bloom, bringing a spot of color the dormant garden

Some flowers bloom even winter. Maybe not in the absolute coldest periods of the season, to be sure.

These plants are hardy enough to continue blooming for a good part of the year when all other plants do not:

Winter Jasmine: a deciduous shrub that produces bright yellow flowers during the winter months.
Christmas Rose (Hellebore): Christmas Rose (pictured above) is a hardy perennial with white or pinkish flowers that bloom in winter.
Pansies (Viola): cold-tolerant annuals that can often bloom throughout the winter in Colorado if protected from severe cold.
Snowdrops: small, early-blooming bulbs that can pop up even through snow.
Crocus: Crocuses are small spring-flowering bulbs that can bloom as early as late winter, depending on the variety.
Camellias: evergreen shrubs that produce beautiful, rose-like flowers in various colors during the winter months.
Bergenia: Also known as "elephant's ears," Bergenia has evergreen leaves and produces pink or white flowers in late winter or early spring.
Japanese Quince: Japanese Quince shrubs can produce bright red, pink, or orange flowers in late winter.
Primroses: these hardy perennials bloom in a range of colors during the late winter and early spring.

When planting winter-blooming plants, consider providing some protection from harsh winter winds and snow, especially if your garden is at a higher elevation. Choose microclimates in your yard that receive sun and are sheltered from harsh weather conditions to encourage winter flowering. Mulching and care during the warmer parts of the year will help these plants thrive and bloom when the cold months arrive.

Vintage glass transformed into lush flowerscapes

10/18/2023

'Read' this articles for the photos

Colossal, an arts and culture website that explores 'visual culture', brings us this article about artist Amber Cowen whose vintage glass pieces are used as the medium for creating incredible lush environments.

Click below to take a look at her glass flowers/creations. They are next level.

Teeming with Flourishes, Narrative Sculptures by Amber Cowan Revitalize Vintage Pressed Glass

Credit: Colossal

A classic El Niño is expected this winter. Here's what that means for snow and cold where we live.

10/17/2023

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

It has significant effects on global weather patterns, including those in North America, and can impact winter weather conditions, including snow and cold temperatures.

According to this article from CNN, "El Niño is forecast to be strong this winter and reach the most significant level since a very strong El Niño fostered the warmest winter on record across the US mainland during 2015-2016..." A graphic accompanying the article shows Colorado experiencing a wetter winter.

Here's what an El Niño winter typically means for us in Colorado:

Increased Precipitation in the West
El Niño can bring increased precipitation to the southwestern United States, including California. However, this doesn't necessarily translate to more snow in mountainous regions. Warmer temperatures associated with El Niño can mean that some of the precipitation falls as rain rather than snow in the mountains, affecting snowpack and winter sports.

It's important to note that El Niño is just one of many factors that influence winter weather patterns, and its effects can vary from one event to another. Other climate phenomena, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), can also impact winter weather conditions. Additionally, the strength and duration of the El Niño event can influence the extent of its effects on winter weather.

Dixondale onions are available to order - don't miss it!

10/13/2023

Don't delay in getting your Dixondale onions order in for 2024 - onion sets ship around April 7 to our region with detailed instructions on how to plant and cultivate.

Dixondale onions have a bit of a cult following in Colorado (and all the other states too) for their large, predictable, hardy onions. If you want to harvest big onions like you see at the grocery store, you want to plant Dixondale sets.

Dixondale Farms catalogs are in the mail now. You can also view the online catalog here.

Learn more about Dixondale and their large onion grow operation click here. Remember to order Intermediate-Day or Long-Day onion plants for best results.

Reminder: easy how-to make freezer cubes with fresh herbs before first hard frost

10/13/2023

Little cubes of culinary goodness.

Gather your basil and other herbs tonight before possible freezing temps.

Here's our recent article on how to quickly process your herb haul and freeze it for later use.

Herb cubes can be made with any herb/combination of herbs.

Remarkable photographs of trees from around the world are showcased in a new book

10/13/2023

This book would be a wonderful holiday gift!

