Gardening in Larimer County

Q & A ~ July 1, 2006

by Lee Stewart
 Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Master Gardener
 Larimer County


Q: The spinach in my garden is going to seed. I've kept it picked and watered well. What is the problem?

A: Spinach is a cool season vegetable and bolts in warm weather. Varieties slower to bolt are Carambole, Tyee, Marathon, Indian Summer and Medania. Plant a fall crop in August to harvest some delicious spinach in the fall.

Q: My ivy geraniums are in a wire, moss-lined basket facing south. I water them once and sometimes twice a day if they wilt. Plant color is lighter green now and they aren't flowering as they did. What should I do?

A: Water runs through this type of container taking plant nutrients with it. Fertilize as you would your houseplants with a slow release fertilizer, or fertilize with your irrigation water.

Q: I have a small flower bed on the west side of my house that dries out quickly and requires a lot more water than other areas. What do you suggest?

A: This flowerbed receives full sun all afternoon. Try placing 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the plant roots, but keep the mulch away from the plant crown. This should help maintain more even soil moisture and help keep weeds at bay.


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This page updated:  July 6, 2006