Weekly Gardening Tips - August 15, 2009
Anne Wuerslin
Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County
- Pick and dry lavender. For the best fragrance, use buds that are not fully open. Gather lavender stems in a tight bundle and hang to dry. You can also dry the flowers on a screen. Lavender likes lean, dry soil and sun. It can get leggy with too much shade and water.
- Water your compost pile. Aeration and moisture hasten the decomposition process of organic material.
- The dog days of summer are too hot for most gardeners and their plants. In the cool of the morning, cut back perennials and trim drooping and flagging annuals. Deadhead perennials by cutting back to the nearest leaf node. Do not leave a stalk showing. This encourages a second growth of flowers, especially for catmint and some sages. Annuals such as petunias and pansies can be cut back for a second bloom when weather cools.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
