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Winter Care of Plants
It's winter! What do I need to be doing at this time of the year in my yard, garden, and landscape?
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Herb Garden Tips and Tricks
Starting your own herb garden may seem like a big task, but with the help of these 5 easy tips and tricks, you will be able to grow your favorite fresh herbs right in your home. Since many of us have been spending a lot more time inside, this is the perfect opportunity to begin a new hobby like gardening.
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The Low-Down on Spring Bulbs
Anytime after April 1st the ground will be warm enough to plant spring bulbs. When you mention spring bulbs many people think you have to dig them up in the fall. For some, this is true but there are also some that you plant and are considered perennials (lily of the valley, foxtail lily, crocosmia, oriental lily, lady’s lord, and Asiatic lilies). Dahlias, gladiolus, elephant ears, cannas, caladium, and calla lily, to name a few, need to be dug up and stored in a cool place, such as the basement. The process to get them ready for storage is really pretty simple. Dig them up, wash them off, and put them on paper towels or newspaper to dry. Once they are dry simply put them in some sawdust or shredded paper and store them in a cool dry place. It is well worth the extra work to have dinner plate dahlias throughout the summer and fall. While some are reluctant to plant spring bulbs because it may be uncharted territory, they provide us with an excellent way to add to our pallet in Colorado. Be sure to come in and see our extensive selection today!
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Stop the Splitting in Your Tomatoes
There’s nothing more satisfying than being able to enjoy the fruits and vegetables grown right in your very own garden. There’s also nothing more frustrating than checking on your edible plants and seeing cracks in your tomatoes. Why do they split?! The most common reason that tomatoes split is due to sudden fluctuations in the amount of water that they receive. Dramatic shifts from dry to moist cause the inside of the tomato to grow faster than the outer skin is able to keep up with, thus causing a crack. This generally happens to tomatoes that are starting to ripen and are more red than they are green. The outer skin of the fruit becomes fragile as they approach their prime ripened stage, making them more prone to cracking. Split tomatoes are still edible and can be harvested as normal. They won’t store as long as your other plants, so be sure to cook or eat them soon after harvesting them from the vines! Here’s how to prevent to splits: Water your plants once a week with about one to two inches of water right at the roots Water your plants evenly and protect them from a severe drought Provide your plants with two to three inches of organic mulch to help maintain regular soil moisture levels Monitor the temperatures to assess watering needs Use a tomato specific fertilizer and apply according to the instructions Inconsistencies in watering is the most common cause of tomato splits, but it could also be a lack of calcium. We carry a variety of products in our nursery to help your tomatoes. Stop by today to pick out some end of season tomato plants or ask us about your specific tomato situation.
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Your Guide to Natural Colorado Snacks!
They’re natural, they’re tasty, and they’re edible. Little do many know, Colorado actually has several edible plants in our natural areas that are consumable. Whether you’re on the trails or in your backyard garden, here are some of the edible plants of Colorado that you can find around our home state. Sunflower These yellow bursts of sunshine are more than just field fillers. Sunflower seeds are the most commonly consumed part of the plant and can be used in a variety of ways. Grind them up to make sunflower flour, bring them to your local baseball games, or snack on them by the pool. Some people have allergic reactions to sunflowers, so be sure to know your allergies before approaching them. Red Raspberries They’re found on dry, rocky slopes usually between August and September. Their bright red outer coloring makes them easy to identify and can be used to make jams or jellies. Be sure to rinse them off to avoid consuming any chemicals or pests. Serviceberries Native to the western slope of Colorado, serviceberries are typically one of the most heat and drought tolerant of the shrub type. They’re three-season plants that flower in the spring, are showy in the fall, and have edible pink-white fruits in the summer. Their blueberry-like flavor is delicious in jellies or just fresh off the tree. Gooseberries Pick them when they’re green to be used in pies and jams or when they’re fully ripe to be used as dessert-quality fresh fruit. Gooseberries are easy to care for and can be grown right in your back yard. They’re self-fruitful, meaning only one variety of the plant is needed for fruiting. Currants Also being self-fruitful, currants are a Eurasian shrub that produce small, edible black, red or white berries. As a mild-tasting red berry, these are one of the best choices of edible plants that Colorado gardeners can grow. Wild Garlic It can be invasive to your lawns, but wild garlic can spice up any of your homemade meals. Be careful not to consume their close look-a-like, death camas. If they don’t smell like onions and have bright, pink flowers, it’s not wild garlic! Wild Mint If it smells like mint, it must be mint. Native to North America, menthe arvenis, or wild mint can be used to make teas and spices. The spearmint flavor and scent is so refreshing that it doesn’t seem real. It typically grows alongside streams and in moist areas, but can survive as a garden plant with the right attention and care. Yucca It probably wouldn’t be your first choice for a quick, trail snack, but you can use freshly bloomed flowers raw in your salads. Its best to gather them before they fully open to avoid too many bugs. You can also use their roots to make some homemade soaps! Pickly Pear Not the kind of fruit you first think of when you hear the word, ‘pear.’ They’re found in dry, rocky areas at lower elevations, but pickly pear, or opuntia phaecantha bear fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruits should be carefully removed, sliced and served cooked. The petals from the flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Just watch out for those prickly spines! Other Edible Options: Pansies Ponderosa pine Peppermint Narrow-leaved cottonwood Horehound Korchia Dandelion Oregano False Solomon’s seal There are quite a few others that you can eat in the wild, these are just the most common ones we typically see! Grab your packs, gather some naturally grown snacks, and enjoy these last few days of summer in the great, Colorado outdoors.
