Thriving with Native Plants

Pollinator-Friendly Gardening in the High Desert of Southwest Colorado 🌱 

Gardening in the high desert of Southwest Colorado is not for the faint of heart, but let’s be real: neither am I. 😉 With scorching summers, bone-dry soil, and surprise frosts that show up like an uninvited guest, you have to work with nature, not against it. And that means going local. Native plants don’t just survive here; they thrive with minimal effort, leaving you more time to sip your iced tea and admire your handiwork. Plus, choosing native plants for high desert gardening ensures your landscape is pollinator-friendly and sustainable.

Yarrow and Honeybees 🍯🐝

If there is one plant that honeybees absolutely adore, it is yarrow (Achillea millefolium). With its delicate clusters of tiny flowers in white, pink, or yellow, yarrow is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for pollinators. This tough, drought-tolerant plant thrives in high desert conditions and keeps the bees happy all summer long. Plus, it doubles as a medicinal herb for humans, so you get a win-win situation with beauty, biodiversity, and practical uses.

Native plants in the southwest Colorado high desert, like yarrow, attract honeybees to your garden. They'll be happy and your plants will be pollinated. Learn more with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Native Plants That Laugh in the Face of Drought 🌵

After years of experimenting (and watching many ill-fated garden center plants meet their untimely demise), I have learned that native perennials, shrubs, and flowers are the best way to go. Native plants for high desert conditions are built tough, and they attract beneficial pollinators while requiring minimal water. Here are some of my all-time favorites:

  • Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus): These bright purple-blue flowers are the life of the party, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and compliments from passersby.
  • Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa): If you need a plant that thrives on neglect and explodes in golden blooms in late summer, this one’s for you.
  • Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia): Delicious berries and a great shade provider? It’s a win-win for humans and wildlife alike.
  • Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa): This beauty gives you delicate white flowers and feathery pink seed heads–like a desert fairy tale come to life.
  • Yucca (Yucca glauca): Tough, spiky, and fiercely independent–basically the Clint Eastwood of desert plants.
Yucca, which naturally grows as a native plant in southwest Colorado, produces a delicious fruit.

How to Find Pollinator Magnets for Your Region 🐝

Not all pollinators are fuzzy, friendly bees! Wasps may look intimidating, but they play an important role in your garden. If you take a peek inside the Rocky Mountain Penstemon at night, you might just find a wasp curled up asleep. While they might not be the first insects you want to befriend, wasps are fantastic at keeping aphids and other pesky garden pests under control. So, the next time you see one snoozing in a flower, give it a little nod of appreciation for its pest-control services.

Locally growing penstemon houses wasps overnight. Then they come into the garden to eat aphids and other little pests that might ruin your crops.

Want a buzzing, fluttering, nectar-drunk crowd in your garden? Creating a pollinator-friendly gardening space starts with choosing the right plants. Here’s how to find the best native pollinator-friendly plants, no matter where you are:

  1. Check with Local Extension Services – Universities and state agricultural programs love handing out plant lists like candy.
  2. Hit Up Native Plant Societies – These folks are the plant nerds you need in your life. Look up groups like the Colorado Native Plant Society for deep-dive resources.
  3. Pollinator Partnership’s Plant Finder – Enter your zip code at Pollinator.org and get a custom guide. It’s like a dating app for plants and pollinators.
  4. Ask Your Local Nursery – The good ones will steer you toward regionally adapted plants rather than big-box store heartbreakers.

Native Plants That Won’t Just Look Pretty, They’ll Feed You Too 🍓

If you want a garden that pulls double duty, consider these edible and medicinal natives that thrive in harsh conditions. Incorporating food-producing native plants into your high desert garden supports sustainability and self-sufficiency.

  • Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana): Tart berries for jams and syrups. Also, a favorite for birds who think they own your yard.
  • Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Eat the pads, eat the fruit, and enjoy a plant that looks like it’s straight out of a Western movie.
  • Threeleaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata): Berries that can be brewed into a tea? Count me in.
  • Wild Onion (Allium cernuum): A native plant that gives you free onions? That’s a yes from me.
Chokecherries are another native fruit that grows on local trees and it makes amazing jam.

