To figure the square footage of an area to be covered by a 3-inch layer of mulch, multiply the square footage of the area by .25. This will give you the number of cubic feet of material to purchase. If you are buying in bulk it will be sold by the cubic yard. Twenty-seven (27) cubic feet = 1 cubic yard.

Slugs can devastate your plants, and the only sign of them may be a slime trail. They are night feeders that hide during the day. Put out containers of beer (brand is not important) to drown them or loosely rolled newspapers where slugs can hide during the night. Throw away the newspapers and the slugs the next morning.

Adult flea beetles are small, black and shiny with large rear legs to "jump like a flea" when disturbed. Adults feed on the foliage of most garden plants causing small shot hole feeding wounds. The damage to leafy vegetables like lettuce or spinach is usually cosmetic, but small plants can be stunted or killed. Try using floating row covers to protect seedlings. Most garden insecticides that are labeled for use on ornamentals and vegetables will kill flea beetles but must be reapplied because the beetles emerge over several weeks. Always read and follow label directions when applying any chemicals.

Site your water feature in an area of your yard that is away from your trees. Most water plants need full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and trees may drop debris that can cause algae problems.

The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  May 31, 2007