Our featured flower of the month is Tithonia (Sundance). It is a tall bushy sunflower relative that contains 3 inch scarlet-orange daisies that attract butterflies to your garden. It is full sun and drought tolerant making it suitable for the sunny side of gardens landscape. I suggest sowing seeds in spring in well draining soil for blooms that will last until first frost. Cheers
Sowing your seeds indoors during the winter months is one of the best ways to get a head start on the upcoming growing season. By utilizing a simple lighting system or a well lit window well, you can sow seeds now to have plants ready to be planted after the last frost in your region. If you haven’t purchased your seed selection, now is the time. The most popular seeds have a history of selling out very early in the year. There are numerous seed starting kits that will aid you in creating the correct environment for a good head start. Cheers
2016 has arrived and so have the New Year’s resolutions, many of which will include eating healthier. One solution to conquering this resolution is to grow your own organic vegetables. By sowing seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost you can plant and enjoy your bounty by spring.
I suggest planting lettuce, kale, tomatoes and onions as this will give you a base salad. Add some cooked shrimp, tuna or cheese and you have a meal. Cheers and Happy New Year!
The winds of change are blowing and the winter solstice has passed, marking the beginning of winter in zone 4. While many regions in the country are still experiencing summer like conditions, the Rocky Mountains have experienced winter early and often. Arctic like conditions have nestled over the region providing a lot of snow and a white Christmas. With temperatures this chilly it’s time to turn our focus on plans for next season’s garden layout and seed selections. So, as we flock to our favorite winter pass times, let’s remember to stay safe and have fun. Cheers
Create a story book setting throughout your garden with our featured flower of the month, Statice. A Mid-summer mix of long stemmed small papery flowers, Statice are well suited for the sunny side of your garden’s landscape. It is an all time favorite when added to any cut floral arrangement. When growing Statice, I prefer to sow seeds in early spring after the last frost. Sow seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in well draining soil for tiny blooms that should reach an approximate height of 16 inches. Cheers
It is undeniable that winter has arrived early in zone 4. If you have not prepared your garden for winter, now is the time. Your winter check list should include mulching flower and vegetable garden beds with fall leaves or straw. One of the most important things you can do while temperatures are above freezing is treat perennial flowers, trees and shrubs for pests. Taking these simple steps will enhance your gardens performance for seasons to come. Cheers
As winter approaches, you’ve likely experienced your first frost of the season. Generally the first fall frost indicates the end of the growing season. Here in zone 4 the last spring frost is April 30th and the first fall frost occurs October 4th which translates to a grow seasons that consist of a 156 days. There is a 50% chance of the first frost occurring after the spring and fall dates. Knowledge of your regional grow season will help you accurately assess and plan your garden accordingly. Cheers
One of my favorite perennial flowers to grow is our featured flower of the month the Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). This flower has hardy fragrant fully doubled fringes that bloom in a plethora of colors. These sparkling blossoms are perfect for the sunny side of your garden. Its fragrant cluster will attract butterflies and hummingbirds from summer until fall and are ideal for cutting. If you start from seed, I suggest sowing them indoors in late winter or early spring. Cheers
All plants require the proper nutrients in order to thrive. These nutrients are found in the soil in which they grow. The three major chemical compounds of soil are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen helps plants develop strong leaves and healthy stems while phosphorus plays a vital role during the early stages of root development and early growth. Potassium promotes root vigor and disease resistance. Maintaining the proper balance of these ingredients is crucial for your plants survival. It is very important to test soil conditions for the correct Ph levels and much more. Cheers
