Weekly Gardening Tips - May 23, 2009
By: Elizabeth Anne Wuerslin
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
- Comfrey is a perennial plant which works in the shady spring garden. This perennial herb has a central stem flanked by broad green leaves, topped by delicate blue-white nodding flowers. Ornamental comfrey (Symphytum grandiflorum) is a May-blooming ground cover which can tolerate dry clay soil. The delicate flowers work well with late blooming spring bulbs. Once established, the foliage makes a thick and attractive mat.
- Container planted vegetables require more frequent watering and fertilizer than those planted in the garden. If you cannot be home to water daily, consider using planters with a water reservoir in the base. The basic design is a container within a container, with a horizontal tube between the two for the addition of water and nutrients. These are for sale at local nurseries or can be made from salvaged materials such as plastic tubs and buckets.
- It is not too late or too hot to plant lettuce. Sow Batavian bolt resistant varieties such as 'Magenta' or 'Nevada'. Lettuce will not germinate in soil temperatures above 85 degrees. Cool down the soil by using soaked burlap covers on the ground a few days before direct planting. Visit www.greencastonline.com/SoilTempMaps.aspx to see current soil temperatures.
- Increase your yield of fall blooming perennials such as mums, asters and black-eyed Susan by dividing now. Divide with a sharp spade and plant clumps in organically enriched soil. Pinch back new growth to encourage more compact plants.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
