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Denver’s growing season is short, about 150 days. It starts in early May and ends around October.  The short growing season explains why spring brings excitement to vegetable gardeners. Despite the short growing season and climatic challenges, vegetable gardening in Denver is enjoyable. You only need to get your timing right to enjoy a bountiful harvest. It also helps to understand zone 6a gardening challenges and choosing the right plants for the region. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with spring garden planting in Denver to optimally utilize the short growing season.

Early Spring (April-May)

April marks the start of the planting season in Denver. While we still experience weather variability, gardeners are excited to welcome the growing season. Spring warmth awakens your garden! However, not all plants tolerate the weather variability in the April/May planting season. The early planting season only favors cool-season vegetables. Garden plants that can survive the April-May cold season include;

Vegetables:

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts

You can also sow beets, asparagus, carrots, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsnips, and peas seeds in the open fields.

Flowers:

• Pansies
• Violas
• Zinnias
• Celosia

You can also include perennials in early spring planting to fully utilize the short growing season.  Some perennials you can plant in April or early May include:

• Hostas
• Daylilies
• Columbine

April planting season is also an excellent time to plant shrubs like lilacs and forsythia. You can also consider other low-maintenance shrubs for your garden hedging and plant them at the beginning of the growing season.

Late Spring (May-June)

The last frost threat ends after Mother’s Day, paving the way for warm weather from mid-May. It also marks the start of the warm planting season. The late spring season allows you to plant warm-season plants or vegetables that may not survive frost stress. Crops you can sow in the late spring planting season include:

Vegetables:

• Summer squash
• Zucchini
• Beans
• Corn

Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in mid-May when frost threat is over. Mother’s Day is typically the last threat of snow or frost in Denver, but it’s important to keep an eye on your local weather forecast before planting outdoors. Other plants that do well in the late spring planting season include flowers and perennials like marigolds, petunias, zinnias, roses, and hydrangeas.

Tips for Success in Zone 6a

Zone 6a has a shorter growing season than zones 7 and 8. However, the short growing season can support a variety of crops, provided you follow recommended planting guidelines. The following tips will help you manage the growing season and maximize your harvest.

• Sunlight. Some plants thrive in the open fields, while others do well when protected from direct sunlight. Follow the recommended planting guidelines and plant each crop under the right conditions.
• Improve the Soil. Denver has alkaline soils that may not support many garden crops. You can improve the soil by adding organic matter or compost to grow numerous garden vegetables.
• Watering. Zone 6a is semi-arid, meaning crops require watering to thrive and increase yield. Check soil moisture content and water the crops depending on their moisture needs.
• Pest and Disease Control. Pest and disease-causing organisms increase in the spring planting season, posing a risk to your crops. We recommend preventative methods to control pests and diseases, but you can also use pesticides and herbicides to reduce infestation.

Visit Our Garden Center!

Spring is an exciting season for most gardeners. It is the season to prepare the fields and select crops to plant in the short growing season. With the correct preparation and crop selection, you will get a bumper harvest at the end of the season. Talk to us or visit our garden center for a wide selection of healthy plants.

Rhubarb is a long, stalky vegetable belonging to the buckwheat family. Known for its tart, sour flavor, its fleshy edible stems are commonly used in making pies, sauces, pickles, soups, and other sweet and savory dishes. While not everyone appreciates its tangy taste, rhubarb remains a popular culinary delight that signifies changing seasons while giving deserts and pies a unique twist.

The vegetable thrives in temperate, mountainous regions such as Denver, CO, and can live for 10 years or more. At Nick’s, we are always happy to help gardeners make the most of their gardens. Here is what you need to know about growing, harvesting, and storing rhubarb.

Rhubarb Basics

Rhubarb is a perennial. It comes back year after year, usually arriving in spring. Mature plants can reach 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Although most plants will be ready for harvest just one year after planting, it is generally recommended to wait at least two years before harvesting. This will give the roots enough time to grow strong and generate enough mass. The harvest season is primarily spring and early summer (May to June in Denver).

