2024 Denver Master Gardener Plant Sale – Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19 2024 – An All-Weather Event You Can Count On!

By: Lori Williams – CSU Extension-Denver Master Gardener since 2016

The 2024 CSU Extension Denver Master Gardener Plant Sale features more than 150 of varieties of perpetual vegetable winners, including a huge selection of hybrid and heirloom tomatoes, delicious culinary herbs, and more than 25 chile pepper strains (sweet, hot, sweet-hot, hot and hot-hot)! For a full list of what will be offered, visit here. We offer gorgeous, healthy plants for your garden: many you’re likely familiar with and some fun new ones to get your garden possibilities growing! All veggies and herbs are $7 each. Annual flowers will also be available. Come early for best selection. Bring your own flat or totes if you can!

Renata Hahn, pictured here, is among the 50 volunteers who grew more than 150 plant varieties from seed (that’s 10,000+ plants!) for the plant sale!

With planting time just around the corner, many gardeners are looking forward to getting into the soil and chocking it full of robust bedding plants. Volunteers will be on hand to advise on varieties, planting practices and gardening in general – Ask US!! When you take your baby plants home from the sale, here are some important tips to first harden them off, as they will be fresh out of the greenhouse.

An exciting addition to the sale this year is a native plant selection. Five different species will be offered for $9 each, including: Large-Flowered Penstemon, Switchgrass, Mexican Hat, Butterfly Weed, and Evening Primrose. These are expected to go fast! With each plant purchased, native seeds will be given away (while supplies last). Salegoers can view a native garden planted last season, and the Front Range chapter of WildOnes.org will have a table.

Also during the sale, you’ll enjoy gardening demonstrations and an “Ask a Master Gardener” booth for your gardening questions. CSU Extension will have research-based resources for home gardeners, as well as education and nutrition information. New this year, Denver Master Gardeners will sell seeds for cool-season crops (like peas and spinach that can be direct sown).  A selection of native plants and perennials will also be offered!

Do you garden in containers or raised beds? Interested in interplanting veggies, flowers and herbs? Maybe you’ve been curious about block style garden layouts? Community gardens offer great gardening options, too. Our partners at DUG have all kinds of useful information here. Fresh vegetables and herbs will make you glad for the space and time you spend this season on growing fresh, flavor-rich, nutritious food for you and your loved ones.

Find all your faves & diverse new selections.

Denver Master Gardener volunteers are heroic in their commitment to get the healthiest, prettiest seedlings to YOU for your 2024 growing season – no matter the weather! A Colorado spring day can bring rain, sleet, snow, and sun – in no particular order. Regardless of temps, winds, or precip, our volunteers are excited to get these lovely bedding plants into your hands. We will be there, ready to help you! 

We look forward to seeing you May 18 & 19!

Maybe you’re also interested in becoming a Colorado Master Gardener? Come grow your experience and learn about the many gardening options, being a Master Gardener, and the amazing resources available to you through CSU Extension! 

Colorado Gardening Calendar for March 2024

By: Valerie Podmore CSU Extension-Denver Master Gardener since 2020

Snowdrops popping up through the snow (photo by Pixabay)

Hey friends, remember when it was January, and we were all lamenting how it seemed to never end? And then February was unseasonably warm and short, but Punxsutawney Phil did tell us early spring!  Well, celebrations are in order because it’s MARCH!

This is one of the best months for watching new growth come up and reigniting that gardening bug. Of course, there are other, more “productive” tasks to perform as well, so mark your calendar to get these gardening to-do’s done in your yard and garden.

Vegetable Garden

Coming soon to a veggie garden near you! (photo by Pixabay)

So, my first attempt at veggie gardening was “fun,” but because I’m not super into cooking it may have stopped me from being more attentive to my sad plants. That’s ok, maybe I’ll stick to flowers instead. For those of you who are more dedicated than I, take a look at some tasks below and know that gardening in Colorado usually requires the fastest-growing, most weather-hardy vegetable varieties.

• Clean out debris and replenish soil in vegetable beds while we wait for our seeds to start.
• Starting seeds indoors in March is perfect for any vegetables that should be planted outdoors in early April. Here is a list of seed companies if you are thinking of starting your vegetables from scratch.
• This link from The Old Farmer’s Almanac has all the recommended indoor and outdoor planting dates for vegetables and herbs.
• Think about layouts for your raised beds (if that’s what you’re using). This pdf has a lot of helpful information.
• Since spring seems to be coming early, vegetable garden water conservation might be a good topic to study.

