Growing fall and winter lettuce in Denver or anywhere

The hot summer climate in Denver is not always good for growing cool weather crops such as lettuce. I grow lettuce for most of the year in Denver but find the cool fall and winter lettuce to be the best tasting.

To grow fall or winter lettuce in Denver, most years, you will need either a greenhouse or cold frames. Of course, in drought years, when the snow is slow coming, it's possible to grow them conventionally until the snow falls.

In those drought years, you can plant fall and winter lettuce directly in the garden just as the summer crop is planted. Be sure to border the sides of the plants with straw or mulch as they grow. You may also need to cover the plants in extremely cold weather. Remove covers during warmer days to expose plants to the sun.

If it's not a drought year, you don't have space for a greenhouse and don't wish to build cold frames, fall and winter lettuce can be grown indoors. Just place pots near an un-insulated window so they receive both sun and cold temperatures. Cold snaps will improve the flavor and crispness of lettuce. It is important to protect the lettuce from prolonged or extreme freezing.

I find that leaf lettuce works best for fall and winter planting and growing. If you find summer leaf lettuce bitter, don't worry. Lettuce grown in the fall and winter doesn't present that bitter flavor or wilty texture the heat promotes. Check the labels on seed packets to find the best lettuce for fall and winter growth. Some are even labeled as winter lettuce.

Fall and winter lettuce planted directly in the garden in non-drought years, must be surrounded by a cold frame or greenhouse structure. My container and raised bed garden is set up so that I can add plastic covering in the winter months. A very simple cold frame can also be constructed using heavy plastic and 2x4 plywood. Glass frames will keep fall and winter lettuce warmer on severely cold days.

Lettuce can be planted about every three weeks to keep a continuous supply going throughout the year.

In severe winters, to avoid bending and working cold winter soil, I sometimes grow mine in window pots. I plant about four pots at a time, rotating pots for continual new growth.

Is winter gardening possible in Denver?

Ummm, maybe.

Well, that depends. What kind of gardening are we talking about? What year is it? What month is it? What day is it? Fluctuations in Denver weather can be frustrating for gardeners. You just never know what the winter will be like. It could snow in September or be seasonally warm all winter. It could do both. That's what makes gardening in Denver so much fun. So, what's a mile high gardener to do?

The simple answer

The simple answer is go with the flow. However, it's not always that simple. One day, you could be digging in 70 degree temps. The next day could bring a foot of wintery white that freezes your hard work solid. What's more? Well, due to the influence of the purple mountains majesty, AKA the Rocky Mountains, even the best of meteorologists have a tough go with predictions. Luckily, there are ways of getting around the ups and downs of Denver winter weather.

Make winter crops portable.

Maybe it's obvious. Maybe you hadn't really thought about it. Still, the best way to insure that your winter veggies survive see-saw Denver temps is to plant them in pots. Bring them out when it's nice. Bring them in when it's not so nice. Problem solved. Or not.

Who wants to lug pots in and out in winter?

Well, no one, of course. So, get yourself a little red wagon. Use a piece of plywood as a ramp over your back steps. Leave the pots in the wagon, whether they're inside or out. Of course, you could also simply leave them inside all winter. What fun is that? Plus, they will thrive in natural sunlight on warm days.

Green-houses are awesome.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford them. Cold frames made from old windows placed over raised beds work wonderfully for shorter plants like lettuce. For taller foliage, nail two together as a triangular roof. Cover the ends with heavy duty clear plastic for easy access.

Of course, you don't have to garden in winter at all.

You can concentrate on nurturing your houseplants instead. You can plan next year's garden. You can even start your herbs and onions early. They'll be fine in pots until spring. And on those days when it does warm up a bit, you can take care of all that fall clean-up you didn't get to before the snow fell.

Whatever you do

When it comes to winter gardening in Denver, never assume you have it all figured out. That next heat wave or snow storm is lurking right around the corner to prove you wrong. The best you can do is take it one day at a time and enjoy the ride. Life is always an adventure in the Denver garden.

