Q: Is it time to prune my rose bushes?

A: It is best to wait until about two weeks before the last killing frost, to avoid damage or destruction of the new growth that is usually stimulated by close pruning. Your county Cooperative Extension Office can advise you regarding the average last frost date for your area.
The objective of spring pruning is to remove all weak, diseased or dead wood and to shape the plant. For healthy growth, cut the canes back to live wood, which is recognizable by its white center and green inner bark. Remove canes to produce an appealing overall shape and to create an open center space. This will improve air circulation between the canes, so leaf surfaces will dry faster, helping to prevent diseases. For more details, see Fact Sheet #7.416 “Rose Culture” and other related information from your county Cooperative Extension Office.

Q: I'm itching to start my first vegetable garden. What can I plant now?

A: Cool season crops, like lettuce, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and peas can be planted now. The last frost date for the Front Range can be as late as mid-May, so be prepared to protect the tender new vegetation. You can start warm-season vegetables, like tomatoes, indoors now and move them to your vegetable garden after the last frost. Climate summaries for our region are available from your county extension office or online at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/pubgard.html . These fact sheets contain tables of average temperatures, precipitation, frost probability and growing season length, to help you decide which crops are best suited to planting at certain times of the year.

Q: Is it too early to plant perennials?

A: Depending on your location, you can start planting perennials as soon as the ground is workable. Consider which species are best-suited to your particular location and growing conditions. Once you’ve decided what varieties to plant, follow a few basic principles to help ensure a good start and healthy plants. An organic soil amendment worked into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil will help provide good drainage, oxygen and nutrients for your plants. Planting too deeply can lead to rotting or disease, so make sure the depth of the planting hole allows the root ball to sit level with, or just above the top of the hole. Water in thoroughly, and maintain adequate moisture for the type of soil and climate. Two inches of coarse organic mulch will help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Keep the mulch six inches away from the stem of the plant.

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This page updated:  May 26, 2006