Gardening Q & A

Q: Over the last few years, I’ve collected a number of cacti and succulents. When I look them up online, it shows that they have gorgeous flowers. Mine never bloom. I have them in various windowsills and on tables near the window. Do they have to be older to flower? Do they need a certain kind of fertilizer?

Tropical Croton plant Q: Some of the tropical plants I brought into the house to spend the winter are dropping leaves. What’s going on? A:  It’s not unusual for plants to re-acclimate to indoor conditions when you bring them inside. Light levels are lower indoors and the air is drier. Give them time to adjust to their new conditions. Be sure to continue to feed them at least monthly through the winter to keep them as healty and possible. If they grew enough during the summer

Q: Does mulching my perennial beds help my plants survive the winter better? A: Absolutely – with one exception. Not only does it protect the root system from fluctuating soil temperatures, a 2-3” mulch also helps conserve moisture in the soil for good root growth until the soil freezes. I use the debris from my fall clean up once I’ve run it all through my shredder. A lawn mower will accomplish the same thing. I like it all chopped up because will decompose more quickly duri

Q: Is it too late to plant spring flowering bulbs for next year? A: No, it’s not too late to plant bulbs right up to the time the ground freezes solid. This is a great time to find bulbs on sale at your local nursery. While the selection might not be extensive, any flowers are a welcome sight in spring. Be sure to water in your newly planted bulbs thoroughly and again in a month or so. They will start rooting out right away in preparation for spring and should not be allowed

Q: When should I apply tree wrap? A: The trunks of young, thin barked trees like maples, locust, linden and fruit trees will benefit from a commercial tree wrap to prevent sun scald for the first few winters. The general rule of thumb is ON at Thanksgiving, OFF at Easter. Read our Q & As  with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. You can also hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show

Q: I received a beautiful big pot of mums as a gift. Can I plant these outside now? Just cut off the flowers & maybe separate into a few clumps?

Should I remove all fallen leaves from my garden beds? A: Rake leaves from lawns to prevent snow mold, but a thin layer in garden beds can provide insulation and offer protection to overwintering wildlife.

Q: How do I know when my Acorn and Hubbard winter squash are mature enough to harvest and store well?

Q: I planted quite a few tulips and daffodils in September. Do I need to water them through the winter?

Q: I planted several varieties of Hydrangea paniculata this year and they were spectacular. Do I prune them now or in the spring?

Q: My neighbors planted a plum tree two years ago. Over the past year and a half it started leaning over. They recently put some rope...

Q: I planted some pots of coleus last spring which have grown into beautiful plants. I’d like to keep them through for next year. They are too big to bring the whole plant inside. Are they easy from cuttings?

Q: Is September a good time to plant garlic? A:  Yes! Although garlic bulbs typically aren’t available at the garden centers until late...

Q: Can I still plant vegetables for a fall harvest? A: Absolutely! Fast growers like spinach, lettuce, kale, and radishes thrive in the...

Q: Every year, my perennial beds get boring as the summer flowers fade. They need some color to carry through autumn. Which fall-blooming...

Q: I enjoy perennials and annuals that reseed themselves from year to year. It’s such a pleasant surprise to see them pop up in new...

Is it too early to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocus? Or do I need to wait for cooler weather? A: It’s...

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ Q: I love Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ but it doesn’t seem to want to winter over for me. What am I doing wrong? A: Crocosmia...

Q: Should I feed my roses in August? I’d like to see them bloom again once the adult Japanese Beetles disappear for the year. A: Apply a...

Zucchini Blossom End Rot Q: I’m growing zucchini in large pots on my deck. The plants look great but some of the young fruit look like...

Q: What's the difference between part sun and part shade? A: The terms "part sun" and "part shade" frequently appear in gardening books...

Q: I love mahonia repens for its durability in Colorado. I spread the seeds to increase growth to new areas. I have one seedling that is...

Q: Is it okay to plant flowers in with my vegetables?  A: It’s not only okay, it’s encouraged. Choose short-growing annuals that won’t...

Q: My lettuce and spinach plants have been great all spring but have suddenly produced tall stems from the center of the plants and the...

Clematis fremontii, a non-vining, herbaceous bush type Q:  Do clematis continue blooming if you keep feeding & watering them? Mine...

Q:  What are some good pollinator plants that support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects?   Swallowtail on...

Q: Can I still plant vegetables now, or am I too late for this growing season? A:  You can absolutely plant a vegetable garden now.  Warm...

Q:  My water bill was pretty high last summer.  Is there anything I can do now to reduce water use this summer? A:  Yes.  There are...

Q:  I have some pots of spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils as well as a couple of Easter lilies.  Can I plant them outside this...

Q:  The geraniums I overwintered indoor are scheduled to go back outside later this month but they have gotten leggy and unattractive. ...

Q:  What kind of mulch is good for the vegetable garden and when should I start mulching? A:  The when is based on the crop. Cool season...

Q:  How deep should mulch be applied around trees and shrubs? A:  For existing plantings,  add only as much mulch as it will take to...

Q: My Snowdrops have finished flowering and the clumps are looking pretty crowded.  When can I divide them? A:  Unlike most spring...

Q:  I’ve noticed my hardy water lilies are starting to send up leaves.  They’ve outgrown their existing pots.  Is this a good time to pot...

Q:  I want to grow tomatoes and peppers this year.  Do I have to wait until the end of May to plant them outside? A:  There are ways to...

Q:  Can peonies be moved this time of year?  Mine are in too much shade and have stopped flowering. A:  Early spring is an excellent time...

Q: My hollyhocks, peonies, delphiniums, and other tall perennials have a tendency to lean and even break as they get tall.  Adding...

Q:  Japanese Beetle was a real problem for me last year.  Is there anything I can do now to minimize their numbers? A:  April and May are...

Q:  Several years ago we noticed our lawn developed a Fairy Ring.  Each year it gets slightly bigger in diameter and occasionally...

Q:  My roses are starting to leaf out. Is this the time to prune them, and how? 'Dainty Bess' Rose A:  This is an ideal month for...

A:  Cut back leggy winter growth by as much as 50% to shape the plant and encourage bushy new growth. Once you see new, vigorous spring...

Q:   Is it too early to start preparing the lawn for spring? A:   Rake up old leaves.  Use a leaf rake to fluff up turf that is matted...

Prune fruit trees now before they start leafing out Q:   Should I be pruning trees and shrubs this time of year? A:   It’s time to assess...

Q:    What can I be starting indoors and planting outdoors? Cheery Primroses can be planted in March A:  Start begonia tubers, callas,...

A:  Clear away any remaining winter debris and weeds, being careful not to damage new sprouts. Use your pruners or a lawn mower to chop...

Q: I’d like to start some vegetable seed indoors this year to save some money. When should I start? A: My go-to answer is sow your seeds...

Though repeat-and ever-blooming roses have become all the rage, growing varieties that bloom once in early/late spring & early summer...

Q: When is the best time of year to direct sow wildflower seeds outdoors here in Colorado? A: Late fall through early winter is a good...

A true heirloom comes true from seed, has been nurtured, selected, and handed down from one family member to another for many...

Q:  What’s the best way to grow Paperwhite Narcissus? A:   One of the most popular methods is to choose a water tight, fairly shallow...