How to use fall leaves the green way

You've raked up all the leaves into neat little piles, trimmed the trees and added the clippings to the mounds. Now what do you do with them? Sure, you could bag them up and send them packing. That's what a lot of people do with their fall leaves and yard clippings. It's not very environmentally friendly, though, is it? Using fall leaves the green way is really quite simple.

Jump in them

That's right, I said jump in them. Remember how fun this was when you were a kid? It still can be. So, before you go green with your fall leaves and yard clippings, take some time to have a little fall family fun.

Feel the leaves crunch under your feet. Jump into the piles with wild abandon. Forget about the neighbors. Enjoy fall like you did as a child, by running and jumping in the leaves right along with the kids. It crushes the leaves up for green projects too.

Then get started on more conventional  recycling of your fall leaves and yard clippings.

Compost them

This is a pretty obvious green use for all those fall leaves. Why not start a compost pile? Make organic compost to use as fertilizer or soil for next years yard and garden. It's about as green as you can get. Don't worry if you've never done it before. It's really very easy to do. It's not a perfect science. Pretty much anyone can do it.

Mow them down

So you think compost is too complicated? Maybe you're just too busy to maintain a compost pile. Here's a simple way to fertilize your lawn each fall. Keep the leaves right where they fell. Mow them over several times and turn them into a fine powder. Leave the ground leaves right on the yard for a quick green fertilizer. Recycling fall leaves and yard clippings was never so easy.

Note: Take care not to leave ground completely covered. It needs air to survive.

Mulch them

How else can you go green with fall leaves and clippings? Use them as mulch. Save money on mulch by using what you already have on hand to bed down plants for the winter. You can also spread crushed leaves all over the garden bed as fertilizer. Organic matter like leaves and yard clipping will assimilate itself into garden soil over the winter. Recycling autumn leaves and yard clippings the green way doesn't have to be complicated.

Why Denver area homeowners are watering in November

I know, right? Usually by November in Denver, you can retire from gardening for a few months. Oh, we don't get hit with the white fluffy stuff as early as some states. Still, Halloween brings a few flakes and it's definitely chilly enough for perennial plants to go dormant by now. But in years of drought like this one, plants still need a good weekly watering up until the snow falls.

That's because until they get cold enough, plants do not go dormant. And of course, non-dormant plants use and need more water.

Don't forget the lawn. While it may seem wasteful, watering your lawn at least weekly in times of drought is essential. Now, I have to interject that in the Denver area, and most of the west, having a full yard of green grass is not exactly environmentally friendly. That's why a lot of counties here allow and even suggest that part of your lawn be planted with perennial natives.

The Denver area is semi-arid. Which means that green grass is an “import” here. It's not really made for this climate. Therefore, it takes a whole lot more maintenance and resources than other alternatives. That being said, if you already have a grassy lawn, you don't want it to be so dry that it becomes a fire hazard. So at least until snow falls, be sure to keep grass watered enough to be safe from wildfire.

But folks, there is something else to consider. This current drought is a harbinger of things to come. So, whether you live in the west or somewhere else, keep in mind that fresh water is not the renewable resource we often think of it as In the future, it's destined to become scarce if we are not careful about how we use it now. So, even though we have to water, we should do it with care and consideration of the value of water to our survival.

So plant those natives to gradually replace your non-native green grassy lawn. There are native grasses available for whatever area you live in that will use less water. Some of them need no watering at all, other than that of mother nature.

Bonus water saving garden tips:

*When you water your veggie garden, water individual plants, rather than the entire surface area.

*Try container gardening to save even more water.

*Situate hanging plants above other plants so that draining water won't be wasted.

*Plant only what you will use.

*Water your plants with used (gray) water.

And while you're at it, look into other lifestyle changes that help reduce water use.

*Take those shorter showers.

