Colorado Harvest Calendar for 2024 Knowing when fruits and vegetables are normally available and/or ready to pick in Colorado is helpful to gardeners who are reading seed packages ‘days to harvest’ info or putting plants in the ground and anticipating the bounty to come. This helpful Colorado Harvest Calendar lists fruits and vegetables ripening dates by “Early, Most Active, and Late”.…
What are the best ways to address damaged trees and potentially cracked limbs to keep them from becoming a liability? Be aware that the tree’s age will likely impact how it weathered the wind and that not all issues are easily visible. While young trees typically do not sustain serious damage, mature deciduous trees not only can be seriously damaged but have problems that aren’t obvious to an untrained eye. Be wary of cracks and splits in the limbs. Broken limbs pose…
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…
April is National Lawn Care Month, and below we dispel some of the common myths about lawn care so you can get your yard off to the best start this season: Myth #1: The best time to replant the lawn is in the spring when plants are getting ready to bloom. Reality: Sowing seed in the spring sets up potential problems. Early season weeds will compete for the space – and hot and stressful months that are hard on developing…
It’s often said that the key to successful, sustainable plants is putting the right plant in the right place. But first, you need to know your place. That begins by learning your hardiness zone while you plan your landscape. Much of Colorado falls into zones 4-6, though Colorado’s fruit-growing area near Grand Junction can cross into zone 7. Stay in your zone Look for these numbers when buying seeds or plants for your landscape. Be realistic; you won’t be successful…
Learn how to make your yard a “Wildlife Habitat” The National Wildlife Federation is the organization that certifies individual gardens and yards as Wildlife Habitats. Founded in 1936, the Federation has been certifying yards since 1973.Certification requirements are in the green box below: Here’s an article that does a good job of explaining in detail what to expect and provides helpful links to key aspects of the process.To start the certification process, click here. This online application is for single site properties only.…
Cheerful Johnny Jump-ups (Viola) brighten garden beds and pathways in early spring. They are one of the first flowers we see as winter wanes. They are popular garden plants due to their brightly colored, dainty flowers, which come in a wide range of colors including yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, and white. The flowers are typically around 1 inch in diameter and have five petals, with the lower one often featuring a distinctive dark blotch or eye. Violas are very…
When you plant according to the ‘micro-climates’ within your unique property, plants live longer, healthier lives. CSU Extension recommends you take a good look at the sun that hits the ground around your property. Look at each area separately to determine if it gets any direct sunlight at any part of the day, especially in spring and summer. Also consider how much moisture or precipitation each area gets. Full shade is considered two hours or less of sun per day.…
For those that want to capture every minute of birds being birds at your bird feeder – a smart bird feeder (with camera) is for you! Features to consider when looking for a smart bird feeder: Camera Quality: Look for a bird feeder with a high-resolution camera to capture clear images and videos of visiting birds. Connectivity: Ensure that the bird feeder is compatible with your smartphone or other devices. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity allows you to monitor and control the feeder…
Dive into the world of edible landscaping, where your outdoor area becomes a vibrant canvas of delicious plants. Edible landscaping is a concept where ornamental plants are replaced with edible plants, creating a landscape that is not only beautiful but also provides food. It merges the practicality of gardening with the aesthetics of landscaping, offering both visual appeal and productivity. Imagine your garden as not just a feast for the eyes but a source of culinary ingredients right at your…
