Spring has sprung, and one of the most common topics we’re getting questions about now is gardening. Fun and convenience seem to be the most common themes for this year’s gardeners. Here’s our take on the top five gardening trends of the summer:

• Herbs Within Reach – We’ve all noticed increasing prices at the gas pump and the grocery store, and that certainly includes fresh herbs. It’s easy to get creative with an at-home herb garden that will save you money in the supermarket check out lane all summer. Plant your favorite herbs in hanging baskets or window planters near the kitchen, clip them for cooking and enjoy. You’ll love the aroma, also!

• Composting –Home composting continues to gain momentum, and we’re seeing a significant uptick in consumers asking for tools and advice to start composting at home. Compost is called “black gold” because of its many benefits in the garden. What many people don’t realize is compost makes clay soil easier to work with and helps improve the water holding capacity of soil, which will be critical to gardeners working in dry conditions this summer.

• Heirloom Varieties – Heirloom seeds/plants have been openly pollinated and are not genetically modified. The trend of growing heirloom seeds has grown in popularity in the U.S. over the past decade and continues to do so today. In some cases an “heirloom” seed or plant is exactly what is sounds like – one that has been handed down from generation to generation. However, today many varieties of heirloom seeds are readily available and can be easily purchased. One of the biggest benefits of planting heirloom seeds is that the plant will then create heirloom seeds of its own, which can be collected at the end of the summer and re-planted again next spring.  We have several varieties of heirloom seeds as well as heirloom tomato plants available in our greenhouse.

• Creating A Wildlife Haven – Attracting birds, butterflies and bees is a hot and fun gardening trend nationwide this summer. There are a number of plants and flowers specific to our region that will attract birds and butterflies. Be sure to go heavy on the compost to improve the soil’s nutrients and light on the fertilizer to keep the soil from being too rich for a butterfly’s taste.

• Creative Veggie Gardens – Creative gardeners think of their vegetable plants as ornaments as much as food. Here are some ideas for having more fun with your vegetable garden this summer:
  • Plant vegetables among the flowers in the flower garden for a new look and greater diversity of plants.
  • If you’re short on space, or just want to spruce up a small area, plant veggies in pots. Take it one step further and plant everything you need to make salsa, a salad or pizza sauce in a single pot.  Some varieties of cherry tomatoes and strawberries can be planted in hanging pots.
  • Plant to can. Think about what fruits and vegetables you’d like to can in August, plant them now and enjoy them all year round!

Coloradans along the Front Range are lucky to have a wide range of birds that decide to weather the winter with us and provide entertainment for those who provide food for our feathered friends.  The following are a few tips for winter bird-feeding to maximize your visits and enjoyment over the colder months.  In just the last few days we have witnessed Chickadees, Nuthatches, Robins and House Finches in our yards to name a few.

Beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantis are a great way to treat lawn and garden pests organically, without chemicals.  Using beneficial insects in the garden is also fun for families. Even small children can help release ladybugs, and it’s fun to observe ladybugs and praying mantis in the garden throughout the summer.

It is not too early to start planning for your garden.  Starting seeds indoors can save money and allow you to select from a wider variety of plants.

More people are gardening at home and taking advantage of all that the Farmer’s Market has to offer.  But what to do with all of this bountiful produce?  Food preservation is the answer.  Whether it’s canning, freezing or drying, you can save some to enjoy later.