Is Colorado a desert? Not quite, but almost. Moist areas along the Front Range receive about 15 inches of precipitation a year. And Kentucky bluegrass, the type of lawn most commonly grown here, grows best on 30 or more inches of moisture a year. That means you’ll need to apply an additional 15 inches of…
Whether installing a new landscape or retrofitting an existing landscape, some water-saving options are available. Xeriscape is a water conscious, creative landscape. Xeriscape started in Colorado as part of a regionally-adapted Gardening style and there are many local xeriscape information resources. Brochures and fact sheets are available from botanic Gardens and water utilities, and…
There are two primary types of water: surface water and ground water. Surface water is water found above ground — in seas, rivers, creeks and lakes. Ground water is water below the earth’s surface in deposits called aquifers. Some communities in Colorado use surface water while others use a mix of surface and ground water.…
All the water in Colorado is from precipitation and all the rivers in Colorado flow out to other states. That’s why Colorado carefully manages our state’s water through a well-organized system of water divisions. Colorado is divided into seven water divisions, each organized around a major drainage basin or group of rivers. Division One is…
Soil isn’t just something that gets on your shoes, it’s the foundation of any good Garden and landscape. Top soil, the rich, upper layer of earth, is usually lost during home construction. The soil left is mostly heavy clay, very light sand, or, in the foothills and mountains, shallow and rocky. Clay soils hold water…
Color, fragrance and variety are components of successful landscape planning and design. When designs also focus on xeriscape, the need for water and other resources will be minimized. The xeriscape planning and design process should organize landscape ideas. The process should also identify the needs of the landscape and the plants the designer wants to…
Colorado’s Front Range receives an average of less than 15 inches of rain a year, making supplemental watering a necessity for most landscapes. More than half of the water used in homes is applied to landscapes. That’s why landscaping for water conservation is so important. By applying the principles of xeriscape, a landscape can be…
One of the most popular questions in July is “Why are the blossoms falling off my tomatoes?” High temperatures particularly when coupled with drying winds interfere with pollination. Un-pollinated flowers dry and won’t remain on the plant. Tomato pollen is transferred within the same flower by shaking of the plant and is not wind or…
There are many advantages to implementing a raised vegetable bed. These beds are well-suited to growing carrots, potatoes and other root crops. The lack of compaction and rocks in the soil allow for a more-prolific and attractive crop. They are also well-suited to meet the needs of gardeners with back problems, or other physical limitations…
Tomatoes are one of the most popular Garden vegetables. Many different tomato types, varieties and shapes are available for Gardening. Tomatoes do best if started indoors from seed six to eight weeks before planting. For an early crop, plant tomatoes as soon as the danger of frost is past. Popular varieties of tomatoes are available…
To speed the ripening of tomato fruit on the vine, slightly reduce watering. With the forecast of a light frost, protect fruit by covering. If heavy frost is forecast or where covering is not practical, harvest fruit before the frost event and carry indoors. Pick ripening fruit and green tomatoes with a glossy green appearance…
