Late-Season Gardening Guide

Gardening is among the most popular summer hobbies, but it doesn’t have to end as fall beckons. There are several ways to help your flowers flourish, your beets blossom, and your turnips turn up day after day. Consider the following:

Water Wisely

Colorado might not be desert-dry, but it’s not exactly bathing in humidity, either. Hot days in August or early September often require an irrigation plan, one that doesn’t violate water restrictions. Instead of watering more often, aim to water more deeply (as this encourages roots to grow). Watering in the early morning, when temperatures are low and the sun is on its best behavior, also helps minimize evaporation and reduces the risk of fungal disease. 

Focus on Cool-Weather Vegetables

The late-summer weeks are the ideal time to plant crops that flourish in the fall. Some of the crops most likely to thrive as temperatures drop include:

 

  • Lettuce

  • Spinach

  • Swiss chard

  • Arugula

  • Radishes

  • Kale

  • Beets

  • Turnips

 

Some of these can even withstand frost, developing hints of sweetness when topped off with a little freeze.

Beware of Seasonal Pests

With wasps crashing barbecues and mosquitoes feasting on your precious plasma, pests seem like they’re everywhere during the summer. But they don’t disappear as autumn nears. In fact, some pests are more prominent in changing climates. Be on the lookout for the following creepy crawlers and wigglers:

 

  • Grasshoppers

  • Aphids

  • Squash bugs

  • Spider mites

  • Worms (especially on tomatoes and cabbage)

 

Addressing minor pest issues early keeps them from becoming major infestations. 

Heed the Hail

The late summer months have a way of hailing hail, with surging storms doing a number on your roof and your radishes. Hail season can extend into September, making you feel like you’re starting your garden over from square one each time Mother Nature throws a tantrum. To protect your hard work, check the weather forecast daily and keep lightweight row covers, shade cloths, and frost blankets on hand to shield flowers and vegetables. Even some protection is better than none!

Participate in a Community Garden

If you don’t have a yard to set up a garden, there’s no need to fret about fennel or stress about snow peas. Growing Gardens has spent nearly 30 years offering community gardens to people across Boulder County. It now operates seven garden spaces, provides 800 people with space to grow their own food, and donates roughly 1,000 pounds of fresh produce to food banks each year. 

The Habitat Apartments are located in Gunbarrel, with convenient access to shopping in Boulder and beyond. We offer apartments and townhomes with private patios, a heated pool, outdoor kitchens, pet-friendly perks, and multiple floor plans. Contact us today to learn why we’re the perfect place to set down roots.