Weekly Gardening Tips - September 26, 2009
Mitzi Davis
Colorado State University Master Gardener in Larimer County
- Research from Michigan State University has shown that organic matter and nutrients from leaves mulched into the lawn improves turf quality. Set your rotary mower at 3” and mow at least once a week during peak leaf fall when the height of your lawn reaches 4”. To help the leaves decompose, fertilize normally in the fall and water if there isn’t additional moisture.
- If you don’t want to have leaf remnants on your lawn, try sheet composting in annual beds or vegetable garden. Rake leaves into empty beds. Running over the leaves with the lawn mower will help with decomposition. Sprinkle with a low nitrogen fertilizer, like 5-10-5, and turn the leaves into the soil. Water thoroughly to speed decay. Till again in the spring. You can plant through any clumps of leaves that remain.
- Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, Colorado potato beetles and European corn borers will spend the winter in debris left in the garden. Remove dead plant material and compost or plow it under and you will have fewer insect pests in the garden next year.
- Having a hard time keeping up with your gardening and reading? Books on tape or CD’s and the latest “take away” books on MP3 players can be borrowed from the public library. Listen to your favorite authors while you are doing your fall chores in the garden.
For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.