*Use water saving devices on faucets.

*Buy a water saving toilet or put a brick in the tank.

*Don't run the water while brushing your teeth.

*Do full laundry loads to avoid water waste. Etc. etc.

And something you might not have thought of:

*Eat less meat and dairy. 

(Raising livestock takes tons of water by way of both growing feed and direct consumption!)

In short, do everything you can to save water for future generations. But do water your thirsty plants, because plants help keep us alive too!

Fall and winter care produces better roses

Take care of your roses in the fall and winter for the best spring blooms. It's true that roses are relatively winter hardy. However, there are a few things that will help them winter better. Don't forget about caring for roses in the fall and winter if you want pretty roses in the spring and summer.

Weeding and mulching around roses in the fall will save you work in the spring. Some weeds survive in the winter, stealing moisture and nutrients from roses and other perennials. Mulch will also help roses retain water in the winter months.

Water and feed roses well just before the first frost. Be sure to also water roses throughout the winter when needed. Usually snow does this job for Denver gardeners. Still, there are those drought years to consider. Water only when the temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not prune roses heavily in the fall. Wait until spring for optimum new growth next season. Pruning roses in the fall can stunt their growth the following year. Prune only to shape and dead head, rather than changing the size of the bush.

Roses are cold hardy. However, taking these steps will produce a much healthier rose in the spring. Be kind and gentle to your roses in the fall and winter. Keep the weeds away, keep them watered and gently shape them in the fall for ultimate spring blooms.

Denver gardening in fall rains

What is there for Denver gardeners to do when those seasonal fall rains hit? Plenty. You won't have that issue to worry about in drought years, like this one. Still, some years, the wet season may cause you to postpone the yard clean-up. Still, there's no shortage of garden tasks to be done before winter hits full force. Not all of them involve outdoor work.

Why not clean up the houseplants?

Remember those beautiful houseplants you've been neglecting during gardening season? It's time to give them a little love. It's also a great time to weed them out in order to make room for any outdoor plants that live inside in winter.

You'll need a place to store garden tools this winter.

Another indoor area that likely needs a clean-up is the tool shed or garage. During gardening season, you leave a lot of tools protected in the garden where they're handy. Once winter hits, they'll need a more weather-proof home. Unfortunately, over the summer, that home has become a cluttered mess. Why not take advantage of rainy fall days to clean it up?

Taking inventory during fall rains.

While you're cleaning up the tool shed or garage, take inventory. Fall is a great time to buy discounted garden tools in Denver. Sort through your tool collection. What needs to be replaced or repaired? Stock up on trimmer string and other garden supplies. Buy pots and planters for next year. You'll save big and be all ready to garden when spring hits.

Get those fall bulbs ready for planting.

You can't plant them while it's raining. What you can do is to decide where they will go. Make a “map” of each garden area, marking where each type of bulb will be placed for optimum growth and beauty. Sort the bulbs out accordingly. Once the rain stops, the ground will be saturated. That makes it nice and pliable for planting. Since all your decision making is done, placing bulbs after fall rains will be a snap.

Pay close attention when the rain falls.

Where is it flowing? What are your flood zones? Which areas are high and dry? All this information will help you to plan and plant next year's garden. You can't make it stop raining. Why not use the rain for good? Plus, at least while it's raining, you won't have to water!

Fall garden maintenance: Outdoor furniture

Most gardeners have invested heavily not only in plants but in outdoor furniture and accessories to enjoy when gardening is through for the day. Outdoor furniture beautifies the garden but takes a beating from the elements each summer. Spend a little time protecting and storing garden furniture at the end of the gardening season. Why replace it when a little fall maintenance keeps it good as new?

Wooden garden furniture

Use a good furniture oil on wooden benches and such at the end of the gardening season before the snow flies. Furniture that has lost finish or luster should be sanded down and re-finished for next year. Replacing wood garden furniture due to a few scratches is wasteful. Once the finish is dry, store or cover the furniture for the winter.

