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Are you bringing E.coli into your home? In recent years, outbreaks of illnesses caused by Escherichia coli 0157:H7 have been associated with many different foods, including lettuce, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, and produce from manure-fertilized gardens. If fresh or improperly composted manure has been applied to the soil around root crops and leafy vegetables, there is a risk of E. coli bacteria on those products.
Does this mean that you shouldn’t grow or eat fruits or vegetables? Absolutely not!! We all need at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and the freshest choices provide the best tasting sources of vitamins, minerals and fibers. Our home gardens, farmers markets and roadside stands are wonderful sources of fresh produce. However, we all need to follow safety guidelines during the growing and processing of foods.
Produce may be contaminated by contact with raw or improperly composted manure, deer and other animal droppings, or unwashed hands. Washing produce with plain water, or in water containing 1-3 teaspoons of chlorine beach per gallon followed by rinsing with plain water, will reduce many pathogens and microorganisms but will not totally eliminate E.coli 0157:H7 if present on produce.
While a number of disease-causing pathogens have been associated with fresh produce, E.coli 0157:H7 has received world-wide attention because of the illnesses and deaths associated with it. All human beings have E.coli in our intestines and in fact, we need the bacteria as a source of Vitamin K and B-complex vitamins. A problem occurs when a specific strain of Eschericia coli, known as E. coli 0157:H7 is ingested into your body. This pathogen produces a toxin which causes mild non-bloody diarrhea which increases to bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and dehydration. The disease can progress rapidly to renal failure, seizures, coma or stroke. These complications are most often seen in the elderly, very young and persons with compromised immune systems. If you suspect that a family member or yourself has become infected by E.coli, contact your physician immediately.
The following guidelines can greatly reduce your risk for E. coli O157:H7 contamination:
These practices will help avoid the threat of an E.coli infection in your home and ensure that your family still receives the fresh fruit and produce that they need.
The author gratefully acknowledges the information written by J.G. Davis and P.Kendall contained in Fact Sheet #9.369 - “Preventing E.coli from Garden to Plate.” This fact sheet and more information about composting are available from the Larimer County Office of Colorado State University Cooperative Extension by calling 498-6000.
Q: I noticed that the Larimer County Farmers’ Market moved to North Mason St. How much longer will the market be open?
A: The Larimer County Farmers’ Market moved its location to the corner of North Mason St. and La Porte Ave in Old Town Fort Collins just north of the new parking facility. The Market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturday mornings through September 30.
Q: When can I divide and plant my perennials?
A: Many perennials such as Achillea (yarrow), Helianthus (sunflower), or Monarda didyma (bee balm) can successfully divided during the early fall. If you notice that your irises or daylilies didn’t have as many blooms this year or if the center of a plant seems old and woody then it is time to do some root division. Have a hole dug and partially filled with well-composed manure before you divide the perennial so the plant has less exposure to the air and it won’t lose as many of the “root hair” that are essential for nutrient and pater uptake. You can dig up the entire plant and cut it into sections or remove a part of a plant while the original remains in the ground. Replant the sections and keep them moist until you see new growth or the plant appears healthy and well anchored with new roots.
Q: Are there any perennials that I shouldn’t divide now?
A: Yes. Plants with fleshy taproots that are easily broken will not do as well if they are divided. Some examples of these perennials are: Alcea rosea (hollyhock), Aquilegia (columbine), Campanula (bellflower), Delphinium, Iberis sempervirens (candytuft), and Perovskia (russian sage). If you must move these plants, dig very deeply and try to disturb the roots as little as possible.
Q: Can I plant grass see now?
A: The best time to plant cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, ryegrass, or fescue is mid-August through mid-September for areas along the Front Range. Warm-season grasses such as blue gamma or buffalograss should not be planted after July. For proper preparation of the lawn surface and care of the seedlings, contact the Larimer County Extension Office at 498-6000 and visit with a Master Gardener.
Mid September is an ideal time to fertilize lawns. It can help develop a strong root system and encourage the grass to green up earlier next spring.
Spring flowering bulbs are now available at your local nurseries and garden centers. Choose bulbs that are large and free from disease and insect problems. The size of the bulb is directly related to the size of the flower next spring.
Weeds provide protection and breeding places for insect pests. Fall cleanup will help prevent disease and insect infestations in next year’s garden.
To prevent freeze damage to your summer annuals, tomato plants and others, cover the plants when night time freezing temperatures are predicted. Be sure and uncover the plants in the morning as the warming sun could burn plant leaves during the day if the cover is left on.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado, telephone (970) 498-6000, or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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