How to Keep Your Desert Garden Low-Maintenance 🤠

  • Mulch is your best friend. It conserves moisture and keeps invasive weeds from taking over your life.
  • Group plants that like the same conditions. Stop forcing your plants into bad relationships.
  • Ditch the pesticides. Native plants bring in the good bugs that eat the bad bugs–nature’s own pest control service.
  • Choose seed-grown natives over cultivars. Keep things wild and genetically diverse.

Embrace the Chaos and the Beauty of Native Gardening 🌿

Forget the picture-perfect English garden–out here, we let nature do its thing. Native gardening is about working with the land, not fighting it. Whether you are in the high desert like me or somewhere else, finding plants adapted to your region means less work, less water, and more joy. A pollinator-friendly gardening approach not only helps the environment but also makes your yard a haven for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Start small, plant what thrives, and let the pollinators and wildlife move in. Just be prepared! Once your garden is popping, you may become that person who won’t stop talking about plants at dinner parties.

Erigeron speciosus
Erigeron speciosus (Lindl.) DC.
Aspen Fleabane, Showy Fleabane
Asteraceae (Aster Family) with a ladybug

🥕 Harvesting Carrots: A Mystery Critter and a Happy Haul

🌱 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch: Essential Tips for Success

🌿 Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

🐥 When to Move Chicks Outside: A Guide to Transitioning Chicken Pullets from the Brooder

🕷️ Tarantula Migration: A Unique Natural Phenomenon in Southwest Colorado

🧺 Shop My Favorite Gardening Tools and Decorations on Amazon (affiliate link)

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How to Grow a Small Indoor Herb Garden

Learn to grow herbs indoors with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Easy Tips for Fresh Herbs All Year from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels🪴

It’s cold and icky today, and I miss my plants. So, I’m working on growing an indoor herb garden. I picked up three little herb plants at the grocery store last week. It seemed like a great idea at the time. Sadly, the mint got powdery mildew and the basil came pre-loaded with aphids. The chickens got to eat the basil since it’s good for them and they don’t mind the little bugs, but the mint had to go in the trash because mold is bad for chickens. Now it’s just me and the rosemary holding strong. Lesson learned: starting from seed is the best way to grow an indoor herb garden. That’s what I’m doing today to get my winter plant fix. 🌿

Growing rosemary in an indoor herb garden adds a lovely smell and a great kitchen spice.

Why Grow an Indoor Herb Garden?

Beyond the obvious perks of having fresh ingredients at your fingertips, herbs are a whole experience. Just brushing your hand against a rosemary plant or pinching off a basil leaf releases a burst of fresh scent that can instantly lift your mood. They bring a little life to the kitchen, even in the dead of winter. Plus, growing an indoor herb garden means no mystery pesticides or surprise infestations – just fresh, happy plants ready to make your food (and your space) better. 🍃

Basil is an amazing plant to grow in your indoor herb garden. Here is potted basil pictured with knitting by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Picking the Right Herbs

Some herbs thrive indoors, while others throw a fit and die. If you’re just getting started, go for low-maintenance, high-reward options like:

  • Basil – Loves warmth and plenty of sunlight.
  • Mint – Grows like wild but is prone to mildew, so give it some space.
  • Thyme – Hardy, aromatic, and great for soups and roasts.
  • Rosemary – Sturdy and resilient, assuming you don’t drown it.
  • Oregano – Perfect for Italian dishes and super easy to maintain.

Best Location for Your Indoor Herb Garden

Herbs are not high-maintenance, but they do have standards:

  • Light – Most need six hours of sunlight a day. A south-facing window is best, but a grow light works if your house is more cave than greenhouse.
  • Temperature – If you’re comfortable, your herbs probably are, too. Aim for 65-75°F.
  • Air Circulation – Stagnant air leads to mold. A little airflow keeps things fresh.
Keeping herbs like mint indoors can help keep pests (like this grasshopper) at bay.
Keeping herbs like mint indoors can help keep pests (like this grasshopper) at bay.

