Weekly Gardening Tips - April 19, 2008
By Mitzi Davis, Master Gardener
Colorado State University Extension, Larimer County
- Seed broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, peas, lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach and turnips directly into the garden. They will germinate and grow with daytime temperatures as low as 40 degrees. They grow well along the Front Range in the spring and can be reseeded in August for a new fall crop. These vegetables also do well at higher elevations.
- Millions of pink flamingos have been sold as yard ornaments over the last 50 years. The pair, one grazing and one standing at alert, were designed by Don Featherstone and manufactured by Union Products until 2006 when the company closed. Prices skyrocketed on E-bay® but it looks like they are going to be manufactured again. You'll recognize an original Featherstone by its yellow beak with black tips and a Featherstone "autograph" under the bird's tail.
- Remove tree wrap for the season to prevent insects and disease organisms from finding a home there. Fertilize your trees and shrubs. You can prune summer flowering shrubs before bud break but wait until spring flowering shrubs like lilac, viburnum, weigela, mockorange and red and yellow twig dog wood are finished blooming before you prune, or you will lose this year's flowers.
- Win the war against weeds by starting early. Keep annual weeds from setting seed by chopping their heads off - no need to pull the roots. A scuffle hoe works great for this job. Keep seeds already in the ground from germinating by planting crops close together so foliage shades the soil and use a thick mulch. Avoid excessive cultivation that brings weed seeds to the surface where they can germinate.
- Have a question about gardening? Talk to a Master Gardener at the Larimer County Extension Office at 498-6000. Starting Monday, April 21, they will be available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am - 1 pm.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
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