Page 38 - AreaNewsletters "Oct 2021" issue

Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.
Putting Your Garden To Bed
After a summer of record
high temperatures, that nip in
the air is a welcome respite
for some of us. It also signals
there is change on the horizon.
The change of season will soon
show up in the trees and other foliage of our gorgeous state of Colorado. Various shades of green will give way to bright golden colors then turn into the earthy tones of the season before falling to the ground. One way to take advantage of the cooler weather is to get outdoor chores done and put the garden to bed so you’re ready to hit the ground planting in the Spring.
Putting the garden to bed in the Fall means cleaning and preparing your garden beds for the winter. In our Colorado climate we can experience frosts any time after mid/
2021 Slash-Mulch Site
is for Douglas County residents only, and is open Saturdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. through October 30th. If inclement weather, call 303-663-6274.
This Fa
late September. Many warm season and Summer blooming plants are likely ready to be harvested, deadheaded, and may need to be cleared from
the garden. To begin preparing your garden bed for the winter, start by removing any diseased or pest-infested plants and organic matter. Remove any dead plants. Pull or spray any weeds in the garden bed. Once removed, these items are best thrown in the trash and not composted. Many pests and plant diseases can survive through most home composting system temperatures and can overwinter carrying diseases and pest larvae into the following season. A thorough clean up can save a lot of future stress and possible future tears.
Many perennials can be cut back. Seed heads and pods can be left for a bit of visual interest over the winter and as food for birds during the latter part of fall and winter months. Some herbs and tender plants can be brought in after an acclimation period which helps them adjust to being indoors. Tender bulbs like Begonias, Dahlias, Caladiums, and Gladioli can be dug up and stored in a cool dry place over the winter. Tender shrubs like roses may bene t from a bit of
If you’re an early riser, chances are you have noticed the cooler and crisper mornings lately.
Click here
for more information
October 2021 • Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters”
38 extra mulching around their base.
H O ME & G A R D E N