Colossal, an online hub of art, craft, and visual culture, brings us a photo-rich article about the recent publishing of the book Looking at Trees by Hoxton Mini Press.

The photographs in the book are works of art, and remind us to reconnect with our natural surroundings (especially now that our growing season is coming to an end).

A review of the book states "From enigmatic plantations to lofty dwellings, the volume explores the diverse ways in which the woody plants are an important part of our daily lives, even if sometimes we have to remember to notice them."

Read the full Colossal article here, complete with a half dozen of the photographs to peak your interest. Purchase the hardcover book here.

Partial solar eclipse is tomorrow

10/13/2023

Denver area will see a partial eclipse starting at 9:14am

Saturday's annular solar eclipse will be coming to parts of Colorado tomorrow, but even those of us not in the path of totality will see a partial eclipse and a portion of the 'ring of fire' it it creates.

The Denver view will start at 9:14am and reach about 84% totality at 10:36am, according to CBS News. Only a part of the sun will appear to be covered (compared to full coverage in the totality zone), giving it a crescent shape.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely blocks the face of the Sun - at the moment the moon is either closest to Earth or farthest from Earth. An annular solar eclipse is the moon farthest from Earth crossing over the sun.

NASA 2023 and 21024 Solar Eclipses: Map and Data

If you plan to watch the eclipse you MUST wear specialized viewing glasses (available next to cash registers at Ace Hardware on Parker Road) to protect your eyes from damage.

Denver-area vertical gardening company a top grower

10/13/2023

Vertical gardening is a creative and space-saving way to grow plants by utilizing vertical space, like walls or fences.

The idea of vertical gardening is pretty simple: instead of planting your garden in traditional horizontal beds, you're growing your plants vertically.

Imagine your wall covered in lush greenery or colorful flowers - it's not just practical but also visually stunning.

Vertical gardening has some fantastic benefits. It saves space, it can be easier to maintain and harvest your plants because they're at eye level (no more bending or stooping!). And, it can help protect plants from pests and diseases because they're off the ground.

One of the top vertical gardening companies in the United States is located in Lakewood, Colorado: Infinite Harvest. They use vertical farming and hydroponic technology to grow microgreens and lettuce, which are sold to area restaurants and numerous Whole Foods stores. The company's website states it can grow the same amount of produce as a two-acre farm each month. They harvest 365 days a year.

This fascinating video from the Infinite Harvest website shows the full process from planting to growing and harvest. And this article from Built-in showcases other companies who are innovating food cultivation in creative and practical ways.

Vertical gardening can take place indoors or outdoors, and uses a fraction of the water and land needed in traditional gardening or farming.

This weekend FREE live concert - Castlewood Canyon at sunset

10/5/2023

Sunday October 8 - 5:30pm

Enjoy the sounds of Mark Cormican live at Castlewood Canyon this coming Sunday October 8th.

Location: Pikes Peak Amphitheater, Castlewood Canyon State Park
Time: 5:30pm

Details: bring a chair to sit on and a picnic dinner if you wish.

Credit: Friends of Castlewood Canyon

Fall colors road-trip

10/5/2023

10 scenic drives for incredible photos and all the Fall feels

Brought to you by Denver Gazette - Out There Colorado - this list of ten scenic Fall drives will have you packing a lunch and heading out. Peak color is happening soon.

Here's the full article with details and pics.

Indoor plants that are easy to nurture

10/5/2023

Indoor plants can be a great addition to your home, even if you're a beginner

Easy-to-care-for indoor plants that are perfect for all levels of gardener. Start with one or two plants and expand your collection as you gain confidence in caring for them.

Important: don't overwater any plant (a common beginner mistake). Moist plants tend to breed gnats, a problem you do not want to create or have to deal with.

Snake Plant: Virtually indestructible. Tolerate low-light and infrequent watering but prefer bright indirect light. Grows tall but not wide, and is great for air purification.

Spider Plant: Spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties and adaptability. They're very low maintenance and thrive in moderate light conditions.

