Weekly Gardening Tips - July 18, 2009
Mitzi Davis
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
- With our continuing rain and warm soils, seeds are germinating quickly. Continue to plant bush beans, beets, carrots, broccoli, kohlrabi and peas for a fall crop.
- The small, white moth with a black spot on each wing produces the cabbage worm, and the adult form of the cabbage looper is a small, brown moth with a silvery spot on each wing. Both caterpillars eat the leaves of Brasssicas like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Cover the plants with spun polyester fabric to keep the moths away or use Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) to kill the worms.
- Water a plant the day before you plan to move it if the weather is hot and dry. Pre-dig the new hole, and gather the tools you’ll need – a spade, wheelbarrow or tarp and some wet newspapers or damp burlap to keep the rootball from drying out. Make the move in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Water and mulch after planting in the new location.
- Late winter and early spring is the best time to prune most trees, but maple, walnut and birch trees can be pruned in the summer. Trim out any dead or broken branches and then prune to shape the tree. Remove branches with weak crotches or second leaders that may have developed.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
