Weekly Gardening Tips - June 27, 2009

Anne Wuerslin
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County

Tips on saving money as a gardener:


  • Bring a list when you go plant shopping to stay on track.
  • Do not buy more plants if you have not planted the ones you already have.
  • Avoid plant plunking! Do not buy any plant if you do not have a specific spot in the garden for it.
  • Patronize your local plant sales such as those hosted by garden clubs and non-profit organizations.
  • Divide, conquer and make new friends--share newly divided perennials with friends and family.
  • Buy starter-size perennial plants and use in containers for the summer. Come fall, they can go into your garden with a healthy root system.
  • Successively sow vegetables such as beans and lettuce so that you have produce throughout the season.
  • Start biennials such as hollyhocks and foxgloves from seeds now. You will have healthy plants for transplanting later this summer; they will bloom next year.
  • Take softwood cuttings from herbaceous shrubs such as hydrangeas. Plant in a moist starter substance. You will have a small, healthy plant later this summer.
  • Shop at mid-summer sales.



For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.