Flower Power. Fall Gardening Tips.

Autumn is just around the corner. While you are still enjoying summer blooms, it is fun to think about what you will plant next. Here are some great gardening tips for Colorado gardens in the fall...

September is the ideal time to plant bulbs that you want to bloom in the spring. When buying bulbs, look for the largest size within the type or variety you are choosing.

The general rule of thumb for planting spring (blooming) bulbs is to plant two to three times as deep as the bulbs is tall. This means most large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will be planted about 8 inches deep while smaller bulbs will be planted 3-4 inches deep.Planting depth is measured from the bottom of the bulb. HERE is a helpful link.

http://www.americanmeadows.com/how-to-plant-flower-bulbs

How about shrubs? It is best to plant shrubs that are native to Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Maple is considered a small a rounded tree to a large shrub; usually multi-stemmed; has smooth, gray branches with red buds; and the fall foliage yellow adding beautiful color to your yard. The service berry shrub is upright to spreading branches, small rounded leaves; clusters of small white flowers; blue-black fruit attractive to wildlife; this shrub turns orange to red in fall adding deep, rich color.

"Lettuce" talk about veggies! It is a misconception that vegetable gardens cannot be planted at this time of year. It sounds crazy, but planting most cold season vegetables—such as spinach, radishes, lettuce, kale, chard, sugar snap peas—in the fall yields abundant harvests as the weather cools in September and October.

So start digging, get a little dirt under those fingernails and this fall you will truly enjoy the fruits of your labor! What is your favorite fall foliage?