Water gardening
As our days warm up, so do your fish and plants. So it’s time to tune up your pond for a healthy season.
• With a pump or siphon, spring clean or “muck” your pond. Remove 25 percent of the pond water, then use a net to remove dirt, leaves and debris from the bottom. Remove the plants and keep them moist while cleaning.
• Removing all the gunk will keep algae growth down and your fish happy. (It’s OK to leave algae growth on the sides of the pond).
• Give your fish a once or twice over to see if they have any injuries; if you suspect anything out of the ordinary, consult with your fish supplier.
• Inspect all mechanical equipment, including the ground-fault circuit interrupter.
• Check the pond liner for any leaks or wear and then start filling the pond slowly while the fish adjust to the new water. Use a dechlorinator or chloromine product to remove chlorine in the tap water.
• Add all the muck to your compost pile (prepare yourself for an odoriferous trip). Divide or pot up any overgrown plants. And don’t forget to shop for more fish. Fish and plant shopping — nothing better!
• colowatergardensociety.org
Pest watch
• Yellowjackets aren’t very likable and account for at least 90 percent of “bee stings.” European paper wasps are often mistaken for wasps or yellowjackets, but are actually beneficial predators of caterpillars and other insects. Both take up residence in yards, so Eliminate favorite nesting sites like hollowed-out areas. Insecticides are effective on active nests, but apply at night or early morning. More at ext.colostate.edu/pubs/ insect/05525.html
Vegetables and fruits
• Sow these seeds outdoors now: leafy greens, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, onion sets, Swiss chard, potatoes and parsley.
• Place mulch, such as chemical-free grass clippings, around spring vegetables to conserve moisture, control weeds and maintain cooler soil temperatures.
• Early March-planted veggies such as radish, spinach and lettuce can be harvested. Cut baby lettuce with scissors, leaving an inch of stem and let the plant regrow for two or three more harvests.
• Plant homegrown or garden-center transplants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
• Gradually remove mulch from More at ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07000.html
Perennials and annuals
• Water perennial beds and bulbs during dry weather.
• Transplant or divide summer- and fall-blooming perennials and ornamental grasses.
• Sow annual seeds of alyssum, bachelor button and dianthus outdoors.
Trees and shrubs
• Remove tree wrap.
• Continue planting.
• Regular irrigation is a must More: ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/635.html
Lawns
• Hand-dig or spot-treat perennial weeds.
• Water weekly if weather is warm, dry, or windy.
• Set mowing height at 2½ to 3 inches; keep it there throughout the season.
Miller moth mania
Miller moths are about a month early but in full annoyance mode.
— are here on their way to the mountains, where they spend their summers. The species generally is troublesome for two to three weeks each spring.
They stop off in our yards to feed on nectar from blooming shrubs. During the heat of the day, they hide in cool areas — cracks in sidewalks, garages, cars, door jambs and shoes left outdoors overnight. Or in our houses.
They will not lay eggs or feed on anything once inside — and they don’t bite. Here’s how to keep them out of your hair. • Seal entry holes and gaps to your house, and keep windows closed. Inspect screens for tears.
• Turn off outdoor lights, which is tricky when using them for safety.
• Once they’re inside, swat, squish or vacuum them. Spraying with pesticide will not work.
• Remove dead moths or you might attract another pest: carpet beetles.
ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05597.html
Betty Cahill: bettycahill@ymail.com