Planting & Care

Under the right conditions, growing rhubarb is very easy. Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade. Rhubarb prefers moist, free-draining, fertile soils with a slightly acidic pH. Apply well-broken-down compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring to provide the necessary nutrients to grow a strong, healthy plant.

Although the plant can still do well in hot areas, do not allow the plant to dry out as this will inhibit growth. You will get much better results if you water deeply and consistently, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Newly planted rhubarb needs careful attention, including watering regularly throughout the growing season. In the fall, remember to mulch around the base of the plant to boost soil fertility, retain moisture, and keep weeds away.

Companion Planting

When growing rhubarb, companion planting can deter pests, provide shade, and improve plant growth, among other benefits. Some good companions include:

• Cabbage: Rhubarb leaves are rich in oxalic acid which can act as a natural insect repellant. Its scent can deter whiteflies from cabbage and other brassicas such as cauliflower and broccoli.
• Lettuce: Rhubarb’s large leaves can provide much-needed shade for lettuce during the dry season.
• Onions: Onions can keep aphids, leaf beetles, and weevils away from young rhubarb plants
• Peas: Rhubarb can deter black flies, a destructive pest that attacks peas and other legumes. Peas add nitrogen to the soil, providing more nutrients for rhubarb to feast on.

Avoid planting rhubarb plants close together (overcrowding) as it can lead to subpar growth and decreased yields. Aim for 3-4 feet between plants for optimal growth.

Harvesting & Storage

Leaves, rather than stalks, generally indicate readiness for harvest. Fully open leaves that are starting to show signs of aging suggest that the stalks are ready for harvest. Harvest stalks when they are 12-18 inches tall. When harvesting, grab and pull the stalks from the base.

Try not to harvest more than half of the plant mass as this may take away too much of its nutrient storage ability and cause your plants to weaken and die. Also, harvesting too late in the summer may not leave enough time for the plant to prepare for the cold season.

Once harvested, store the fresh stalks in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also cut the rhubarb into small pieces and store it frozen.

Pests & Diseases

Rhubarb is a hardy and resistant plant that is not commonly affected by pests and diseases. Some common pests that may affect the plant include:

• Crown rot
• Aphids
• Spider mites

Most of these issues generally stem from improper plant care. Prevention may involve:

• Proper watering. Mounding the soil and adding organic matter can help promote soil drainage.
• Good air circulation: Removing weeds and other plant debris can help promote air circulation.

Grow Healthy Rhubarb with Nick’s Garden

Rhubarb is considered a low-maintenance plant that does very well in Denver. With well-watered, fertile soil and sufficient sunlight, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of rhubarb every year. Give it a try. Talk to the team at Nick’s Garden for more information about growing rhubarb in Denver.

Dry winds and extreme weather characterize Denver’s climate. This semi-arid climate does not support many outdoor plants since the soil is also alkaline. However, Denver’s harsh climate should not limit your landscaping dreams, since several low-maintenance shrubs can spruce up your garden. The low-maintenance shrubs can survive with minimal watering and require less pruning. They are also less prone to diseases, meaning you spend less on pesticides and herbicides. But what shrubs do well in Denver’s climate? Continue reading to learn more about easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrubs for your Denver garden.

Key Considerations for Denver Shrub Selection

The desire for beautiful gardens has inspired homeowners and other stakeholders to research the best landscaping ideas for Denver. But before you select shrubs for your garden hedge, consider whether they can survive in Denver’s climate. Here are key factors to consider.

• Drought Tolerance. Denver’s semi-arid climate necessitates water conservation. Select shrubs that survive with minimal watering.
• Cold Hardiness. Denver winters can be freezing. Choose cold-hardy shrubs that will survive through the chilly winters.
• Wind Resistance. Denver experiences dry and strong winds in winter. The winds stress some plants, leading to stunted growth or weathering. Select wind-resistant shrubs for your garden.
• Soil Conditions. Denver soil is mostly alkaline. Since many plants do not do well in alkaline soils, select shrubs that can tolerate Denver’s soil.

