Author: Kerry Peetz
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Year-round gardening: June should be a busy month for Colorado gardeners
By Kerry PeetzColorado Master Gardener What a wild ride the weather has delivered over the past several weeks. Hard freezes and record-breaking days of unusually warm temperatures, even our plants were confused! Assuming we are now headed in the right direction (cross your fingers), it’s time to get down to business in June. General maintenance…
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Year-round gardening: April tasks to tackle in your garden
By Kerry PeetzColorado Master Gardener The highly anticipated April awakening has arrived, and El Paso County gardeners have a high-altitude guide to consider to get off to a healthy start. In Colorado Springs, gardening in April is less of a hobby and more of a high-stakes game of meteorological chicken. With an average last frost…
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Year-round gardening: November checklist for Colorado Springs gardeners
By Kerry Peetz, Colorado Master Gardener As the calendar flips to November, the Colorado Springs gardener faces a stark reality. The blissful days of sun-warmed tomatoes are over, replaced by the steely, grey promise of frost. This month is less about nurturing new life and more about giving our gardens a dignified send-off. Gardening at…
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October a transition month for gardeners
“There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne October in the Pikes Peak region signals a significant shift in the garden, moving from active growth to essential winter preparation. Gardeners are presented with…
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Autumn in Colorado should be a busy time for gardeners
Fall comes knocking on everyone’s front door Sept. 22. It’s time to get your green thumbs set for a season of planting, pruning and preparing. Here’s how to make the most of your autumn outdoor space: • Tree time: It’s prime time to welcome new trees and shrubs to the landscape — their roots will…
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Year-round gardening: Plant this Colorado Springs native with four-season appeal
As the season is winding down, gardeners across the Pikes Peak region are experiencing that “go out with a bang” fall-planting euphoria. They’re seeking that one hardy, drought-tolerant plant, a native standout that offers beauty, sustenance and resilience. Look no further, the answer is the serviceberry. The what berry? Put on your reading glasses, you’re…
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Year-round gardening: Autumn in Colorado should be a busy time for gardeners
Fall comes knocking on everyone’s front door Sept. 22. It’s time to get your green thumbs set for a season of planting, pruning and preparing. Here’s how to make the most of your autumn outdoor space: • Tree time: It’s prime time to welcome new trees and shrubs to the landscape — their roots will…
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Year-round gardening: August tasks for Colorado gardeners to consider
August has arrived in Colorado. And while it might feel like summer is winding down, gardens still have plenty of life, beauty and even a few surprises left to offer. With bright blue skies, sudden storms and that high-altitude sunshine, Front Range landscapes are buzzing — literally and figuratively. Here are a few garden tasks…
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Year-round gardening: A hefty menu of tasks for June, with a side of crab grass
Summer is quickly approaching, which means Colorado gardeners can expect a growing checklist of tasks to complete. • Water like you mean it (but not too much, Drama Mama): June is when your plants start getting thirsty — like they live in the Atacama Desert. Resist going full monsoon mode. El Paso County soil is…
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Year-round gardening: 10 things for your gardening checklist during May in Colorado
May is here, and with it comes longer days, unpredictable weather and the countdown to summer. It’s a month of surprises. So, you’re contemplating wearing shorts in the garden? Bold move. You might want to bring your down coat just in case. Sun or snow, May is a busy month for gardeners. 1. Plant warm-season…