Trees and Shrubs

Early spring Forsythia bloom (photo by Pixabay)

• Late winter/early spring are ideal times to trim trees, as explained on this page by the Colorado Forest Service.
• Precipitation in late 2023 was sparse, so it’s always a good idea to remember good watering habits for our trees and shrubs.
• This interesting article explains tree root systems and how our soil health, moisture and compaction (or not) can affect these very important plants.

Lawn Care

To lawn or not to lawn is becoming a much-discussed subject, given higher temperatures and lower precipitation amounts. Historically, many homes have yards planted with Kentucky Blue Grass lawns, which need more water, mowing and fertilization. This might be a good time to consider replacing your lawn with more native grasses (if you want to keep a lawn) or other native plants.

• In conjunction with Denver and other counties’ water providers, Resource Central has a lawn removal program to assist with moving to more natives.
• This is a great article about what native lawns can be planted instead of that water-hungry bluegrass.
• For those who want to keep their lawns as is (no judgement here!), mid- to late-March is a great time for aerating and general tidying.

Perennial Flower Beds

When I first became interested in gardening, I was – like all of us, I’m sure ­– in love with plants that were different looking, showy, flowering and easy to grow in places like Alabama, but not Colorado. I’m finally learning my lesson that it really is about the principle of right plant, right place. In addition, having listened to and read books and articles about the benefits of planting natives in our landscapes, I am becoming more attentive to what plants I choose for my landscape. I look not only for beauty, but regeneration and restoration. I mean who wouldn’t want to be part of a national movement like Homegrown National Park?

• Since I’m on my native plant kick, here’s a plug for these Colorado native perennials that can really enhance our landscapes and make them more sustainable.
• This is also a great month to start clearing out old, dead growth – as long as the weather is warm enough – to make room for shoots popping out of the ground.
• This page gives great information on perennial gardening so you can have everything prepped when you’re ready to put actual plants in the ground.

Annual Flower Beds

• Even though you can plant annuals pretty much anytime, they MOSTLY like being planted after last frost (usually around May 10-15).
• This is a great time to look at cool-weather annuals like pansies.
• The annual CSU Flower Trials have tested and found flowers that are hardiest and grow best through the tough, Colorado life. Check it out!

Make sure to mark your calendar for the May Denver Master Gardener plant sale (May 18 & 19) and visit the CSU Extension Yard and Garden website (https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden) for more gardening tips.

Colorado Master Gardener/CSU Denver Extension Online Plant Sale Now Through May 16

Choose from 10 types of tomatoes and 10 pepper varieties

by Molly Gaines, CSU Extension-Denver Master Gardener since 2019

COVID-19 restrictions mean Colorado Master Gardeners/CSU Denver are unable to host our traditional in-person plant sale this year, but we are happy to offer an online sale now through Sunday, May 16.

Ten types of tomatoes and 10 varieties of peppers are available for $5 per Denver–grown plant. All profits from the sale help support programming and outreach for the Colorado State University Denver Extension office. 

During my first year working at our traditional in-person plant sale, I was blown away by the variety of tomato and pepper plants offered. There were so many sizes, shapes and varieties! It is always a little overwhelming to choose, despite knowing a thing or two about what I like and how to make them grow!

• 

  Photo credit: Molly Gaines

• 

  Photo credit: Molly Gaines

• 

  Photo credit: Molly Gaines

An advantage of this year’s online sale is being able to read about the varieties and place an order in just a few minutes. I cannot wait to plant my favorite tomato variety, a Sun Gold cherry (oh, their color and sweetness!); an Heirloom Cherokee Purple; and a hybrid, Better Boy — a prolific variety with fresh tomato flavor. I can already taste those BLTs we will begin eating non-stop starting in August.

Where to Shop

Our online catalog contains clear descriptions of the tomatoes and peppers on sale. Personally, I am excited to try my hand at growing the Sauve Orange, a low heat, high yield, flavorful habanero pepper that will be a colorful addition to fresh salsas and summer salads.

How to Purchase

Before the purchase deadline of Sunday, May 16, visit our online plant sale store to place your order. Shop soon as popular varieties can sell out!

Be sure to order the desired quantity of plants by adding each plant to the cart individually (3 plants=3 add-to-cart clicks) or by adjusting the quantity in the shopping cart. Click here for further instructions.

You can pay using your credit card or by check. To pay by check enter “PAYBYCHECK” in the discount code box at checkout and we will collect your check when you pick up your plants.

Unfortunately, we will not have additional plants for sale during pick-up – so make your selections carefully.