List of Recommended Low-Maintenance Shrubs

While you can have a beautiful green garden in Denver, the semi-arid climatic conditions limit your choice of outdoor plants. However, the limitations should not derail your landscaping objectives. Here are five low-maintenance shrubs that do well in Denver.

     1. Peking Cotoneaster

The Peking cotoneaster is a medium-sized attractive shrub that does well in Denver. It has small green leaves and pink or white flowers. While most gardeners prefer Peking cotoneaster for its foliage, its apple blossom-like pink flowers are also spectacular.

Peking cotoneaster’s cold hardiness is remarkable. It can endure freezing temperatures of up to -40. This low-maintenance shrub also survives on minimal moisture, meaning it does not require frequent watering. Pruning is also minimal, with experts recommending pruning after flowering.

    2. Red Twig Dogwood

The red twig dogwood is a large deciduous shrub with small dark green leaves that turn purple-red in fall. It blooms in late spring or early summer to give white flowers. The red twig dogwood is a low-maintenance plant that only requires watering during a dry spell and can tolerate partial shades. It does not require frequent pruning, with most gardeners only pruning the shrub after two to three years.

   3. Buffaloberry

Buffaloberry is another excellent option for Denver gardeners looking for hedging shrubs. It grows to thirteen feet tall, but some can be as short as three feet. Buffaloberry has small dark greenish leaves and blossoms to yellowish or brownish flowers. Most gardeners prefer it for its low-maintenance needs since it can tolerate infrequent watering and partial shade. Pruning is also done annually in late winter or early spring.

   4. Elderberry

Elderberry is another draught-resistant and cold-resistant shrub that does well in Denver. The shrub can grow to 12 feet tall, but some species reach 5 feet high. It features large bright green leaves and white flowers. Pruning is done annually in late winter or early spring. Since it is a low-maintenance shrub, you only water it during dry spells.

   5. Staghorn Sumac

Staghorn sumac is a fairly large shrub with green leaves and yellow-greenish flowers. It is among the best landscaping shrubs in Denver because it tolerates alkaline soil conditions, withstands strong winds, and does not require frequent watering. Pruning is done in late winter or early spring.

Visit Nick’s Garden Center for All of Your Landscaping Needs

While Denver’s climate and soil conditions do not support many outdoor plants, Nick’s Garden has a variety of low-maintenance shrubs for your gardening ideas. Contact us today to learn more about shrubs and outdoor plants to include in your Denver garden.

End rot or blossom end rot is a physiological condition that affects vegetable fruits. It can affect both raw and ripe fruits. You will know your crops are affected by this disorder when you spot a brown, leathery rot developing on or near the blossom end of the fruit. The rot begins as a small brown lesion that widens as the condition worsens. Secondary infection may attack the rotting end, creating a black mold. 

What Causes End Rot

Some farmers associate end rot with fungal infections or conditions managed with fungicides or pesticides.  Such farmers spend a lot on chemicals, with little or no success. The only good thing about the condition is that it does not spread from one plant to the other. So what causes end rot?

As mentioned earlier, end rot is a physiological or environmental disorder caused by calcium deficiency due to inconsistent watering. In short, end rot is a calcium deficiency condition. Plants affected by this condition either receive an inadequate calcium supply or have absorption problems. That explains why the condition is related to inconsistent watering or drought. 

Plants may also suffer from the condition due to root damage. Damaged roots impact calcium intake, leading to this physiological disorder. Acidic or waterlogged soil may also lead to blossom end rot.

Plant Issues Similar to End Rot

Several plant issues can be mistaken for end rot. Proper diagnosis is required to establish whether your plants suffer from end rot or other conditions. Some conditions with almost similar conditions include.

Sunscald

You can confuse sunscald and end rot as both conditions have almost similar symptoms. However, the brown patch in sunscald infection appears on the side exposed to the sun.

