KUNC Commentators
(2009-05-15)
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FORT COLLINS, CO
(KUNC) -
Late May Gardening Tips
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Flowering shrubs can be pruned after they bloom. If you prune before they bloom, you'll cut off all the flower buds. Prune to shape plants. Little, round buns are cute but not necessarily in the best interest of the plant. Work with the natural shape of the plant. If it's a tall, upright plant, prune it tall and upright. Prune hedges, either evergreens or deciduous, so the top is narrower than the bottom. This lets light all the way down to the base and keeps the hedge denser.
Prune broken or damaged branches in trees. Branches broken by the wind or late snows should be taken down to the nearest branch crotch. If the tree is big or beyond your grasp hire a professional. Prune young trees next winter.
Plant annual flowers. The last average frost in the low-lands is mid-May. Higher elevations may see frosts into early June. Put out annuals (petunias, nicotiana, impatiens, and cleome) after the last average frost or be prepared to protect them. Perennials are the short blasts of color in the garden. Annuals are the workhorses that bloom until they freeze next fall. Annuals are showiest in masses. Use them liberally. You'll be glad you did.
Annuals are awesome in containers. Use trailing plants in hanging baskets. Try some different stuff like purple basil, other herbs or veggies to accents your containers. Containers can be moved in out of the weather (frost, hail and wind). They adorn your deck all summer.
Vegetables can go in the ground anytime. Beans and corn like it warm. Plant them in a sunny, warm spot. Plant tomatoes in rich soil. Tomatoes are fast growers, put cages on them early. We do our peppers in containers. That way we can put them in a warm, protected spot.
Mowing, trimming, dandelions, and watering are lawn work. Keep bluegrass, that's what most of us have, at least two and one half inches long. It uses less water and is better for the grass. Mow regularly so you cut only one third of the length of the grass blade every time you mow. Water thoroughly so the water penetrates deeply into the soil. Deeper watering means less frequent watering.
We're using an organic, "safe for your family and pets", lawn fertilizer. The recommendation is to fertilize every other month throughout the growing season. The most important lawn fertilizations are early summer (June) and early fall (October).
When all of the pruning, planting and mowing is done invite a few neighbors over. Sit back and enjoy the wonderful beauty all of us contribute to.
tomthrogmorton@mywdo.com
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