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Garden The Plains

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Garden the Plains: Exploring sustainable gardening techniques, sharing researched-based information about plants in our area, insects and diseases and gardening solutions in the CSU Extension, Golden Plains Area. This Facebook account is officially recognized by Colorado State University; however, the views and opinions expressed on this page are not necessarily those of the University. For more information about CSU’s Social Media Policy, visit http://www.socialmedia.colostate.edu and for more information about Colorado State University, visit http://www.colostate.edu. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity provider: https://col.st/OWMJA
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09/08/2026

Funnel Spider

From Nebraska Gardening, Tips, Hints, Share and Trade:
Helen Po states: Agelenopsis, commonly known as the American grass spiders, is a genus of funnel weavers described by C.G. Giebel in 1869. They weave sheet webs that have a funnel shelter on one edge. The web is not sticky, but these spiders make up for that with agility.

Photo credit: unknown

09/07/2026

White-Lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

These are widely distributed throughout North America. They are variable in color. This one has yellow with black markings. They overwinter in the soil as pupae. There are two generations. The spine is a key characteristic.
They feed on a wide variety of plants. But they are not considered economically important.

Photo credit: Michelle Harms

09/04/2026

Groundcover

Creeping Jenny or Lysimachia nummarlia or Moneywort is a great low-growing spreading perennial. Unfortunately, you need moist wet soils with partial shade to full sun. I have grown it in part-shade here on the plains, and it does well. The full sun will brighten the foliage. I recommend placing it in an area of afternoon shade.
When it gets well established in can become aggressive, but only in wet areas. It grows in zones 3-9.
It is best in our winters to mulch the soil around it to help mitigate soil temperatures.

Photo credit: Linda Langelo

09/03/2026

Tree Issue

This is never a recommended practice to keep any section of the tree from falling apart.
The top main trunk was split from the rest of the trunk. It now has a hollow spot under where it broke away from the tree. That has no bark to cover it nor vascular tissue. It may split away again.
Call an arborist. Get the tree professionally assessed. Do not try to handle things like this yourself.
Photo credit: Linda Langelo

09/02/2026

Mowing

Mowing undermines the fertility, irrigation, and other management practices. It affects the turfgrass density, texture, color, uniformity, and smoothness.

For Kentucky bluegrass mowed at 2 inches, the crown is exposed to the sun, and the lower mowing height creates a shallow root system. In turn, the grass has reduced tolerance for wear. The grass is prone to disease issues.

The recommended height for Kentucky Blue is 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches. In a summer with extreme heat and drought, mowing at 3 1/2 inches is best.
There is a recommended mowing height for every different grass species to maintain quality turf.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

08/31/2026

Plant Shopping.....NOW AFTER CARE

According to a market report from 2026, customers do not receive aftercare for their plants. The information from the greenhouse or nursery was difficult to find online. Staff at the greenhouse or nursery were not always available.
93% of consumers say they want to use online availability to decide which garden center to visit.

Here are some commonly asked questions:
Does this plant suit sun, shade, soil, balcony, indoors or outdoors?
How large will it become, how fast will it grow, and what will it look like later?
Can I care for it with my knowledge, time and routines?
Is it safe for children and pets, or sensitive to deer, drought or frost?
Is it available at my favorite garden center? Or do I need to call or visit first, with
the risk that it is not there?

Photo credit: Linda Langelo

08/28/2026

Planter

For next season, or even fall, if you replant in fall for end-of-season color, simplicity makes an impact.
These zinnias stand alone and are prolific. Maybe keep it simple.

Photo credit: Linda Langelo

08/27/2026

A Nuance of Climate Change

Everything around begins to change its habits, especially insects. Ground beetles were coming into a shower and a basement to stay cool. They gathered where it was moist. Now this species is adapted to our arid/plains. Part of its adaptation is to seek shelter and cope with temperatures above 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit.
One might think billbugs and insects along those lines. But no ground beetles. It can happen. I have a client dealing with this.
Some openings need to be sealed. Vacuuming them up is one option. Diatomaceous Earth is another, but then you destroy this beneficial insect.
What next? We have had Akron has had flooding and 113 mph winds outside of town. Mulberry Street in Fort Collins was flooded. Larger hail and more tornadoes.
Let's plant trees and take proper care of them. Let's get smarter about conserving water and the grass we plant and how we manage it. Let's shade our homes. How many of you can plant a tree this fall? Plant one that best suits your environment.

Photo credit: Linda Langelo

08/26/2026

Did You Know This?

It is best to mow grass in shaded conditions higher than grass growing in full sun.

The longer the leaf blade, the more photosynthesis. This gives the grass stronger root growth and better health. It reduces stress from low-light conditions.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

08/25/2026

Trees For Sale in Wray for Wray Residents

Those living within a three-mile area outside of Wray can purchase a tree for their landscape. First come, first served basis for this sale.
You will be able to get the tree later in September when the weather cools down. The temperatures are too high and therefore stressful for planting at this time.
Please go to this link to view the variety of trees for sale:
https://cityofwray.org/DocumentCenter/View/3792/2026-Information-Sheet-on-Available-Trees?bidId=
Please contact Director of Community Services Angela Wade at 970.332.4431 (Office).

Address

Julesburg, CO
80737

Website

http://gardentheplains.extension.colostate.edu/

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