Enrich your garden beds with rotted manure, compost and leaves to increase the organic matter in your soil. Take soil samples and have your soil tested at a lab for pH (acid, neutral or alkaline), organic matter content and levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Call the Larimer County Extension Office at 498-6000 for more information on soil testing laboratories.

Do not encourage the growth of trees, shrubs, perennials and roses by heavy fertilization or pruning. Plants are finishing their summer growth cycle and preparing for dormancy. New growth at this time of year may be injured or killed by an early freeze. It is always OK to prune dead or diseased branches.

Pinch off tomato blossoms that are getting ready to bloom. There isn’t time for these new tomatoes to mature. You want nutrients to go to the existing tomatoes so they ripen before the first frost.

It’s a great time to plant peonies, but plant the crowns only 1½ to 2 inches below ground level. Planting peonies too deeply may keep the plants from blooming.

If you are unsure of the top or bottom of a bulb when planting, place it on its side. The stem will grow up.

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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This page updated:  September 19, 2007