by Elizabeth
Wuerslin
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
The dog days of summer are too hot for most gardeners and their plants. In the cool of the morning, cut back perennials and trim up drooping and flagging annuals. Deadhead perennials by cutting back to the nearest leaf node. Do not leave a stalk showing. This encourages a second growth of flowers, especially for catmint and some sages. Annuals such as petunias and pansies can be cut back for a second bloom for when the weather is cooler.
Harvest your currants. Red currants (Ribes sp.) set fruit on pendulous chains called sprigs. Ripe currants are firm and juicy. Cook currants with no added water, remove stems and debris, and then put juice through a strainer. Currants can be a host plant for white pine blister rust, and should not be planted near five needled pine species.
Pick and dry lavender. For the best fragrance, use buds which are not fully open. Gather lavender stems in a tight bundle and hang to dry. You can also dry the flowers on a screen. Lavender likes lean, dry soil and sun. It can get leggy with too much shade and water.
Water your compost pile. Aeration and moisture hasten the decaying process of organic material.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
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