Time to Plant Sweet Berries and Fragrant Herbs
Berries and herbs tend to grow slowly, and because of our short growing season here, are best cultivated from starts, which are available now at garden centers, farmers markets, supermarkets and hardware stores. If you try to grow these from seed, well, it might be winter before you see anything! Keep in mind that container plants in general are considerably more exposed to the elements, (heat, cold, moisture and dryness) than plants in the ground. In Colorado it’s advisable to go with plastic pots which won’t evaporate water as quickly than the porous earthen terra cotta pots. (That being said,[...]
Deck to Table Dining
Our March issue offered helpful tips for designing an “on deck” container garden. Now we’re ready to “get growing!” If you’re up for the container gardening adventure, the rewards are great – imagine the joys of watching plants you’ve carefully tended grow into maturity. How wonderful is a dinner party with friends and family gathered round enjoying the “fruits” (and vegetables) of your labor from the deck where they were raised? There’s just no better way to impress your guests! Salad greens such as arugula, mustard, and mesculun, sassy, baby and braising mixes as well as lettuces grow quickly and[...]
Gardening On Deck: Dress It Up
You’re probably familiar with interior design and decorating, but did you know that you can also give your deck a makeover with “exterior” design? Container gardening is so easy. It brings the garden to you and works in whatever space you have available. You can grow anything and everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs, and there’s no better time to start planning your own “on deck” garden than now! Map It Out Deck space is finite, and you’ll want to use that space in the most effective way possible. Planning is key – step back and take[...]
Golden, Parker, & Lafayette Farmers Markets
Mid-July through September is prime time for homegrown Colorado produce, so head down to your local farmers market for juicy Western Slope fruit and a nearly-endless list of veggies – from beets and broccoli to carrots, corn, zucchini, beans and salad greens. A crop calendar guide to what you might find at the markets from month to month is available at http://coloradofreshmarkets.com/crop-calendar/. Presented by the Golden Chamber of Commerce, the award-winning Golden Farmers Market is in its 17th season, and its second year of management by the Boulder-based Colorado Fresh Markets, which also manages the Cherry Creek, City Park, and[...]
Container Tomatoes
Imagine picking a ripe, juicy tomato right on your deck! All you need are some starts, and pots of various sizes. You can extend the season by covering plants, or taking them in overnight, as the weather cools. Pick a spot with good sun, but don’t overdo – tomatoes can wilt or burn under the hot Colorado sun. Test out and adjust locations as needed. Grouping pots together provides some shade and wind protection. Tomatoes need plenty of water and good drainage. Soil should be evenly damp to the touch, not dry, hard, or soggy. Transplant tomatoes in a timely[...]