After Ordering

After placing your order, you will promptly receive an email confirmation from the CSU Extension eStore. Five days later, you will receive a second email with a link to SignUpGenius. Here, you will be able to select the date/time to pick up your plants on either Saturday, May 22, or Sunday, May 23, between 10 a.m. and 3p.m. and received detailed pick-up instructions. Reservations are required for pick-up.

No-Contact Plant Pick-up

Plant pick-up will be in Denver’s City Park; you will receive further instructions on the park’s pick-up location by email.  Masks are required for pick-up. If you are paying by check, make it payable to Colorado State University Extension and be sure to bring your ID.

Arriving at your designated time during your 15-minute window is important for no-contact pick-up as plants will be available in a timed order.

Mitigating COVID-19 Risks

Plant sale staff will maintain social distance, wear masks, provide hand sanitizer, and minimize contact. Likewise, please wear your mask when you arrive.

Thank you in advance for making the plant pick-up experience safe for everyone.

• 

  Photo credit: Molly Gaines

Gardening Advice from a Master Gardener

When you plant your vegetables and as you move through the gardening season, know that Colorado Master Gardeners are here for you! The best way to reach us is through the Denver Master Gardener HELP line, 720.913.5278, or by emailing denvermg@colostate.edu. Also, be sure to visit the Denver extension website for a wealth of gardening information tailored to our growing conditions.

For more information regarding the plant sale, please contact  Merrill Kingsbury, at merrill.kingsbury@colostate.edu., or the office at 720-913-5270.

May Gardening Calendar of Tasks & To Do’s

By: Lori Williams
Denver CSU Extension- Colorado Master Gardener since 2016

Happy May Day, gardeners! We’re getting closer to putting plants in the ground every day, woo! And we can all get even closer today (May 1) by ordering online for the Denver Master Gardener’s Plant Sale.

Beyond the fun of shopping the DMG Plant Sale, May is a busy and exciting time of year. There is a lot we can do to get ready for jumping into 2021’s growing season.

Survey your garden, as you clean things up.

• Note what’s coming up, what pooped out, what needs transplanted to the right place and what are the right plants for bare spots.
• Straighten the trellis, spray down the patio furniture and clean and disinfect the garden tools and containers that you’ll be using.

• 

  Gloves and tools by Lori Williams

Healthy Soil

Soil is the foundation of gardening success, so give your established, new garden beds and future spots for plantings the best gift ever!

• If you haven’t had a soil test done for your garden, go for it. It’s interesting, informative and guides your soil amending.
• A recent Denver Master Gardeners blog post details the best practices and the importance of soil health in our gardens.

Compost

• Harvest this rich organic matter from your bin, pile, or barrel and treat your garden. Gather it into a wheelbarrow or onto a tarp so you can easily move it around your yard to top dress garden beds and around plants throughout your garden. 
• Creating and maintaining compost is well worth the effort.

Trees

• Inspect your trees for any damage from Colorado’s weighty snowfalls and gusty winds. If an arborist is necessary, call to get on their schedule, they get busy fast.
• Trees are beautiful and beneficial in so many ways. Maintaining them is central to their health and longevity. CSU Garden Notes 650-659 will provide you with essential tree care information.

Shrubs & Vines

• May is prime time for pruning and shaping shrubs, vines and even roses.
• Take time to prune and fertilize your roses early this month. They’ll love the attention and will reward you with blooms and color for months.

Perennials

• After you clear beds of die-back plant debris, show your perennials some TLC to make their annual debut better.

• 

  Hellebore is a shade loving, long-standing perennial that offers early season magic. Photo by Lori Williams

Vegetables

• When outdoor temps are holding at a minimum of 40°F, hardy, cool season vegetable seeds like peas, lettuce, kale, and spinach can be direct sown into the prepped bed
• More tender/warm season crops need nighttime temps to be reliably at a minimum of 50°F. Patience is truly a virtue in planting things like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• Hardening off or acclimating delicate bedding plants prior to planting them outside is essential. Start by putting plants outdoors in a protected area for a few hours each day and then bring them inside. Gradually increase the amount of time outside over the next week to 10 days until they can be left out overnight.

Lawns

• Lawns thrive with mechanical aeration that pulls soil plugs 2-4 inches apart.    
• The CSU Turfgrass Program provides complete lawn care tips throughout the season.

Irrigation systems

• Schedule to turn on your irrigation system to test the coverage patterns and actual amount of water reaching your garden.
• It’s worth time and money to water wisely, minimize overspray and help Colorado conserve as much water as possible.
• Program your system responsibly, Denver Water offers a watering guide by month.