Plastic garden furniture

It may not seem as if plastic garden furniture needs a lot of fall maintenance. Damage from the sun, wind and rain cause scratching and fading on plastic furniture. Give plastic furniture a good washing in the fall. If needed use spray paint designed for plastic to give it a new fresh look. This will cover scratches and faded spots by bonding to the plastic.
Note: This is a great opportunity to switch to a new color scheme as well.

Cushions

Garden furniture cushions often fall victim to the elements and wear and tear. Give cushion covers a good cleaning. Replace the covers if needed. If your cushions have become worn and don't have covers, consider making some. No seamstress skills? Just wrap them in a decorative blanket and pin at the back.

Tarps and canopies

Tarps and canopies suffer summer wear and tear too. Sometimes sun exposure causes the fabric to separate. Fall is the time to mend any holes or tears in canopies and tarps. Iron on or self stick canvas patches can be purchased in fabric and craft stores. Be sure to put a patch on both sides of a hole or tear for durability.

Gutter cleaning, sealing and repair tips

Keeping gutters properly maintained is vital to the longevity of your home. Leaking, badly aligned or missing gutters cause serious damage to your foundation, exterior walls and more. Gutter repair and maintenance may be done by homeowners who don't mind braving ladders and aren't afraid of a little sweat equity. Of course, hiring a professional insures the job is done right, without all the stress and strain of a DIY project.

Gutter cleaning

If you're a homeowner, one of the annual tasks you'll have to face is cleaning the gutters. It's a messy job, but someone has to do it. Neglecting gutter duty causes fallen leaves and debris to clog up the works. Gutters that aren't cleaned in the fall will very likely cause issues in winter. Whether you scoop them out by hand or use special tools, gutter cleaning is essential home maintenance. While you're at it, don't forget to check for leaks and needed repairs.

Gutter repair

Repairing gutters might include:

• Sloping gutters for more effective drainage.
• Patching holes caused by corrosion, age or bad weather.
• Adding or extending downspouts to lessen foundation damage.
• Replacing missing or broken gutters.
• Replacing gutter hangers.

Gutter sealing

After cleaning and repairing gutters, run a garden hose to remove any residual debris and check for leakage. Where are those leaks hiding? Naturally, the most common place for gutter leaks is at the seams. Corner seams undergo the most stress and consequently, have the most leaks. Look for gutter caulking at your local home improvement store. It should seal most leaks sufficiently.

Notes:

*Be sure the surface is dry before caulking.

*Gutter leaks should be sealed from the inside.

Get a head start with fall planting for spring growth

You've weeded, tilled and tossed all your viable waste in the compost heap. You've raked, dead headed, lifted, mowed, fertilized and trimmed. Did you think you were done with fall maintenance? Not on your life. It's time to start planting for next year.

Remember how overwhelmed you were last spring with all the tilling, hoeing, planting and such? Doing some spring planting in the fall can shorten that spring to-do list.

Won't all the little seedlings freeze their knees off? Absolutely not because you don't plant seedlings in the fall unless you're growing fall crops like lettuce. There are a host of other things you can plant in the fall to save on spring garden maintenance.

Perennial flowers are down to the very lowest prices at most gardening centers. Remember, it's dormancy time for them. They may look really bad now. Plant them anyway. You'll have a beautiful plant next spring at less than half the price you would pay if you waited. Plus you won't have to buy them again for many years, if at all.

Fall is also the time to plant bulbs. Lift out your old bulbs for storage and plan anew. Sit down with paper and pen. Map out the best locations before fall planting. Next spring, you'll have a fresh new look to the flower garden.

Don't forget those onion and garlic bulbs. Planting them in the fall makes for one less spring vegetable gardening task.

Barring snowfall, you can plant hardy bushes and trees in the fall too. The ground is all tilled and ready to go. Why not add an accent bush here and there? Remember to keep trees away from sewer and water lines to avoid root clogged drains and pipes.

