by Alison
Stoven
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Agent, Horticulture
Larimer County
Q: Some of the flowers I used for my container plantings this spring are dying out because of the heat. What should I do, and how can I keep my containers looking good through the fall?
A: The beauty of planting containers is that they can be ever-changing. Some of the early spring plants (lobelia, pansies, snapdragons) wither when temperatures soar. You can remove these and plant more heat-tolerant plants in their place. As the weather cools in fall, change summer-loving plants to those that withstand chilly fall days. Examples of these plants are ornamental kale, chrysanthemums, coleus, dusty miller and African daisies (Osteospermum). And don’t limit your containers to only annuals—try perennials or woody plants to mix things up! For more information on container gardens, read CSU Extension Fact Sheet #7.238 - Container Gardening
Q: It seems that I always have too many vegetables from my garden. I want to freeze and preserve them, but need some help. Do you have any suggestions?
A: The Larimer County Master Food Safety Advisors, through Colorado State University Extension, are specially trained volunteers to help with questions on food safety and food preservation. They are available to answer your questions by calling the Extension Office at 970/498-6000, or visit the Larimer County Farmers’ Market in Old Town Fort Collins (Saturdays, 8am-noon) and stop by their booth for more information.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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