Annuals

• Annuals are the color bombs and mainstays of many a patio pot and garden bed. Love them SO much and we enjoy them in not only our yards but all over town. Shop till you drop at your local nurseries, start them by seed, and plant them with abandon!
• Use the CSU Annual Plant Trials to find the top performers for your garden.

Mulch

• Mulch is just like what we say about kindness: it’s (almost) free, spread it everywhere! Watch for more on mulch up next on the next Denver Master Gardener blog.

Happy gardening in May, enjoy!

Visit the CSU Extension Yard and Garden website for more gardening tips.

• 

  The tulip’s tenacity defies spring snow and frigid temps, absolutely joyful. Photo by Lori Williams

Heirloom and Modern Tomatoes at CSU’s Master Gardener Plant Sale

The 14th annual CSU Master Gardener plant sale fundraiser will take place at Denver’s Harvard Gulch Park, 888 E Iliff Avenue (at Emerson) on Saturday, May 18 from 8 am to 3 pm and Sunday May 19 from 10am to 3pm or till sold out.

In preparation for the sale, Denver Master Gardeners have been busy nurturing over 7200 fruit and vegetable plants from seed in the City of Denver’s City Park Greenhouse. When the plants make their debut you’ll find a dizzying selection of strong, healthy specimens for your summer garden. Herbs, annuals and perennials round out the offerings.

The tomato plants are definitely one of the stars of the show – forty seven varieties in all – including heirloom and modern (hybrid) cultivars.

What differentiates a heirloom from a modern tomato?

Horticulturists define heirloom seeds as those that are “open pollinated” by  insects, birds, wind or other natural means and retain the same traits from generation to generation. Seedlings will produce the same size and color fruit on a plant with the same growth habit and the same flavor from one generation to the next.

Depending on the variety, heirloom tomatoes can be red, purple, green, yellow, speckled or bi-colored. The fruit can have smooth skin but many varieties have a beautiful ribbed surface. Popular indeterminate (produce fruit throughout the season after maturity) heirlooms available at the sale include:

 

‘Brandywine Red’ Burpee.com

‘Purple Cherokee’ Burpee.com

‘San Marzano’ Burpee.com

‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ Rareseeds.com

‘Brandywine Red’ – a large, flavorful red-pink beefsteak fruit which matures in 90 days.

‘Purple Cherokee’ – pink-purple fruit with a rich, sweet flavor. Excellent in salads and on sandwiches. Matures in 80-90 days.

‘San Marzano’ – Favored by Italian cooks for a meaty, complex, sweet flavor which is especially delicious on pizza and in sauces. Matures in 85-90 days.

‘Aunt Ruby’s German Green’ – Large (up to 1 lb!) green fruit with a strong, sweet fruity flavor. A frequent taste test winner which slices especially well. Matures in 85 days.

Many experts define heirloom seeds as those introduced prior to 1950. By contrast, modern (hybrid) varieties were introduced to the market after World War II for the purpose of improving disease resistance and increasing shelf life and yields. The modern varieties became popular because the home gardener could avoid battling tomato diseases and commercial growers could count on reliable, cost effective crops.

If you are thinking that modern tomatoes lack classic, true tomato taste, you are not alone. Some hybrids sacrifice flavor for other traits. However, in fairness, taste is highly subjective!  

Modern varieties are popular taste-pleasers and are definitely worth adding to your garden. We’ve grown ten hybrid cultivars including two crowd pleasing indeterminate cherry varieties.

‘Sun Gold Cherry’ Burpee.com

‘Chocolate Cherry’ Rareseeds.com

‘Cherry Sun Gold’ – Prolific golden-orange cherry-sized fruit with high sugar content. A frequent taste test winner which can be grown in a large pot. Matures in 70 days. Kids eat ‘em like candy!

‘Chocolate Cherry’ – Clusters of 1” port wine fruit with a rich, tangy flavor. A productive plant which matures in 70 days.

As Plant Sale Chair Maureen Horton explained here, two heirloom marriage tomatoes ‘Cherokee Carbon’ and ‘Genuwine’ are new this year. Heirloom marriage tomatoes are hybrids that cross two heirloom varieties to produce a tomato with the best qualities of each heirloom.

Truly the “best” tomatoes are the ones you enjoy the most and thrive in your garden. It’s also fun to introduce a new variety to your garden and palette. If you join us for the sale, master gardeners will help you make your selection and share tips for success.

For more information:

www.facebook.com/CSUDenverhort

CSU Fact Sheet: Recognizing Tomato Problems

Written by Linda McDonnell, a Denver County Master Gardener