Most herbs are cold hardy perennials too. Why not give the herb garden planting a jump start too? Don't forget to bury prolific herbs like spearmint in pots so they don't crowd out other plants. Happy fall planting!

Don't let fall garden chores overwhelm you

There's a long list of things that must be done in the garden before the snow falls. Luckily, at least here in Denver, the snow doesn't look to be falling anytime soon. I guess drought is good for something. You don't have do it all at once this year, or even think about it all at once. That's great if you're into gradual gardening, like me.

When it comes to fall garden chores, force yourself to look at the smaller picture.

If you start thinking about the vast amount of work facing you, it may never get done. Instead, address a different issue each day until there are no more issues to be addressed. It's a much simpler approach and one that doesn't leave you all stressed out. After all, gardenig is supposed to be a pleasure, not a pain.

Address the worst garden clean-ups first.

For instance, yesterday, I did a thorough fall watering on the perennials. I left the dead heading. That's tomorrow's job. I'm trying to not even think about it today.

As you work your way through the list....

Things become easier and easier toward the end of the season when you do the worst things first. Plus, they don't sit there, nagging on your brain and causing you to lose sleep. So, once you do your worst task, check for the next worst. File it in your brain to do tomorrow. Don't worry about the next day or the day after. It's just too stressful.

Worry is unproductive in the garden.

Spending the end of gardening season fretting about all the work that needs doing does nothing to get it done. It also makes you miserable and not much fun to be around. So, take it one day at a time. Address your worst tasks first. Before you know it, they'll all be done. More importantly, they'll be done without all the stress.

Ban these deadly fall clean up materials from your compost bin

You might think that any fall yard waste makes good compost material. You might be wrong. Not everything that you cut, rake and trim is suitable for composting. One type of tree is bad for your compost. Hidden toxins could be lurking in your yard waste. Pets can spoil leaves for composting too. So, what fall clean up materials should you leave out of your compost?

Black Walnut trees can be toxic

If you're into Hugelkutur do not add the wood of Black Walnut trees to your Hugelkultur pile. Black Walnut contains a toxin known as juglone which can impact or stunt the growth of other plants. It is, however, safe to use Black Walnut leaves in your Hugelkultur or compost pile. They do not contain enough juglone to do harm.

What's in your grass?

Do you use chemical pesticides or fertilizers on your lawn? Do you know if the lawn service you use is a chemical free company? If chemicals have been applied to your lawn, it may be best to leave those grass clipping out of your compost. Why go to all the bother of using organic methods if you're just going to dump chemical laden grass in the pile?

Do you have pets?

Do they use the yard as a restroom? If so, when you rake leaves, you are also raking up pet waste along with it. Some manures are beneficial to gardens. Dog and cat feces are not. Even if you are diligent about picking up waste, leaves that have come in contact with it can cause a toxic issue in your compost.

What to do about pet waste issues

One solution is to only let the pets go in specific areas. For instance, the back yard might become a designated area for pets, while the front yard is never used for pets. This way, you can still use the front yard leaves for compost. You might also consider investing in a dog run so pet waste stays contained.

Anything that's sprayed with chemicals is out.

Avoid using chemically treated yard leaves or foliage trimmings in compost. Did you spray your fruit trees for insects? What about your shrubbery? Chances are, the majority of the leaves on your lawn belong to you and have been cared for by you. Don't use them in compost if you know that they've been sprayed with chemicals. Better yet, use only green pesticide and fertilizer options to begin with.

Think about the neighbors a bit, but don't panic.

You may not know what the neighbors have used on their trees and bushes. That's scary, isn't it? After all, their leaves blow into your yard and get raked up too. There's not a lot you can do about that. Luckily, the chemical content should be low. Unless of course, you have a neighbor who sprays the holy heck out of everything. In that case, it's your call whether to use raked leaves in your compost.