Lawn
• Don’t mow low. A mowing height of 2½ to 3 inches all season will result in deeper roots, and fewer weeds, insects and disease, as well as better heat tolerance. Mow more often in the spring, and keep blades sharp.
• Grasscycle.That’s the term for leaving grass clippings on the lawn. They add nutrients to the soil, reduce waste in landfills, save water, cut fertilizer need and shorten your work load by not having to pick them up.
• Water deeply and less often, and even then only when needed. : www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1532.html
•Fertilize bluegrass, fescues and ryegrass in early summer, late summer and mid-fall. Fertilize now if you didn’t fertilize last fall or if the spring green-up or growth is unsatisfactory. at www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1533.html
•in the lawn using grass seed varieties that are well-suited for our area. More: hgtv.com/ landscaping/lawns-bare-spots- may-just-need-seed/index.html
Trees and shrubs
• Mulch all trees and shrubs with 2 to 3 inches of bark chips, shredded bark or recycled wood products. (Keep the mulch away from the crown or trunk of the plant to prevent rot).
• Remove entire dead or dying canes and ones smaller than a pencil in diameter. Dig deeply to remove sucker growth, but note that more will grow back. Do not prune old garden roses and ramblers (once-blooming) until after bloom, unless you want rose hips in the fall. Read more at: denverrosesociety.org/ education/2012%20Symposium/ Pruning%20Handouts.pdf
Annual vegetables
• Start seedlings of pumpkin, squash, cucumber and melon indoors, and then transplant outdoors in late May or June, depending on the weather.
• Continue seeding cool-season vegetables outdoors. It’s too early to plant tomatoes, unless you’ve warmed up your soil and are using walls of water or cold frames to keep them warm (above 55 degrees).
Perennial vegetables
• Both rhubarb and horseradish roots (not seeds) can be planted now. Only one or two plants are needed of each, unless you want to open a rhubarb pie stand or make horseradish sauce for your whole neighborhood.
• Choose a well-amended, sunny site for planting. Harvest rhubarb stalks lightly after 2 growing seasons, then all stalks after 3 years. Dig horseradish roots right before the first frost in the fall.
Perennials and annuals
• It’s too early to plant annuals, but it’s a great time to get out to the garden center, see what’s new and plan some colorful combinations for borders and containers.
• Transplant or divide summer- and fall-blooming perennials such as daylilies, phlox and daisies. Use a sharp knife or shovel blade to make a clean cut. Remove any plant matter that appears unhealthy. Plant divisions around your garden or share with friends.
Betty Cahill: bettycahill@ymail.com