Blight

It is also possible to confuse blight and end rot. However, blight attacks the entire plant, while rot affects only the fruits. Blight is a fungal infection, while blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency condition.

Anthracnose

Another fungal infection that can be confused with end rot is anthracnose. Anthracnose starts with tiny dark sunken lesions that widen and merge, causing the fruit to rot.

Vegetables Impacted by End Rot

Most fruit-bearing vegetables are susceptible to end rot. However, the condition often affects tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon. The condition only affects crops with calcium deficiency or those growing in acidic or waterlogged soils.

How to Prevent Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot occurs when your plants do not get sufficient calcium or experience watering issues, where plants get insufficient excess water. You can prevent this physiological condition from affecting your plants by;

• Ensuring your plants get enough calcium from fertilizer and foliar
• Adopting a consistent watering schedule that ensures the soil is not waterlogged or dry
• Applying mulches to prevent excessive moisture loss
• Avoiding activities that injure plant roots
• Test and manage soil PH to reduce acidity

Reversing Blossom End Rot 

You may want to reverse the effect of end rot and save your crop. However, the affected fruit cannot be treated. You only prevent the condition from affecting subsequent fruits. Luckily, the condition does not attack the entire plant. With sufficient calcium supply and a consistent watering schedule, you can be assured of the next harvest.

Learn More About End Rot from Nick’s Garden

Blossom end rot can impact your yield if not managed effectively. However, you can reduce its risk by providing sufficient calcium and maintaining a consistent watering schedule. You can also prevent this condition from attacking your crops by ordering a soil PH and nutrient test from Nick’s Garden. Contact us today to learn more or speak to an expert.  

A vegetable or container garden can ensure a constant supply of fresh foods for you and your loved ones. The Colorado growing season supports numerous crops, some that thrive in the warm summers and others that equally do well in the cool fall season. With simple crop management skills and post-harvest preservation techniques, you can have enough supply of organic foods. Pest and rodent control is one of the most important crop management skills. Without a good control plan, pests can ruin your garden. In this article, we will learn about common pests in Colorado and how to keep your crops pest-free. 

Importance of Protecting Your Garden from Pests and Rodents  

You have numerous reasons to protect your vegetable garden from pest infestation. Here are a few reasons why you should protect your vegetable garden from pests and rodents.

Increase Yields

Pest and rodent attacks injure, break, or cause other crop damage on your crops. The injured crops become unhealthy and stunted, leading to decreased yield. Keeping the pests and rodents away from your vegetable garden maximizes yield when integrated with other crop management practices. 

Helps in Controlling Diseases

Controlling pests and rodents reduces the risk of crop disease infection. Some pests and rodents can contribute to the spread of crop diseases. Besides attacking crops, pests like aphids can spread viruses, while rodents introduce fungal diseases into your crop garden. 

Cost Saving

Treating a pest-infested garden can be expensive. You can avoid the high treatment costs by protecting your vegetable garden from pest infestation.

Preserving Garden Aesthetics

Spending time in a green garden is therapeutic. However, a pest-infested garden is unattractive. 

Common Pests in Colorado and The Plants They Impact

While we may not exhaust the list of crop pests in Colorado, here are the most common ones.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that affect a range of vegetables, including kale, cabbages, and tomatoes. They suck juices from the plants, leading to leaf discoloration, curling, and yellowing. Aphid infestation also leads to stunted growth.

Japanese Beetles

The Japanese beetle attracts over 300 plant species, including grass lawns, roses, potatoes, grapes, and peppers.

Whiteflies

Another common garden pest is the white fly. It is related to the aphid, and its infestation weakens the affected crops.

Rodents

Rodents are small gnawing mammals such as rats, mice, porcupines, hamsters, beavers, and many more. They attack almost every part of the crop, including stems, leaves, roots, tubers, fruits, and seeds. They cause huge losses since they not only damage field crops but can also damage stored grains, fruits, and tubers. Larger rodents like squirrels and chipmunks damage ripe fruits, including tomatoes and cane tops. The rodents are more active in summer and fall.

