by Lee
Stewart
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
Q: How should I care for roses planted in early
summer? I have been watering once a week and wonder if this is enough.
A: Roses need a lot of water during these very
hot days of summer. To avoid foliar problems, use a hose placed at the base
of the rose plant. Water the roses to a depth of 12 to 18 inches twice per week
during hot weather, and once per week from mid-August until fall. Stop fertilizing
by August 15 to prevent late growth and frost damage.
Q: My garden lettuce is producing but tastes
bitter. Why is this?
A: Cool season vegetables, such as lettuce, don’t
like the high temperatures that we’ve had in June and July. You can expand
the length of the season by planting lettuce under taller warm season crops
that provide shade and moderate the temperature. Another option is to plant
lettuce in August for your fall harvest.
Q: Our water pond is covered with floating hyacinths.
They grew well this summer but now look diseased and are dying. What is happening?
A: Small plants grow quickly and require periodic
thinning. Surface water plants need good air circulation to thrive and shouldn’t
cover over 2/3 of the water surface.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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