Choosing the Right Containers

Herbs hate wet feet. Pick pots with drainage holes. If you’re using a decorative pot with no drainage, put a plastic nursery pot inside or add pebbles to the bottom to avoid root rot.

Best Soil for Indoor Herbs

Regular garden soil is too heavy. Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Mixing in a little perlite or sand helps with drainage, which means fewer sad, soggy plants.

How to Water and Feed Your Indoor Herbs

I prefer to water my herbs from the bottom, placing cute or plain white pots onto plates and watering the plate. This way, the plants take up only what they need, and I avoid soggy soil disasters. It also keeps the leaves dry, which helps prevent powdery mildew and mold.

When you grow an indoor herb garden, herbs are not thirsty divas. Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s dry, water. If it’s damp, leave it alone. Overwatering is the number one killer of indoor herbs. A diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks keeps them happy, but too much can make them grow fast and taste weak.

Upcycled baby food jars make for excellent herb watering cans. Learn how to remove baby food jar labels here.

Starting from Seed

Since my store-bought herbs turned into a disaster, I’m growing an indoor herb garden from seed. They take a little longer, but you avoid mystery pests and grocery store neglect. Use a seed-starting mix, keep the soil slightly damp (not swampy), and be patient. Some herbs, like basil, sprout quickly, while rosemary takes its sweet time.

Little seeds take time to sprout, but it is worth it to help avoid pests on your indoor herb garden.

How to Harvest Herbs for Maximum Growth

The best part? Snipping off fresh herbs when you need them. But don’t go hacking away randomly. Follow these rules:

  • Trim regularly – Pinch off leaves frequently to encourage bushy growth. Never let it flower, or the plant will start to decline.
  • Never take more than one-third of the plant – Keep it healthy and productive.
  • Harvest in the morning – This is when herbs have the most oils (aka flavor).
Flowering herbs are beautiful, but much less tasty. Try to pinch off the flowers before they open.
Flowering herbs are beautiful, but much less tasty. Try to pinch off the flowers before they open.

Troubleshooting Indoor Herb Gardening: Common Problems & Fixes

  • Leggy growth? Not enough light. Move them closer to a window or add a grow light.
  • Yellowing leaves? Overwatering. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
  • Mildew or mold? Increase air circulation and avoid getting the leaves too wet.
  • Aphids? Wash them off with soapy water or unleash the wrath of ladybugs.
Ladybugs love aphids... you may not want to actually set them free indoors. Rather, take your herbs outside on a nice day and let the ladybugs eat the aphids.
Ladybugs love aphids… you may not want to actually set them free indoors. Rather, take your herbs outside on a nice day and let the ladybugs eat the aphids.

Start Your Indoor Herb Garden Today

Growing an indoor herb garden is one of the easiest ways to bring a little green into your home. Plus, fresh herbs make everything taste better. Whether you’re dodging winter like I am or just want a steady supply of basil, growing herbs indoors is low-effort and high-reward. So, grab some seeds, plant something, and let’s pretend it’s spring! 🌿

Need supplies? Here are some of my favorite tools and essentials to get started (affiliate links to Amazon):

P.S.

It’s not too late to start your own seedlings for your summer garden! If you’re already thinking ahead to warmer days, now is the perfect time to get those seeds going. Check out my New Year’s Day seedling planting guide for tips on getting a head start on your best garden yet.

Plant seeds in little pots well before it is time to plant outside.

Read More

🌱 Planning to Garden This Year?

🪴 Seedling Repotting

🌻 My Knitting Garden

🌿 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch

🍓 Planting Strawberries and Asparagus in Southwest Colorado

🌸 Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

🥕 Harvesting Carrots

🏡 Cozy Lifestyle Basics: Mountain Living Edition

Mountain Living Essentials

✨ Never Miss a Garden Story 

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Planning to Garden This Year?

