Pre-emergent herbicides or “weed preventers” are often used to control annual lawn weeds such as crabgrass, foxtails, barnyardgrass, spurge, knotweed, purslane and others. Examples include various “crabgrass preventers” on the market. A pre-emergent herbicide does not prevent weed seed germination or kill the seed. Instead, the root system development of a young weed seedling is…
Invasive ornamental weeds, because they are so much more attractive than some of the other noxious weeds, are less likely to be seen as problematic plants. “But they are so pretty,” people cry. Perhaps, but these pretty plants are just as destructive to native ecosystems as their uglier friends There are at least fifteen plants…
Landscape weed control requires a three-pronged approach: prevention, cultural and chemical control. Weeds are opportunists. If there is an area in the yard with little or no vegetation, or if the vegetation is highly stressed, weeds will flourish. Their adaptability to difficult growing conditions is what makes us call them a weed. Prevent weeds…
Fall is the time of year when we hear stories about the “cukamelons” and “zucchalopes” that grew in someone’s vegetable Garden. Scientifically speaking, some plants will cross-pollinate with others. However, crossing is limited by differing numbers of chromosomes in the parents, which is referred to as species incompatibility. What vegetables really do cross with what?…
Spring is here and we all love the revival of nature, right? We probably agree for the most part, except those dandelions, bind weed, mallow and other weeds invading our property. Don’t panic. There are solutions but you must be prepared to do some work. In the ALCC’s last newsletter, they provided a great…
During summer, irrigation is the key factor if you want to grow quality vegetables. A few examples illustrate this point. Beans require more frequent irrigation than most other vegetables for optimal production. Beans in the blossom- and fruit-growth stages use the most water of any vegetable. Depending on temperature and wind, beans may…
Success at starting vegetables from seed outdoors begins with proper soil preparation. After organic material is mixed into the soil, level the surface and remove large clods for a fine bed. There should be no cracks in the surface of the soil where small vegetable seeds can be buried. A rule of thumb is that…
Starting vegetable and flower seeds indoors is easy if these steps are followed. The first is seed selection. Make sure they are high-quality and free from weed seeds. Hybrid seeds generally cost more than non-hybrid cultivars but may have increased vigor, better uniformity, larger yields, resistance to some diseases and other desirable qualities. If…
To choose the best method of setting up a home Garden, consider the type of soil in the Garden plot. Native top soils in the west can range from light, sandy soils to heavier clays, or to adobe types that dry like concrete. These soils are commonly found in new housing developments, where all the…
The site of a vegetable Garden will greatly determine its success. The amount of sunshine a Garden plot gets throughout the day, the soil type and other factors play a role in a Garden’s productivity. Fruiting vegetables, like tomatoes, squash and peppers, require a full day of sunlight. Root vegetables, like carrots and beets,…
Regardless of where one lives, growing conditions are bound to be different from the conditions described in most Gardening books. To plan a successful Garden, ask some questions. Which vegetables grow well in this area? What soil types are common? Are there unique conditions in the Garden to consider, for example, high winds, compacted soils,…
It’s necessary to plant bedding plants as soon as the danger of frost is past or when the soil warms sufficiently. In Colorado, planting is usually safe from about mid- to late May, depending on the types of plants and the area of the state. Consult with employees of local nursery or Garden centers for…