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Arborvitae: Your Lean Green Privacy Screen
Dealing with nosy neighbors or noisy roads? You need a privacy screen, stat! Creating a hedge or “screen” has many different uses in your landscape: from protecting from the wind to reducing noise pollution to simply providing a beautiful backdrop to your landscape. Arborvitae, or “Tree Of Life,” is a popular pyramidal evergreen that makes a wonderful privacy screen when planted in a row due to its dense, green foliage. There are many different varieties of Arborvitae, from the tall and narrow tree to the short and stout shrub. While specific care needs vary by variety, Arborvitae tend to thrive in partially shaded areas with constantly moist, yet well-draining soil. Take care to amend clay-heavy soils, as Arborvitae love water, but do not like soggy feet. We recommend a drip irrigation system to deliver a deep, consistent watering throughout the plant’s establishment. To create a privacy hedge or “screen,” plant your Arborvitae 3-4 feet apart to allow for growth. Planting your Arborvitae in a staggered “zig-zag” pattern will create a more natural look and give the plant more room to grow over time. Over winter, apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of your Arborvitae, leaving space around the trunk. This mulch will help protect your plant from winter damage by reducing moisture loss and insulating the roots from the harsh winter temperatures. Winter watering is crucial for Arborvitae, with many varieties needing an inch of water at least once a week. Some browning and needle dropping during the winter is normal and should be expected.
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Hot To Grow: Beating The Summer Heat
H-O-T-T-O-G-O It is way too hot to grow! - Your plants, probably Colorado summers bring dry, scorching weather that can be brutal to grow in- but all hope is not lost! Here is a quick guide to beating the sweltering summer heat: Water early in the morning while it is still cool out. This gives the plant more time to intake water while it is still cool out, before the brutal summer sun comes out to play. Take care not not get water on the foliage of the plant. Standing water droplets can act as a magnifying glass for the brutal summer sun and fry your plant. Stagnant water on foliage can also promote the unwanted growth of disease. If you are hand watering, take care to only water the base of the plant by the roots. Drip irrigation systems are also ideal for the summer heat, as it will deliver water consistently and directly to the plant’s rootball. Remove Spent Blooms. “Deadheading,” or removing spent blooms allows plants to refocus its energy into the rest of the plant. Make Use Of The Mighty Mulch. Applying mulch around the plant can help cool down the soil and prevent evaporation. Take care to stop a few inches around the base of the plant to allow water to reach the base and let the plant breathe! Know The Signs. Every plant responds to heat differently, but some of the most common signs that your plant may need an extra drink are droopy/wilted foliage, crispy brown foliage, discolored leaves, and blossom or fruit drop.
