Why should you use starters fertilizer in your vegetable garden? CSU Extension Master Gardeners Notes 711 explains why. In setting out transplants, starter solutions often promote early growth. Because transplants have been hardened-off (growth slowed to prepare the plant for movement to the exposed, windy, outdoor environment), the nitrogen in the starter solution gives…
CSU Extension Master Gardeners Notes 711 explains when Phosphorus and Potassium application are needed. Continue reading for details. A soil test is the best method to determine the need for phosphate and potash. With a fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphate and/or potash, the application rate is always based on the nitrogen percentage because nitrogen…
Learn more about soil compaction and its effects on yor vegetable garden. We thank CSU Extension Master Gardeners Notes 711 for this valuable information. On clayey soils, soil compaction is a common problem limiting crop growth potential. Soils are typically compacted in the construction process. Walking on wet soils, cultivating wet soils, and the…
Colorado has had its share of stormy days and much rain in the last few weeks. Was your sprinkler system watering during or right after a storm? If it was, you threw money down the drain. There is a solution to avoid this waste of money? Install a moisture sensor, rain shut-off device or a timer.…
This post covers common conflicts found when planning a butterfly garden. Our next tips will provide information on common butterflies in Eastern Colorado and the foods they prefer. Therefore, if you want a steady flow of butterfly visitors, we will cover which food sources to include in your garden. Common Conflicts Many of the…
You want to attract Black Swallowtail butterflies in your garden, learn more facts about them. Butterfly Flight period Caterpillar food Common nectar plants, adult food Black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) April-September Dill, parsley, fennel, carrot Butterfly weed, alfalfa, thistle Common Name: Black swallowtail Scientific Name: Papilio polyxenes asterius Stoll…
We will share fact sheet no. 5.504 in the next few posts which discusses more in detail how to plan a garden to attract butterflies. This fact sheet was written by P.A. Opler, Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior; and W.S. Cranshaw, Colorado State University Extension entomologist and professor, bioagricultural sciences and pest…
If you are now ready to plan the butterfly garden, read these steps to take. Our next tip will cover common conflicts found when planning a butterfly garden and some additional references. Make a yard more attractive to butterflies by providing the proper environment, which can be food plants used by the immature stages…
Butterfly Flight period Caterpillar food Common nectar plants, adult food Two-tailed swallowtail (Papilio multicaudatus) April-August Green ash, chokecherry Geranium, thistle, milkweed Scientific Name: Palilio (Pterourus) multicaudatus Kirby Description: Ranging between 3.5 and 5 inches. Large yellow and black wings. Each hind wing has two tail-like projections. Upper surface of male wings has black…
If you want to learn how to attract butterflies to your garden, our next few tips will cover this topic. Make it a great day! Remember, if you find value in our tips, please share them with your friends, like or comment. To create a butterfly Garden, you must provide a suitable habitat for an…
CSU Extension Master Gardeners Notes 711 explains what is Nitrogen “side dressing” and how to use it in your garden. This information is provided to our readers for information purposes and we strongly suggest that you consult your master gardener or CSU Extension Services before application for best results. Plant need for nitrogen varies. Beans, peas,…
Over the next few posts, we will share a report on composting yard waste. This report was written back in October 1997 by C.R. Wilson is a Colorado State University Extension horticulture agent, Denver County; and J.R. Feucht was an Extension landscape plant specialist and professor (retired), horticulture. They revised this report in April 2004…
