This is the time when many of us resolve to be healthier in the New Year. For KUNC gardener Tom Throgmorton, his resolution is an easy one to keep…
I’m resolving to use some new plants in the New Year. Last season we tried a new pablano pepper. It was a productive, tasty surprise.
I also resolve to grow new veggies. There are always new varieties to try. But I want to grow something I haven’t tried. Like micro-greens. They are just a few days older than sprouts and packed with flavor.
I also resolve to grow a new plant in the landscape. Every year there are new shrubs or trees to try. Look at the All American Rose selections or the Plant Select introductions. Garden centers and nurseries promote new plants. The only way to know if they grow in our climate is to try the plants.
I haven’t been able to grow tomatillos. One year they didn’t even germinate. Another year they died before we could plant them outside. The year we did transplant them they were smashed by hail. This year I resolve to grow, harvest and eat a tomatillo crop.
I resolve to use our precious water resource as efficiently as possible. Perennials, shrubs and trees need the most water when they are actively growing. Watering thoroughly and regularly in spring and early summer will give the plants moisture when they need it most. For efficiency, the amount and frequency of water can be reduced later in the season when the plants are growing less.
A lot of native plants, once they are established, can live on naturally occurring moisture. I think native shrubs are healthier without extra water. In the spirit of efficiency I plan to reduce watering native plants like Apache plume, threeleaf sumac and rabbitbrush.
I also resolve to get out of the garden and into nature more often. We are fortunate to live in a region full of natural beauty. It’s also very accessible. Rocky Mountain National Park is world renown for its spectacular scenery. The region is dotted with state parks and community natural areas that are a bike ride away. This should be the easiest resolution to keep.
tom@throgmortonplantmanagement.com
