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88 search results for: seed starting

62

A Positive Twist on Garden Problems

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How to Learn from Garden Frustrations by Sandy Swegel Gardening guru Elliot Coleman came to talk at the Denver Botanic Gardens last night. One message that he repeated consistently is that he doesn’t focus on problems but he does get excited to find solutions. One’s first thought might be, “Well he hasn’t seen my garden […]

66

Is It Time?

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Is There Still Time to Plant Seeds? by Sandy Swegel Is it time? Is it too late?  Can I still plant seeds?  These are the questions I heard this week.  In our Zone 5 area, garden centers are already starting to discount plants and seasonal workers will get laid off by the 4th of July. […]

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Why Gardeners Should Get A CSA Share

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Community Supported Agriculture by Sandy Swegel   You’ve heard about CSAs by now.  Community Supported Agriculture is a system where you pay one flat rate for a weekly share of food from a local farm.  It’s a great plan that gives farmers a guaranteed basic income and gives you access to good local food.   […]

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Milkweed, Swamp — Asclepias incarnata

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A showy two foot tall perennial with fragrant, terminal blossoms made up of tiny rosy-purple blossoms.  This milkweed prefers average to very moist soils, will tolerate heavy clay soils and is easy to start from seed and deer resistant.  This hardy perennial, whose scientific name comes from the Greek god of medicine, is a favorite of butterflies, native bees and hummingbirds.  The seeds are very easy to grow and do well when planted in the fall or when cold-treated for three month prior to planting.  Swamp Milkweed will spread through seed distribution and underground shoots.  Monarch Butterflies and Queen Butterflies lay their eggs on the milkweed and the larvae feed on the plants.  Note that these plants contain cardiac glycosides, chemicals, that are toxic when eaten and make the Butterflies also toxic to any would be predators.  These will spread easily and may need to be controlled.  These are good for wetland rehabilitation and as a component in wildlife seed mixtures.

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Milkweed, Butterfly – Asclepias tuberosa

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Also known as Butterflyweed, this hardy perennial, whose scientific name comes from the Greek god of medicine, is a favorite of butterflies.  Unlike other milkweeds this species does not have milky sap.  This species has traditionally provided food, medicines and fiber. The clusters of flowers will range from dark orange to white on tall woody stems with smooth shiny leaves that are velvety underneath.  These plants grow well in a variety of locations from prairies and open woodlands to roadsides.  The seeds are very easy to grow and do well when planted in the fall or when cold-treated for three month prior to planting.  Butterfly Milkweed will spread through seed distribution and underground shoots.  Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and the larvae feed on the plants.  Note that these plants contain cardiac glycosides, chemicals, that are toxic when eaten and make the Monarch Butterflies also toxic to any would be predators.