Broomfield CSU Extension eNewsletter

02.29.24

Starting Seeds? Timing is Everything!

Growing plants from seed is a great way to save money and get more variety in your garden, but timing is crucial to success. Start seeds too soon, and your plants might be ready to go to the garden before temperatures are warm enough. Start them too late, and some plants will not have enough time to mature during our short growing season. Planting time on seed packs is often given in relation to the average last frost date. Depending where you live in Broomfield, our average last frost is mid to late May. Seeds started indoors will need a number of weeks before they’re ready to go outside, and you can count back from your average last frost date to decide when to start them. You may also see planting time shown using a color coded map. This map is based on USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. Most of Broomfield is Zone 5b - 6a, but you can always check the hardiness zone of your location on the USDA website.

Keep in mind, average weather conditions are just that. Keep an eye on the forecast before bringing seedlings outdoors, and consider starting very tender or very valuable plants just a little later to prepare for the unexpected cold snap. No matter the plant, make sure to harden off indoor seedlings before planting them in the garden. Slowly introducing them to the outside environment over the course of a couple of weeks will make sure they are well adjusted when they go in the ground.

If you’re new to starting your own seeds, CSU Extension is here for you! Check out recorded seed starting webinars and learn about taking your crops from seed to harvest in the Colorado Vegetable Guide. Visit Plant Talk Colorado to register for upcoming webinars on seed starting, including a new offering - Starting Native Plants from Seed.

Even though there is still chilly weather ahead, now is a great time to find your new favorite variety at the Broomfield Seed Library. The Broomfield Seed Library is located on the second floor of the Broomfield Library. If you’ve never used the Seed Library before, start by filling out this membership form. After that, visit and browse for seeds as many times as you like. Inventory will be updated throughout the season. Check out the Seed Library FAQ for more information.

Looking for even more variety? Don’t miss the Community Seed Swap on Saturday, April 20, outside the Broomfield Library.

CSU Spur Summer Youth Programs

Registration is now open for spring and summer programs at CSU Spur, which combine grade-level learning with hands-on fun! A few samples of the summer lineup include:

Free youth sport camps: weekly camps for kids ages 5-12
Engineering Your World: a week-long camp for middle schoolers
Musical theater summer workshop: a six-day intensive program for high school students
Drone aviation summer program: an immersive week-long flight school for high school students

Check out all the summer programs available at Spur and register today. Scholarships are available; priority is given to students from the 80216 zip code.

Garden In A Box Sales Start March 1

Gain curb appeal, lower water costs and access professional design without a professional landscape price tag with Garden In A Box! These ready-to-install waterwise gardens are available for Broomfield residents starting Monday, March 4 and now more residents than ever will receive a $25 discount on their Garden In A Box purchase! Learn more and order yours at Broomfield.org/SaveWater. Supplies are limited!

Annual Tree Sale

Broomfield Parks, Recreation and Senior Services is pleased to announce the Annual Tree Sale is now underway. If you are a Broomfield resident who would like to add one or two to your property, check out the Colorado suitable trees list to decide what to purchase.

Tree pick-up will be on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Tree Branch Recycle Center.

Lawn Replacement Program

Save money and save water by transforming your thirsty lawn into a beautiful, low-water landscape! Check out the new Lawn Replacement Program managed by Resource Central for up to a $750 discount when you replace a section of your lawn. Learn more and apply by April 1 for priority registration at Broomfield.org/SaveWater.

Broomfield 4-H Update

Broomfield’s single 4-H club, which was previously administered through the Boulder County Extension office, has closed. Broomfielders interested in 4-H may join any of the wonderful programs and clubs offered in Boulder County or Adams County.

Webinar: Waterwise Updates

Wednesday, March 13

Free, but must register

Get the latest scoop on waterwise updates for lawns and landscapes. Deryn Davidson, CSU Extension Sustainable Landscapes Specialist, will present this free online class. Remember, you can find recordings of previous horticulture classes anytime on the PlantTalk Colorado website.

2024 Tree Diversity Conference

Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Tickets

Now in its tenth year, the Tree Diversity Conference brings together experts from around the world to discuss the increasing threats of pests, diseases and climate change on urban forests. Attend the conference to engage in a discussion of strategies, successes, and solutions for creating a diverse urban environment.

The Western Landscape Symposium

Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Pueblo Community College

Tickets

Tickets for the 16th Western Landscape Symposium in Pueblo on March 30 are on sale now. Dr. Doug Tallamy, world-renowned ecologist, will be the keynote speaker. Learn more.

Trees in the West

Monday, May 13, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CSU Spur - Confluence Theater

Tickets

Save the date for the one-day Trees in the West conference exploring complex and shared sustainability challenges for urban forests in the western U.S. from diverse perspectives. Connect with colleagues, learn from experts, and share insights.

Family Fun: Plan a Veggie Garden!

Vegetable growing success starts with intentional planning, including providing your plants with adequate growing space. Check your seed package for specific space needs. This family-friendly activity will help you visualize spacing needs when planning a vegetable garden bed for the season! For more information on planning a garden bed, visit GardenNotes #721: Sample Planting Guide for Raised-Bed Garden.

Free CSU High School Cyber Security Camp

Colorado State University is recruiting participants for a free weeklong, non-residential cyber security camp for high school students (grades 10-12). The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 3-7 on the CSU campus in Fort Collins. Students will learn about various cyber security concepts such as symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, trap door functions, digital certificates, blockchains and distributed trust and also staying safe online. Application deadline is April 15. Learn more.

Cottage Food Safety Training

Offered by Colorado State University Extension, this nationally-recognized training program covers the specifics of the Colorado Cottage Food Act and how to safely operate a food business from a home kitchen. The $50 class is next offered on these dates:

March 2, 9 am - 1 pm, online

March 12, 10:30 am - 2 pm, in-person El Paso County

March 12, 5 pm - 8:30 pm, online

March 20, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm, online

April 4, 10:30 am - 2 pm, in-person El Paso County

April 5, 12 pm - 3:30 pm, in-person Montrose County

April 12, 9 am - 12:30 pm, online

April 18, 10:30 am - 2 pm, online

April 22, 1 pm - 4:30 pm, in-person Delta County

April 24, 1 pm - 4:30 pm, online

April 25, 12 pm - 3:30 pm, online

May 1, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm, online

Seed Starting, Vegetable Gardening

Broomfield Seed Library FAQs

Germination Test Instructions

Growing Plants from Seed - CSU Extension Fact Sheet 7.409

Food Garden Plans

Colorado Vegetable Guide / Guia de Vegetales de Colorado

Waterwise Landscaping

Colorado State University Flower Trials

Plant Select Website

Sustainable Landscaping - CSU Extension Fact Sheet 7.243

Water Efficiency Programs - City and County of Broomfield

Waterwise Yard Seminars - Resource Central

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Broomfield Days Logo Contest

Show your community what Broomfield looks like to you by designing and creating the 2024 Broomfield Days theme. The theme includes a logo and slogan! The 2024 winner will receive four Broomfield Days tee shirts featuring their winning logo and your design will be used throughout the event.

Submit your design by March 4 at 5 p.m. at BroomfieldVoice.com/LogoContest.

Graphic with a yellow tee shirt and information about the Broomfield Days theme contest

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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.