Mothballs are not the answer to controlling mice & voles! By Vicky Spelman

Vole Tracks Photo Courtesy: Missouri Botanical Garden

Using mothballs outside is a big no! Despite many companies, and articles promoting the use of mothballs to control mice, voles, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, moles, snakes and even deer outside, it is illegal to do so.  

Colorado Potatoes for Thanksgiving by Morning Ag clips

Photo credit: Savannah Schlaufman, Alamosa, CO

Ready for some mashed potatoes?

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Colorado is renowned for the variety of agricultural products grown and raised statewide–and that includes potatoes. Colorado is the 2nd largest producer of fresh market potatoes in the U.S., and demand reaches an annual high every November in anticipation of Thanksgiving.

Might an apple tree be in your future? by Vicky Spelman

Photo Courtesy Pinterest

Plant apple trees in full sun, in soil that drains well and on a high point so frost gathering in low pockets will not damage the tree or the fruit. If you plant apple trees close to the south or west side of a building, they might also bloom too early in the spring and be damaged by frost.

Mulch Mowing your Autumn Leaves by Jon Fitzgerald

Photo: Jon Fitzgerald

That particular morning, I thought the Air Force Academy was doing a fly-over. The earsplitting sound was from three landscape maintenance workers operating gasoline powered leaf blowers on my neighbor's yard. Are we still out of touch about leaf removal? There is a lot of information available about the value of mowing fallen leaves into the turf but many homeowners are still collecting their leaves probably due to old school myths and childhood traditions.

Why are the leaves not falling off my trees? By Steve White

We are well into November and a lot of trees still have their leaves on. However, the leaves did not have their usual fall color and are brown.  What is going on?

Colorado Public Radio - Royalty Free Stock Photos

The process of leaves falling involves an understanding of the abscission zone, which is the area between the leaf petiole (leaf stalk) and the branch.  The accompanying picture shows the leaf, petiole, branch, and abscission zone.  In the abscission zone there are two sets of cell structures, one set of cells is attached to the petiole and the other set of cells are attached to the branch.  In a normal fall, the cells attached to the petiole become weaker since the photosynthesis process in the fall is lower.  This is the time that the leaves start to turn color as the green covering on the leaves disappears, leaving the natural reds, oranges, purples, and yellows to give the trees their fall beauty.  As the days go on, the cells closer to the petiole weaken and can’t hold the leaves on.  Thus, the leaves fall off.  Meanwhile, the cell structure that is attached to the branch covers up the wound that is left after the leaf falls off.  This is to prevent moisture loss from the wound to aid the tree in surviving through the winter.

Water by the thermometer, not the calendar by Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado 

Yes, we’ve had some moisture and colder weather, but we are still experiencing drought and warmer temperatures. Fall is a critical time for trees, shrubs and lawn care moisture. Taking care of your plants now can help ensure that they stay healthy and ready to go next spring.

Tips for Winter Watering

Colorado winters are unpredictable and it isn't unusual to have an extended dry period before the spring rains begin. Following are tips for winter watering of turf, trees and shrubs from Dr. James Feucht, CSU Cooperative Extension Landscape Plants Specialist.

Happy Halloween by Vicky Spelman

Courtesy Design*Sponge

Have you carved your pumpkins?  If not, here are some fun ideas to try (compliments of Design*Sponge).

Take care dealing with snow-damaged trees - Colorado State Forest Service

 

Colorado State Forest Service

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Coloradans who are dealing with broken tree limbs after this past weekend’s snowstorm may be considering actions to protect and repair them.

The Courage Garden Fire by Bernadette Costa

 

Photo: Courtesy of Jefferson County Sheriff

It was Thursday, October 8, 10:30 a.m. when I heard about the Courage Garden fire.  I am a master gardener at CSU Extension Office of Jefferson County. 

Want to grow some herbs inside this Winter? by Vicky Spelman

Poster by Vicky Spelman

Herbs grown indoors offer many benefits including fragrant foliage, various foliage colors and shapes, and a constant supply of herb leaves for cooking.

2020: My Year as an Apprentice Master Gardener by Nancy Shepard

Nancy Shepard 

Looking back on almost nine months of being in the Colorado Jefferson County Apprentice Master Gardener program, I started reflecting on what a wonderful experience it’s been. First and foremost, I was most amazed with the PEOPLE in this program. All the CMG’s, instructors, coordinators, CSU staff, mentors and other Apprentice Master Gardeners were the most wonderful set of people I have ever met. Besides the incredible knowledge everyone passed along, their helpfulness, humility, kindness and good humor were like no other group I’ve belonged to. And despite the setbacks that came with the COVID outbreak, they rallied to still make this year’s program a first-rate experience.