Spring? Broomfield Master Gardener Apprentice Kerri Burks snapped this photo of a Grape Hyacinth (complete with a snow cap!) in the Blue Garden at Brunner Farmhouse on April 22. |
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Spring Garden Tips: What to do Now and When to Wait
There are no silly questions, and CSU Extension is here to help with local, evidence-based resources. If you’ve been wondering where to start with your landscape, check out some of the most common questions coming through the CSU Extension office right now.
Yes! Lawn aeration, or core cultivation, benefits your lawn in many ways by reducing soil compaction and improving lawn root systems for healthier, greener lawns no matter the season. Aeration also creates a great environment for spring seeding or fertilizing.
Need even more lawn guidance? Check out the question of the month below!
This depends on the shrub and the type of pruning needed. For shrubs that flower in the spring like lilacs, wait until after this year’s blooms to prune or you won’t get flowers this year. Shrubs that bloomed last summer or fall can be pruned in the spring - starting shortly before bud set, and including right now.
Home landscapes can play a critical role in mitigating the risk of wildfire damage to your property. Clean-up of dry plant material, creating defensible space, and choosing plants wisely are all part of an overall firewise plan.
Keep in mind that the average last frost in Broomfield occurs in mid-May. There are some vegetables that can handle, and even benefit from, cooler weather. Hardy vegetables like Brussels sprouts, lettuce, radishes, and peas can grow well with daytime temperatures as low as 40ºF and handle a nighttime frost. Keep your tender crops like tomatoes, squash, and peppers indoors until after the average last frost, and consider waiting even a couple more weeks to be safe. In those two weeks, make sure to harden off indoor or greenhouse-grown plants by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. This will avoid transplant shock and stunted growth when they’re planted in the garden.
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Q. How can I improve my thin, weedy lawn?
A. Spring is a great season to overseed existing grass to help thicken the turf and outcompete weeds. Since our temperatures are generally cooler and there is often spring rain, it's great to take advantage of this opportunity. The easiest method is to core aerate the lawn first; if you can run a double pass over the area, more holes are beneficial by reducing compaction and thatch production, aim for about 2” between each plug pulled. Following the aeration, spread seed via drop spreader. It allows the seed to settle in the holes. Water the seed frequently and lightly to assist germination. Avoid applying herbicides to the young grass. Once the grass is established, resume your regular irrigation schedule. Wait to fertilize until the seedlings have been mowed a couple of times. Purchase quality grass seed directly from a sod farm or a reputable garden center. Avoid big box grass seed; the weed seed percentages are often higher. Choose grass varieties that are compatible with your existing grass; it's fine to overseed a Kentucky Blue with fine fescue or perennial ryegrass. Also consider some of the newer hybrids that offer better heat tolerance. CSU Fact sheet 7.241 and Planttalk 1550 give additional information on rejuvenating lawns.
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Last Chance! Annual Tree Sale Extended |
Broomfield’s annual tree sale has been extended through Friday, April 28. Register and purchase a tree on B-REx.com. Learn more online.
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STEM Activity: Botanical Suncatchers
This activity checks a lot of boxes for kids in grades K-6! First, they will get some exercise and fresh air as they forage for natural materials outdoors, and then they'll use art and motor skills to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Botanical Suncatcher instructions are available in both English and Spanish. Check out more STEM activities on the Broomfield CSU Extension website.
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Cottage Food Safety Training
Thinking about starting a home-based food business? This nationally-recognized training program from Colorado State University Extension has you covered! The $50 online class is next offered on the following dates:
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Lunchtime Gardening Webinars
Colorado State University Extension is offering a full slate of webinars this spring on a wide range of horticultural topics. Classes are free to the public, but registration is required. After registering, you will be emailed a link to join the Zoom meeting.
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Vegetable Garden Basics
Thursdays, May 11 and May 25, 6-7 p.m.
Teaching Vegetable Garden at Brunner Farmhouse
Come learn the basics of vegetable gardening in Colorado! This series will take you through a season of timely topics you can mirror in your home garden, while giving you hands-on practice in the Teaching Vegetable Garden at Brunner Farmhouse. Classes will take place outside.
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Migratory Bird Day
Thursday, May 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Metzger Farm Open Space, 12080 Lowell Blvd.
Join Broomfield Open Space and Trails at Metzger Farm Open Space on May 11 for Migratory Bird Day! See live raptors and learn about bird migration, habitat conservation, and water. Local conservation groups will help to identify birds, pollinators, and plants as we explore the habitat around Metzger Farm Open Space. For more information on this national event visit the Open Space and Trails website.
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Second Saturdays at Spur
May 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CSU Spur Campus
Second Saturdays at CSU Spur are free and open to the public with family-friendly programs like cooking in the CSU Spur kitchen, watching veterinarians perform surgery, engaging with scientists at work, and playing in a kid’s kitchen or vet clinic.
A food truck is available for lunch purchase.
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Family Learn and Grow
Saturday, May 20, 9-10:30 a.m.
Teaching Vegetable Garden at Brunner Farmhouse
Learn about growing food while getting your hands dirty! Watch your garden grow throughout the season at the Teaching Vegetable Garden and get ideas you can take home for more family fun.
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House Plant Swap
Saturday, May 20, 1-2:30 p.m.
Broomfield Library, Eisenhower Meeting Room
Free
Community members are invited to drop off a plant they no longer want, share cuttings, or trade indoor plants with others. Plants are free while supplies last. Canned goods and toiletries are accepted in lieu of a plant to trade. Learn more.
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Plant Select Annual Garden Center Event
Saturday, May 27, 9 am - Noon
Participating Garden Centers
Wondering where to find Plant Select’s new perennials and shrubs for 2023? Get first dibs on these tough, yet beautiful plants at participating garden centers on May 27. Plus, you’ll have a chance to chat with Colorado Master Gardeners who are happy to answer your questions and share helpful resources on waterwise gardening, native plants and more. Learn more about the event, including a list of participating stores. |
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Ask a Master Gardener is Back!
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CSU Extension Office in the Broomfield Library
Throughout the growing season, Broomfield Master Gardeners are available to answer horticulture-related questions at convenient community locations. Visit Compass for current dates and sites. Prefer a call-back? You may leave a message anytime on the Master Gardener Helpline at 303.464.5554 or submit your question(s) using this online form.
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Visit Compass for more Broomfield CSU Extension programs and events!
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Your Opinions Matter!
Let your voice be heard and help drive Broomfield’s future by taking the 2023 Broomfield Community Survey! Your perspective can help the City and County of Broomfield understand how well it is serving its residents and assist to better align programs and services with community goals.
If you received a packet in the mail, you were selected at random to participate in the 2023 Broomfield Community Survey. Please follow the instructions to complete it and mail it back.
If you were not among the randomly selected household that received a packet in the mail, you can still participate in the survey by visiting Broomfield.org/CommunitySurvey before May 10.
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National Public Health Emergency Expiring
The National Public Health Emergency declaration is expiring on May 11. This may affect your healthcare through changes to insurance coverage, and the cost and/or access to COVID-19 services such as testing, treatment, and more. Broomfield Public Health and Environment is also making operational changes in this timeframe. Visit Broomfield.org/PHEend to learn more about the changes. |
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Paper Shred Event
Protect your identity while securely destroying your confidential items such as tax, medical and bank forms for free at the Spring Shred-It event. Broomfield residents can shred a maximum of three boxes of paperwork at the event on May 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shred-It will also take up to three 32-gallon trash bags of already shredded paper. No appointment is required.
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Reach out to CSU Extension in Broomfield
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Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. | Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. | CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. | Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. | Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
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