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Time
is running out for planting
hardy
perennials.
They should be planted no less than one month before the first fall
frost, which usually occurs during the first week of October along the
Front Range. |
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You
may still plant colchicum, a fall-blooming bulb, during this month.
Plant the bulbs two inches deep. Colchicum is a nice companion for
other fall-blooming plants such as asters and mums. |
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Did
you have trouble with geranium (tobacco) budworms eating petunias,
nicotianas or geraniums in your containers this summer?
If so, think twice about storing the potting soil for re-use next
year. Budworms over-winter as
pupas in the soil. Temperatures below 20 degrees F. will kill them.
However, if we have a mild winter or if you store the potting soil
in a shed or garage that stays warm, the pupas will survive. |
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Now
is the time to buy spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodil, tulip, crocus
and hyacinth bulbs. Select bulbs that are large, undamaged and free from mold,
soft spots or signs of disease. Plant
bulbs in late September or early October so their roots can become well
established before the arrival of cold weather. |
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Remove
new shoots starting to grow at the base of rose bushes and cut off spent
blooms right below the flower rather than at a 5-leaflet leaf.
Taking these steps will reduce production of new growth, thereby
helping to prevent freeze injury to the rose bush |
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In
order to prepare plants for winter
dormancy do not fertilize them in the
fall and reduce watering. This
will cause plants to slow production of new growth that is easily damaged
by autumn frost. |
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Be
sure to take advantage of sales at garden centers this month.
While spring is the best time to plant trees and shrubs in
Colorado, fall is considered the second best time to plant.
However, you should avoid planting evergreens in fall because they
tend to dry out during the fall and winter months, and then die. |
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Early
September is a good time to seed
cool-season lawns such as Kentucky
bluegrass and tall fescue. You
may install sod anytime during the growing season, but allow time for
roots to become established before the ground freezes. |
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Kentucky
bluegrass and tall fescue lawns that weren’t fertilized in August should
be
fertilized in early September with one pound of nitrogen per 1000
square feet of lawn. |
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Do
not fertilize Buffalograss, Blue Grama or Bermuda grass this month.
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