Weekly Gardening Tips - July 4, 2009
Mitzi Davis
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
- Lettuce grows very well in the spring, but sends up seed stalks (bolts) and turns bitter when weather warms. The looseleaf or butterhead lettuce types do better in hot weather. Provide shade, water regularly and mulch to keep the soil cool.
- Herbicides like 2,4-D, often found in “weed & feed” lawn mixtures, can also harm trees in your lawn. It is better to spot spray broadleaf weed killer and avoid using it around tree root zones.
- The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) is an information network linking the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities like CSU, county governments and extension agents. It is funded by local, state and federal taxes and offers many services and publications for free or a modest fee. Master Gardeners are avid gardeners who receive extensive training by university professors and Extension staff. In return, they volunteer their time to the community in many different horticulture-related educational services – answering questions over the phone and in the office, providing a community Farmer’s Market and giving talks and demonstrations.
- Keep spades and hoes sharpened to make it easier to cut through weed roots or sod. Spray a light coating of a rust-preventing product after each use and they will stay rust free.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