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What The Heck Is A Corm?! A Quick Guide To Bulbs, Tubers, & Corms
Starting your flower garden? Feeling a bit lost with all the talk about bulbs, tubers, corms, and rhizomes? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Let’s break it down: What is a “Bulb” Anyway? Think of a bulb as a plant’s personal pantry, packed with everything it needs to survive when it’s too cold or dry to grow. But here’s the thing: not all "bulbs" are created equal. Let’s dive into the different types! True Bulbs The classic bulb, like those found in tulips and hyacinths, is composed of layers of leaves surrounding a bud. Inside, you’ve got layers of leaves hugging a little bud, all snuggled up and ready to burst into bloom when the time is right. When planting, be sure to follow the depth instructions on the packaging, and always plant with the tip facing upwards. If you're uncertain, planting sideways works too—though it may delay blooming by a day or two. Corms Corms are like the bulb’s sturdier cousin. No leafy layers here—just solid storage tissue. Popular corms include crocuses, freesias, and gladiolus. They plant just like bulbs: tip up, and follow the depth guide. The cool part? After the growing season, they grow a new corm right on the old one, keeping the cycle going. Tubers Tubers are underground structures that store nutrients and can sprout from various points. Before planting, check that they are firm; discard any soft or squishy ones. When planting, ensure the crown, where all the tubers connect, is facing upwards. Dahlias are a common example of tubers, though they’re typically planted in the spring. Rhizomes Rhizomes grow horizontally, sending roots downward and shoots upward. Irises and lilies are popular fall-planted rhizomes. When planting, follow the depth instructions, and ensure the “eyes” or sprouts are facing upwards for optimal growth. Whether you’re dealing with bulbs, corms, tubers, or rhizomes, you’re ready to plant like a pro. Happy gardening! Learn more about fall planted bulbs with CSU Extension
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How To Kill A Tree: 10 Common Tree Planting Mistakes
For new homeowners or beginner gardeners, adding a tree to your landscape can feel like a daunting task. Knowing which pitfalls to avoid can make the process smoother and more successful. Here are 10 of the most common tree planting and care mistakes we see here at our Northern Colorado nursery and tips on how to steer clear of them to help your tree thrive. Poor Tree Selection Choosing the right tree for your space is key to its success. Many tree deaths stem from selecting species that are incompatible with the site. Each tree has unique light, water, and soil needs. Selecting a tree that fits your landscape and climate can prevent issues down the line. When choosing a location, consider the tree’s mature size. Many trees outgrow their initial planting spaces, causing issues with nearby structures, sidewalks, or power lines. Select a tree with its adult size in mind. Improper Mulching Mulch can do wonders, but only if used correctly. It suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and keeps lawnmowers at a distance. Rather than removing old mulch, just add a fresh layer on top—this way, decomposing mulch enriches the soil. Avoid piling mulch in a “volcano” shape around the tree. Instead, create a ring with a crater around the tree base to allow air to reach the roots. And while rock mulch may look appealing, it heats up quickly and reflects light, which can stress the tree. Watering Improperly Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by tree owners in Northern Colorado. Unlike turf grass, which thrives on frequent, shallow watering, trees require deep, infrequent watering. Your lawn irrigation system won’t suffice. Instead, use drip irrigation directly at the root ball, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. This method reduces water stress and promotes deeper, stronger root growth. Ignoring Common Insects & Diseases Certain trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases, and understanding these risks is crucial. For example, some diseases are abiotic, caused by environmental factors such as soil quality, water levels, and chemistry. This makes proper planting conditions essential to the tree’s health. Make sure you know what pests and diseases your tree is susceptible to, have a preventative plan in mind, and always wrap young trees during winter to ward against sunscald. Neglecting Root System Requirements The root system is the heart of your tree. When planting, check that the root ball size aligns with USDA requirements for the tree’s type and size. For deciduous trees, this often depends on the caliper size (trunk diameter), and for evergreens or multi-stemmed trees, on the tree's height. Healthy, well-developed roots are essential for water absorption and stability. Girdling Roots Girdling roots wrap around the trunk instead of growing outward, potentially choking the tree over time. Before planting, inspect the root ball. Look for roots that are thick and spiraling – these can constrict and kill the tree. Small spiraling roots are fine, but if the roots are excessively thick and circling, it’s best to find another tree. Failing to Check Drainage Most trees dislike having “wet feet,” or overly soggy soil. To test drainage, dig the planting hole and fill it with water. If the water hasn’t drained within an hour, the spot might be too wet for your tree. Planting in poorly drained soil can suffocate roots and lead to disease. Digging Too Small of a Hole A common error is putting a tree in a hole that’s too small. Think of it this way: don’t plant a $500 tree in a $5 hole. Colorado soil can be tough to dig, but a shallow, wide hole will help the tree roots transition into native soil. Remember, trees need room to grow outward, so the hole should be wide but not excessively deep. Planting Too Deep The saying “Plant it high, it won’t die. Plant it low, it won’t grow” highlights the importance of planting depth. A tree planted too deeply can struggle to get the water, oxygen, and nutrients it needs. A wider hole, rather than a deep one, allows roots to access resources without the risk of drowning. Incorrect Staking Staking stabilizes young trees, but leaving stakes in place too long can inhibit growth. Most trees only need stakes for about a year. Proper staking helps protect the root ball from excessive movement; however, leaving stakes indefinitely can restrict the tree's natural development. By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll give your tree the best possible chance to thrive. Proper care will not only save you time and resources but also ensure that your tree grows into a beautiful, lasting feature of your landscape. Happy planting! Check out our How To Kill A Tree video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T20oWUXOjk4
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