Birds

Birds also pose a risk to your vegetable garden. They can uproot seeds, damage seedlings, eat fruits, berries, and grains.  

How to Protect Your Crops Against Pest and Rodents?

You can apply different methods to protect your plants from pests and rodents. You can prevent pests and rodents from accessing your garden or use various management methods if your crops are infected. Preventative measures include the use of;

• Physical barriers like netting and cages
• Preventative chemicals like pesticides
• Organic methods like introducing pest and rodent predators
• Control measures, on the other hand, include pesticide spraying, handpicking, trapping, or introducing predators.

Control Pests and Rodents for Increased Crop Yield

Pests and rodents impact plant health and yield. Controlling pests and rodents can improve plant health and maximize yield. Nick’s Garden can help you identify common pests and rodents in Colorado and the different control methods. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your garden from pests. 

Growing your vegetables can help you put fresh organic foods on your table. Moreover, preparing your vegetable garden and watching the green crops flourish can be a fulfilling summer activity. However, the short growing season in Denver makes it difficult to choose the best summer vegetable to plant. This guide will help you choose the best vegetables for your garden next summer.

Denver’s Growing Season 

A growing season refers to the period that favors crop growth from planting to harvesting. In Denver, the period is quite short. Farmers in Denver have about 153 days to grow their crops. The growing season begins in early May and extends to the first fall (October 3) frost. You can use Mother’s Day to mark the beginning of the planting season.

While the growing season in Denver may appear short, it can support the growth of several vegetable varieties. All you need to know is the crop’s seed-to-harvest period to check whether it fits in the short growing season. Once you understand the growing season and the vegetables that can mature in that period, you maximize your can maximize your produce.  

Plants You Can Still Plant in The Summer and Get a Harvest  

As we mentioned earlier, the growing season is enough to grow an unlimited number of vegetables. Moreover, some vegetables require even maturity periods shorter than the growing season. That means some vegetables do well when you plant them early, while others will still thrive when you plant them in mid or late summer. Use this guide to plan your summer vegetable gardening.

Crops that Do Well When Planted in Early Summer 

Cucumbers 

You can start your summer gardening with cucumbers. This warm-season vegetable has become a staple in Denver gardens. Cucumbers are easy to grow and take 50 to 65 days from planting to the first harvest. Cucumbers are best when you harvest them before they begin to yellow.   

Tomatoes

Another vegetable to plant in early summer is the tomato. Although tomatoes take only 100 days to mature, we recommend planting them early in summer since they only thrive in warm weather. You can grow them from seeds indoors in spring and transplant them in summer. You can also buy seedlings ready for transplanting.

Peppers

Preppers are also warm-season crops that take between 60-150 days to reach maturity. You can grow them indoors from seeds and transplant them in early summer when the weather gets warmer. 

Okra

Plant your okras early in summer, between 15 and 25 May, to fully utilize the short growing season. Okras take 55 to 65 days to mature, and you can harvest them for the next 10 weeks.

Vine Plants

Vine plants also do well when planted early in summer.  You can grow them from seeds or buy seedlings.

Mid – Late Summer 

Slightly late, but still want to spend part of your summer in the garden? You can still grow the vegetables and still get a harvest. 

Zucchini

Zucchini takes 45 to 55 days to mature, meaning you can plant them in late July or early August and still get a good harvest. 

Squash

You can still plant your squash mid-summer since it only takes 50 to 65 days to mature.  

Pole Beans

The pole bean is another excellent crop to plant in mid-summer. This delicious vegetable is only 55-65 days mature.  

Bush Beans

Bush beans are another excellent choice for mid-summer gardening. They only take 45 days to mature, meaning you can plant them in July.

Late Summer Vegetables

It’s never too late to begin summer gardening. You can plant the following plants late in the summer for a fall harvest.

• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Beats

Looking for an Engaging and Fulfilling Outdoor Summer Activity? Start a Vegetable Garden

Do not run out of summer outdoor activity ideas when you have a vegetable garden. Contact Nick’s Garden Center for vegetable seedlings you can plant in summer and enrich your food basket. 

Several reasons make pepper a preferred outdoor plant. You can also grow this versatile crop in your backyard and spice up your culinary. This guide will help you learn tips about pepper growing in Colorado and where to buy healthy seedlings. 

Why Peppers are a Favorite Garden Crop in Colorado?

Here are a few reasons why peer is a good plant for your Colorado kitchen or vegetable garden.  

Favorable Climate

Pepper requires warmth and enough sunlight to flourish and increase yield. While Colorado has a mixed climate with favorable and unfordable weather conditions, the warm months are enough to grow your pepper. Moreover, pepper can withstand significant temperature changes, meaning you should not worry about the cold nights during the growing season.

Short Growing Season

The mixed climate in Colorado may not support crops with long growing seasons, which explains why pepper is a good option for this area. Pepper takes between 60 and 150 days to mature. The short growing season allows you to plant and harvest your crop before extreme temperatures.

Resistance to Pests and Diseases

Pepper is relatively resistant to common crop pests and diseases in Colorado. Disease and pest resistance means you can plant and harvest your pepper without stretching your crop maintenance budget. With routine crop care and watering, you can be sure of a bumper harvest at the end of the growing season.

When to Plant Peppers Outside in Colorado

Successful pepper farming depends on your crop management skills. Crop management skills include transplanting at the right time to ensure your crops mature before the end of the short growing season. You can germinate your pepper seeds indoors and transplant them when the outside conditions are favorable. You know your transplanting time is favorable if;

• The night time temps are above 50
• There is no imminent danger of frost
• It is the month of June and sometimes July, depending on the weather

Planting Too Early Can Stunt Pepper Growth

Pepper is a warm-season crop that requires night temps of above 50. These temps begin in June. Planting before June may stunt your crops for the following reasons.

• Soil temps may be too cold to support root development, leading to stunted growth
• Planting too early puts your plants at risk of frost, which can stunt or kill them. The last frost occurs in May, explaining why we recommend transplanting in June or July.
• Planting too early increases the risk of transplant shock, which can slow crop growth.

Types of Peppers that Grow Best in Colorado

Most pepper varieties will do well in Colorado. However, the following pepper varieties are the best to grow in Colorado

• Anaheim
• Ancho /Poblano
• Apache
• Banana 
• Big Jim  
• Burning Bush
• California Wonder
• Cayenne
• De Árbol
• Giant Marconi
• Gypsy
• Habanero
• Habanero Orange
• Hot Cherry Peppers
• Jalapeño
• Jalapeño Gigante
• Jalapeño Purple
• Mariachi
• Mirasol
• Pepperoncini
• Purple Beauty
• Purple Beauty
• Red Beauty
• Red Cap Mushroom
• Sandia
• Scotch Bonnet
• Scotch Bonnet
• Serrano
• Sonora
• Sweet Banana
• Sweet Cherry Pepper
• Thai Hot Pepper

Peppers with Shorter Seed to Harvest Timeline

As mentioned earlier, Colorado has a short pepper growing season. While good timing can help you remain within the planting season, choosing a variety with a shorter seed-to-harvest timeline is a better option. The following varieties mature fast and thrive well in Colorado.  

• Anaheim Peppers
• Hatch Peppers
• Jalapeño Peppers
• Sweet Bell Peppers

Can you Grow hot peppers In Colorado? 

While many peppers thrive in Colorado, hot peppers can be challenging to grow. The hot pepper varieties take longer to mature. However, you can plant them indoors and transplant them to fit in the short growing season.

Start Your Pepper Garden Today

Pepper thrives in Colorado, and incorporating it in your garden can ensure enough supply of this delicious spice. Nick’s Garden Center is here to support your pepper-growing journey. Contact us to order healthy pepper seedlings or a crop management guide.