Front Range gardening is always a challenge. Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, our gardens need a little extra TLC to make it through these hot, dry times.
If your plants seem to wilt in the afternoons, a little extra water will help. Pay close attention to insects that may damage crops and ornamentals. Try to avoid broad-spectrum pesticides; they kill beneficial insects right along with the troublesome ones. Instead, try hand-picking pests. For example, tomato hornworms glow at night under a black light, making them easy to remove by hand.
To keep your fruits and vegetables producing, harvest ripe produce daily. For fruit trees, remove some fruit from heavily laden branches. This results in larger fruit and prevents branches from breaking.
Many annuals and perennials benefit from being deadheaded. Removing spent blooms prolongs flower production and keeps your plants looking neat and tidy.
Finally, don't forget to fertilize! Your plants are growing and hungry. With a little extra care, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor with a bounty large enough to share with friends and neighbors.
Gardening is more than a lifestyle—it’s a passion cultivated over 25 years in landscape design. I cherish every moment spent nurturing the earth, watching beauty unfold, and sharing nature’s bounty. From vibrant blooms to fresh harvests, my hope is to inspire you to step outside, breathe deeply, and grow with intention.
Let’s create something beautiful—together. Happy Gardening!