Gardening in Castle Rock presents a myriad of challenges. Beyond high altitude and difficult soils, Colorado just faced its driest, warmest winter on record. I recommend the water district’s Water Wise course for everyone.
Gardening here isn’t for the faint of heart; our average last frost is May 15, and spring storms often bring damaging hail. Yet, Castle Rock can still produce beautiful, bountiful gardens.
Lawn Care
- Maintenance: Aerate, fertilize, and manage weeds.
- Mowing: Mow at a three-inch height to encourage deep, healthy roots.
Trees and Shrubs
- Pruning: Trim spring-flowering shrubs (lilac, forsythia) immediately after blooms fade to protect next year’s growth. Remove broken or diseased branches.
- Protection: Spray evergreens for pine beetles before adults emerge.
Roses
- Pruning: Remove dead canes and thin out crossing branches to maintain an open vase shape.
- Care: Fertilize once active growth appears and plant new bushes now.
Vegetables
- Warm Season: Plant after Mother’s Day. Transplant tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and squash.
- Preparation: Harden off indoor starts and catalog orders before planting outdoors.
- Direct Sow: Beans, corn, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and leafy greens.
- Strategy: Use companion plants to attract beneficial insects and promote growth.
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!