While you’re probably consumed with planting or preparing to do so, here are some other things to consider:
Use drip irrigation and mulches to conserve water in your vegetable garden. Drip irrigation ranges from sophisticated systems to using a “leaky hose” or a “soaker hose.” (See fact sheet # 4.702, Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens)
Wood chip mulches, so valuable in the landscape around trees and shrubs, are available from garden centers, tree services, and municipalities (parks and recreations or forestry departments). Use mulches 3 inches deep, in a 6-foot-circle around young trees, wider for larger trees. If mulches will cover lawn areas, kill that portion of the lawn with glyphosate before placing mulch. Pull mulches 6 inches away from the trunk.
The most efficient time to water lawns is between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. Grass blades are normally moist then because of dew formation.
Sweet corn, squash, sunflower, beans and cucumber can be seeded in metro area gardens May 10-15. “Super-
sweet” corn germinates best at soil temperatures of at least 65 degrees.
For more information, visit ext.colostate.edu and click on horticulture.
