As you know, gardening can be a year-round challenge in the wild, wild west (aka the “Front Range”) so be prepared to give your plants a little extra TLC when the weather has been hot and dry for long spells. Many plants will burst with color and growth this time of year then begin their dormancy cycle as fall approaches. Making sure they are not stressed by the dry heat of summer is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy transition from summer to fall. You could say, this is the time of year to get out the sprinkler, have some summer fun and enjoy the sun while your plants benefit from the extra water.
GENERAL GARDEN CARE
- Apply extra waterings to newly planted plants or to those particularly susceptible to heat stress.
- Watch for insect damage throughout your garden. At the first sight of damage, collect a sample and bring it in a sealed bag for analysis. We will suggest options to best suit your needs.
- Don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
TREES & SHRUBS
- For larger sized fruit on your fruit trees, thin out the young fruits by removing one or two that are growing in multiples on each branch.
- Reduce water loss and keep their roots cool with an application of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs.
- Apply fertilizer using a Ross Root Feeder system to get the nutrients down to the growing root zone of your trees and shrubs.
- Noticing any yellowing on your aspen tree leaves? Could be a drainage issue. Planting in a berm or amending the soil may solve the problem.
PERENNIALS
- Deadhead throughout the season to keep your plants beautiful and inviting for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and beneficial insects. This may also encourage another round of blooms!
- Collect and dry any blooming perennials for garden crafts like paper making or dried floral arrangements. Hang the stems of your perennials upside-down in a cool, dark place to dry.
ROSES
- Watch for insects or diseases on your rose plants. At the first sign of infection, apply the appropriate method to control it.
- Have you tried companion planting? Although roses prefer not to have anything planted directly above their roots, they do respond extremely well to “companion planting." Plant fragrant herbs near your rose bushes to provide a mutual benefit; many herbs will gain flavor when planted near roses and in turn will help to control the insect population.
- Use Triple Action or Eight to control infestations of mites, aphids and other pests. For organic pest control, use Neem oil.
- Deadhead your roses as necessary. Prune back to a leaf bract with 5 or more leaves.
HERBS & VEGETABLES
- Harvest, mulch and fertilize! Then harvest, mulch and fertilize more! Share extras with neighbors or use for composting.
- When cooking with herbs, 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs is roughly equivalent to 1 teaspoon dried.
- Plant a second crop of lettuce and other cool-season vegetables in late July and again in August for more greens in the fall.
ANNUALS
- Watering, fertilizing plus deadheading will encourage your annuals to bloom and flourish for your enjoyment.
- Don’t be afraid to cut your annuals back for another August growth spurt and some fall color.
LAWN CARE
- Conserve water and avoid evaporation by watering in the early morning or late evenings.