Weekly Gardening Tips - August 1, 2009
Monya Corns
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
- Save mesh bags from your bulb and corm purchases to wash soil from iris divisions. Put roots into a bag, clip a tag that identifies type and color and let soak over night. When the roots are plump, you can pot them up or plant them in the ground. With iris, remember not to bury them—just barely cover the roots with soil. If planted too deeply, they won’t bloom.
- Save big plastic lids that come on store-bought round cakes. They make great saucers for 10-12” container plants. Since they are very deep you can soak a large container from the bottom if the plant has dried out.
- If you are unable to plant because it’s too hot, a kiddy pool is great for soaking plants. Place the pool in a shady place, if possible, to provide shelter during the hottest part of the day. Fill the pool with one to two inches of water, depending on how many plants need water. Repeat the process until all plants have absorbed ample water.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
