Clik here to view.
Larry's Favs for 2023: Super Chili
If you grow Super Chili as just an ornamental pepper then you are missing a culinary delight. Growing only about 18 inches tall, it produces so many zesty hot peppers that it goes way beyond its...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Make a Plan!
This is a total family (household) activity. A big problem with many gardens is planting too much or too little of some varieties. The plan above is one that Anna and I worked on together. Here are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sure, Add Organics to Your Soil But What About Minerals?
I think we are aware of the importance of adding organic material to your garden beds. These often include homemade compost, cotton burr compost, well composted animal manures, sea weed (kelp), fish...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Larry's Favs for 2023: Corentine Cucumbers
If you fresh, crispy, sweet, thin skinned (eat without peeling), seedless cucumbers then this one is it! It replaces Cool Breeze and it is great in salads or for pickling. It is gynoecious (only female...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Larry's Planting Timeline
Starting my plants too early inside is the biggest mistake I have made, over the years. This timeline below, is all weather dependent. The inside start dates are firm but the outside transplant or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Little Flies Buzzing Around Your Indoor Plants?
If you see these little flies buzzing around your indoor plants, take note, they can do harm to your plants. The adult form is the fly you see in the upper photo on a finger (for size comparison). In...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Can Seeds be Good After 2000 Years? Meet The Methuselah Palm!
Many gardeners think they have to buy "fresh" seeds every year. If properly stored in a dry, cool, low humid, dark place, they can be viable for many, many years. Let's take a look at one amazing story...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The 4 Amigos: Rhubarb,Asparagus, Horseradish,Jerusalem Artichoke
I named these "The Four Amigos" after our monthly lunch group: Mike the Geologist, Michael the Motivator, me (Larry the Garden Father) and Just Bob. The four perennial veggies will come back year after...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Rhubarb, Asparagus and Horseradish! Buy Now...But Wait...Do This.
I know it is way too early to think about planting out these perennial veggies. But the nurseries don't think it is too early to start stocking them. By the time you are ready to plant out in mid...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Love Peppers: Some Love Mild, Some Medium, and Some Inferno Hot!
So, how hot is too hot and how do you know? The answer is not easy since most individual varieties will vary in their heat content (amount of capsaicin), depending on a little bit of genetics, soil,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Thinking of Growing Hops? Perhaps Making Your Own Beer? Tips
Ok, so you want to grow hop bines (yes bines not vines). Perhaps you want to use them for medicinal purposes or for home brewing. Either way you need to start thinking about it now. If you live in the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cauliflower: Some History and Info on "The New Kale".
You are probably tired of the talk that kale is a great veggie and very healthful. This is true but now it seems that cauliflower is slowly taking over the distinction of being "The New Kale". I'll...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Buying Grafted Tomato Plants? Is the extra cost worth it?
Many years ago, I read about this company "Mighty Mato" that was grafting many varieties of tomato to hardy root stock tomatoes. They made some very enthusiastic claims about the benefits of planting...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Potatoes, Potahhtoes, however you say it, homegrown is best!
Here in the Pikes Peak region, it is way too early to get your potatoes planted. However, many of you may be thinking of ordering some on line. Unless you are planting rows and rows then may I talk you...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Heirlooms vs Hybrids. My answer may surprise you.
Let me start out by saying that I grow both, heirlooms and hybrids. Picture top left, Big Beef, top right, Brandywine, bottom left, all heirlooms. So what is the difference? Heirloom varieties are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Repurposing Old Window Blinds
I got tired of buying plant markers for my indoor and outdoor garden. We recently replaced our very old metal thin window blinds. Instead of sending them off to recycle, we repurposed.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Planting Timeline Revisited (see Jan 26th post for more details)
Most asked question: "Is it too early to start my seedlings?". Worth repeating the answer. The biggest mistake gardeners make in starting seedlings is starting them too early. Plants can get spindly,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Grocery Store vs Farmers Market
If you live in and around the Pikes Peak region you have probably noticed that some our Farmers Markets have left the area. If they haven't left then I am pretty sure you saw fewer and fewer vendors...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hugelkultur: Logs and twigs in the bottom of your raised bed. ???
There is a lot of talk about how to fill your raised bed. Do you fill it all with well draining, properly amended soils or a combination of branches and twigs in the bottom, then fill with good soil?...
View ArticleClik here to view.
V, F, N, T: Letters on tomato seed packets. What do they mean?
When you look at a packet of tomato seeds and see the letters V, F, N, T (TMV), should it matter? What do they mean? In a few words, it means that particular variety is resistant to these common tomato...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Trap Crops. What are they and should I plant them in my garden?
In the Pikes Peak region (and I assume in many parts of the U.S.), some common insects pests are aphids and flea beetles. They can ruin your harvest! Many of us are hesitant to use pesticides in our...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Are Insect Pests Attracted to Sick Plants?
Yes some insects are attracted to sick plants! All the more reason to have good healthy soil, plant in a sunny location, maintain proper watering, and not to overcrowd.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Time to Start Cole Crops and Lettuce
Time to start Katarina Cabbage, Red Express Cabbage, Packman Broccoli, Buttercrunch, Red Fire and Paris Island romaine, all indoors, under lights and on a heat mat. I use Fertilome Ultimate potting...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Vertical Mulching? What is it? Does it make a difference?
Dig narrow holes 18 inches deep and two to three feet away from any plants. I use a post hole digger. Then I fill the hole with old straw or straw/dried grass mix. When the weather is hot and the soil...
