Page 44 - AreaNewsletters "July 2022" issue

Ca ing A New and “Old ” Gardeners!
Fair Time is Almost Here!
IA mere month from now will be Fair Time in Douglas County!
n years past, you may have
found yourself strolling through the from a backyard tree, a
Events Center at the Fairgrounds
in Castle Rock admiring the homegrown flowers, veggies,
and houseplants on display
in the agriculture/floriculture competitions. Did you ever say to yourself, “I could totally do that! Wish I had known about it earlier. I could have entered my zucchini (or giant sun ower or trailing ivy plant). Oh well, maybe next year.”
Mark your calendar to enter on Thursday, August 4th, 7–11am
lush container garden on the back deck, or vegetables you planted that will be ready for harvesting. Continue to water and care for these plants until August 4th. You even have time
to sow some radish seeds in the ground. Most varieties grow fast and are ready to pick in 25-30 days – just in time for the Fair. This is a quick and fun project to do with the kids, or just for yourself. Make sure to read the label on the seed
Well, this IS next year, and you
have time to plan your own entries
for the 2022 Douglas County Fair.
Put Thursday, August 4th from 7 to 11 a.m. on your calendar or into your phone now - that is Entry Day. Entering is easy, free, and open to everyone - Youth (kindergarten to 12th grade), Adults, and Seniors (55+). The hardest part may be deciding what category to enter - from owers, vegetables and herbs to eggs, honey and weeds (yes, weeds), to succulents, houseplants and more, even a vegetable art competition for kids.
packet for planting instructions and maturity dates.
If outside plants are not your thing, check out inside your house. Do you have a spectacular houseplant or cactus you’ve grown, loved and nurtured? Enter it in the Fair! Are you good at or want to try your hand at
ower arranging? The floriculture division features several creative categories. Search theDouglasCounty Fair website to get even more ideas
“Wait – where do I start?” Glad you asked! Begin by looking at your yard, patio, and ower or vegetable gardens, and determine if something you are growing now might be looking its best in a month. This could include your favorite rosebush, apples
July 2022 • Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters”
44
H O ME & G A R D E N