Pothos: Pothos is a trailing vine that's very forgiving. It can handle low light and irregular watering. A popular choice for beginners.

Bromeliad - (shown in photo above) - bright happy flower nestled in rich green leaves is easy to care for. Simply add water to the 'vase' in the very middle of the plant and add more only as needed. If plant is looking droopy add a small amount of water to the planting soil.

ZZ Plant: ZZ plants are extremely hardy and can thrive in low light. They require minimal watering and are great for forgetful caretakers.

Peace Lily: Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms. Prefer moderate indirect light and like to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is not only a decorative plant but also has healing properties for skin. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Succulents: Various types of succulents, like Echeveria and Jade Plants, are easy to care for. They thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering. Be sure to use well-draining soil.

Rubber Plant: Tolerate low to moderate light and prefer to dry out between waterings. They can grow tall and make a bold statement in a room.

Chinese Evergreen: Low-maintenance and will tolerate low light conditions. They come in various attractive leaf patterns.

Cast Iron Plant: As the name suggests, these plants are incredibly tough and can handle low light and infrequent watering.

Always ensure that your pots have drainage holes, use high-quality potting mix, and avoid overwatering, as that's a common mistake for beginners (breeds gnats and isn't good for the plant).

Tip:
A moisture meter is a must-have tool for all gardeners indoors and out! Purchase inexpensive plant moisture meters at any garden center. Some come as two-packs (convenient for checking the plants in different rooms of the house).

Country Harvest - A Celebration of Autumn book review

10/5/2023

First published in 1990 - it is as relevant to gardeners today as it was decades ago.

"The vivid reds and golds, warm russets and burnished browns of wood and field, orchard and hedgerow, evoke both the romantic and practical pleasures of an autumn harvest".

So begins one of the best books for gardeners who love to make full use of the best of the season's fruits, nuts and berries.

A Country Harvest - A Celebration of Autumn is one of those gorgeously photographed books that you look forward to pulling off the bookshelf each early autumn in preparation of the Fall harvest.

Country anecdotes, long-lost folklore, and age-old herbal remedies add nostalgia and old-time interest to every page.

Country Harvest includes over 175 recipes for jams, jellies, breads, pies, wines, cordials, and flavored vinegars. Some are more traditional recipes, others are unusual and highly creative. Here are some easy favorites from the book to try:

Mint jelly
Spiced blackberries in vodka
Autumn Chutney
Piccalilli
Pears in Brandy Syrup (or in Red Wine)
Dried Apple Rings
Nutty Carrot Loaf (or cake)
Apple Upside Down Cake
Pear and Orange (or Plum) Cordial
Rosehip wine (or rosehip tea)
Blackberry (or raspberry or elderberry) vinegar
Ripe tomato sauce (spiced with a little cayenne and some tarragon vinegar

You'll also enjoy instruction on drying flowers and seedheads, numerous homemade gift ideas, and inspiration galore.

Buy it for yourself or as a gift for a special gardener friend.

Authors: Linda Burgess and Rosamond Richardson

Interested in growing plants indoors without soil?

If you miss the best time to plant spring bulbs, go ahead and plant them anyway

Forcing bulbs indoors encourages blooming earlier than they naturally would outdoors.

Give yard waste the opportunity to give back to the garden

Cutting back some plants and shrubs helps to reduce disease and pests before their next growing season

Numerous sunny days during winter means some plants continue to bloom, bringing a spot of color the dormant garden

'Read' this articles for the photos

El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Don't delay in getting your Dixondale onions order in for 2024 - onion sets ship around April 7 to our region with detailed instructions on how to plant and cultivate.

Little cubes of culinary goodness.

This book would be a wonderful holiday gift!

Denver area will see a partial eclipse starting at 9:14am

Vertical gardening is a creative and space-saving way to grow plants by utilizing vertical space, like walls or fences.

Sunday October 8 - 5:30pm

10 scenic drives for incredible photos and all the Fall feels

Indoor plants can be a great addition to your home, even if you're a beginner

First published in 1990 - it is as relevant to gardeners today as it was decades ago.

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