View ArticleClik here to view.
April 5th Time to Plant Peppers Inside
It is April 5th and time to plant peppers inside. I use a heat mat, Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix and 3 1/2 inch pots. I plant three seeds per pot and will thin, one week after germination, to the one...
View ArticleClik here to view.
First Outdoor Direct Seed Planting. Too Early? Maybe...
April 7, 2023: Direct seeded Mokum carrots, Cherry Belle and French Breakfast radish, Giant Noble and Renegade spinach, and Santos cilantro. Soil was thoroughly moistened prior to planting. Seeds were...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sweet Onions Planted Out this Week
We buy onions as small plants, in bunches, as shown in top photo. Most garden centers around Colorado Springs are now carrying a variety to choose from. Good Earth, Ricks, Phelans, Sunset Greenhouse...
View ArticleClik here to view.
So How is My Garlic Doing that I Planted Last Fall?
It is April 16, 2023 and my garlic is up and growing. Last fall, on October 3, I planted over 200 cloves, comprising about 7 of our favorite varieties. They all are doing fine. The 6 to 8 inch straw...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cole Crops Under Jugs
A few days ago, I planted out my Early Dividend broccoli and Katarina cabbage. I covered them with jugs with bottoms cut off. Notice the extra holes for ventilation!. I will keep these on for about two...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lettuce Planted Out? Is it too soon? Not if it is under a hoop
It is mid-April and if I don't protect my lettuce it will not thrive. Here you can see my hoop tunnel with lettuce planted inside along the edge of the raised bed. In another month I will plant out...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is There a Greenhouse in your Future?
In our short growing season, here in the Pikes Peak region, a greenhouse can offer the opportunity to grow year round. The greenhouse on the left is a conventional greenhouse that needs to be heated....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Here is what one of our readers had to say about Heugelkultur.
courtesy: Happyfamilyfarmusa.com
View ArticleClik here to view.
One Big Mistake When Adding New Soil to Newly Built Raised Beds
I have a general rule when I garden: "If Mother Nature doesn't do it, I should have a good reason why I should." When I am adding soil to newly constructed raised beds, I don't add non-composted...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is there an Herb Barrel in your Future?
We have a whiskey barrel nestled just outside our basement sliding glass door. Now, it has a few cool hardy herbs planted with more to be added later. It is so convenient to pick a few sprigs of what...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My Garden In Colorado Springs on Cinco de Mayo
Broccoli was planted out, from starts, last week. They were protected under plastic jugs (bottom off and holes for ventilation). I check daily to see if they need water. In two weeks the jugs will be...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Where are the Insects?
No insects were found on any of my fruit bearing trees and shrubs. At this time of the year and for the past 20 years, these trees etc. were alive with buzzing pollinators. Bees, small wasps, flies and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Protect Your Early Veggies and Herb Plants. Temp and Wind!
When we think of protecting our early season veggies and herbs, usually we are concerned with frost. Wind can be just as damaging for young tender plants. Gusts can come up without much notice and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Larry's Top 25 Garden Secrets: REVISED!!!
Every gardener has a few secrets they love to share. Here are a few of my favorites.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Time to Remove the Protective Jugs
It is mid-May, the weather has stabilized and no frost for the next 10 days (so three weather apps say). Now is time to remove the plastic jugs that were protecting my broccoli and cabbage plants. To...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tomatoes are Ready to Go Under the Hoop Tunnels
Planting tomatoes under hoop tunnels has been a desired method for me. Ventilation is important. This tunnel is constructed so the top has ventilation holes and the sides can be rolled up for easy care...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is It Time to Plant Out Warm Season Crops?
Today, in Colorado Springs, the day is starting out sunny. The outside temperature is above 60ºF and climbing, but what is the temperature of my garden beds? I am eager to plant out cucumbers, squash,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Graduation Time for My Peppers!
I started my peppers on April 5th, from seeds, indoors, under lights with a heat mat. Many of my fellow gardeners said that was too late. I beg to differ. They are perfect size, not root bound, and are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Growing Spinach, Swiss Chard or Beets? Look out for Leaf Miners!
If you planted out spinach, Swiss chard or beets, be on the look out for tiny white eggs on the underside of the leaves. These will soon hatch into larvae of the leaf miner fly. The larvae will burrow...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Here is a short video of my garden on 6-1-23 in Colorado Springs
Click on this link to view video: https://youtu.be/xJQgJxdYsf8
View ArticleClik here to view.
Clik here to view.
SEVEN TIPS FOR DEALING WITH OUR COOL, WET WEATHER
OK the weather has been unseasonably cool and wet for the beginning of our growing season. Here is what some of my gardening friends recommend. 1. Take notes now (so you don't forget) and think about...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What is a SIP? Could there be one in your future? Read on...
SIP, Sub-irrigated planting system. See video here of how one gardener built one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXyV-XsQWNE.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hot Weather Making It Hard to Germinate Seeds? No Worries!
In this hot July weather, it is still possible to transplant out cabbage, late season broccoli, kale, Swiss chard and collards. I repurpose an old leaky 5 gallon water jug, cut off the bottom and drill...
View ArticleClik here to view.
It's Winter...But I Want Fresh Veggies?
Try growing microgreens. Actually they are just the same plants that you would grow in your garden but you plant them very close together and harvest when they are this size or just a bit smaller.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Start Planning Your Garden Now!
It is still the cold of winter but it is not too early to plan for this season's garden. If you haven't garden before then I suggest you scroll down to the very beginning of this blog page and enjoy...
View Article
