Steve Delgadillo
After frost, select and plant bedding plants that are short and
stocky, over tall and leggy.
Plant Dahlias and Cannas after last frost.
Plant Chrysanthemums for fall color.
Fertilize established Roses (not newly planted Roses) after
watering first.
Fertilizing with lawn fertilizer that contains iron and sulfur
is o.k. but not if it contains a weed killer.
Avoid using "weed and feed" materials on the lawn: spot spray
for weeds instead.
Water Tips
Make sure your irrigation system works properly: redesign if
necessary to be more efficient. Install drip irrigation to apply
water more directly to the soil.
To retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, apply a 4-inch
layer of mulch to plants. This will put less stress on plants
between hot summer days and freezing winter nights.
Pest Watch
Juniper-Hawthorn Rust Galls may ooze interesting orange
"fingers" (these are spores of the fungus). More common when it is
rainy, they can be pruned out.
Bacterial diseases on lilac (Pseudomonas blight) and apples,
crabapples, and pears (fire blight) begin to appear, if warm and
rainy.
Program volunteer network strives to enhance Coloradans’ quality
of life by: Extending knowledge-based education throughout Colorado
communities to foster successful gardeners. For more information
call the CSU Extension, Elbert County Master Gardener office at
303-621-3162.