Get ready to start a garden with a free garden planning checklist and gardening tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Start Here! 🌱

Are you ready to start your gardening journey but feeling unsure about where to begin? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I remember how overwhelming it felt when I first started gardening. That’s why I’ve created this step-by-step checklist to help you avoid the common pitfalls and create the garden of your dreams. Use my free Garden Planning Checklist as your step-by-step roadmap to a thriving garden. 🌼

A garden full of veggies and flowers. Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

Your Garden Foundation: First Steps

Before grabbing those tempting seed packets, establish your garden’s foundation. Success starts here:

  • USDA Growing Zone: Know what plants thrive in your area.
  • Frost Dates: First and last frost dates set your garden’s natural timeline.
  • Growing Season Length: Identify how many productive days you have between frosts.
  • Available Space: Even a windowsill can grow a beautiful garden!
Build your own food forest. Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

Understanding Your Space

My garden planning checklist helps you assess your planting space with ease:

  • Map Sun Exposure: Identify full sun, partial sun, and shade areas.
  • Locate Water Sources: Ensure easy access for watering.
  • Test Soil: Determine soil type and pH to plan amendments.
  • Measure Available Space: Work with what you have, big or small!

Seasonal Planning Guide

Follow the checklist’s timeline to help stay on track. Be sure to check your region’s growing season to be sure you don’t plant things outside before your last frost and that they will have time to finish growing before the first frost:

February–March (Garden Planning & Preparation)

  • Order seeds early for the best selection.
  • Gather essential tools.
  • Set up your indoor growing area.
  • Sketch your garden layout.
  • Plan your composting system.
Seedlings growing under grow lights before they can be planted out doors. Find garden planning tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

March–April (Early Season)

  • Start indoor seedlings like tomatoes and peppers.
  • Prepare garden beds by clearing debris and adding compost.
  • Plan and install irrigation systems for your garden.
  • Add soil amendments to boost fertility.
A baby sugar snap pea growing on the vine. Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

May–June (Planting Season)

  • Harden off seedlings for outdoor planting.
  • Group plants by water needs to simplify care.
  • Set up trellises, stakes, or cages for support.
  • Create a planting schedule to stagger harvests.
A baby spinach harvest will make for a delicious and healthy salad. Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

July–October (Harvest Season)

  • Follow your harvest calendar to pick at peak ripeness.
  • Share extra produce with friends or local food banks.
  • Preserve your harvest by canning, freezing, or drying.
  • Keep detailed notes for next year’s planning.
A basket full of sugar snap peas fresh from the garden. Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

Pro Tips for Gardening Success

  • Plan Ahead: Great gardens start with thoughtful preparation.
  • Test Soil Annually: Healthy soil leads to healthy plants.
  • Stay Consistent with Weeding: Prevention saves time and effort.
  • Rotate Crops: Protect your soil and avoid nutrient depletion.
Planning to garden this year? Use the free garden planning checklist from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.com.

🎁 Free Resource Alert!

Download the comprehensive Garden Planning Checklist, save, or print and let it guide you through every stage of gardening, whether you’re starting a small herb container or planning a full vegetable garden.

The Garden Planning Checklist will walk you through tips for gardening success from Liz Chandler at PurlsAndPixels. This is Page One.
The Garden Planning Checklist will walk you through tips for gardening success from Liz Chandler at PurlsAndPixels. This is Page Two.

🌻 Download Your Free Checklist

Looking for Garden Tools?

I get a lot of my tools from Amazon. Here are some of my favorites! (Affiliate Links)

Shop Liz Chandler's garden tool recommendations like a kitchen top planter, seed kit, or digging tools with these affiliate links.

Related Posts You’ll Love 🌱

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🌿 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch

🌱 Starting Seedlings: A New Year’s Guide

🪴 Growing an Indoor Herb Garden

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Harvesting Carrots

What you can find while harvesting carrots. Learn to pick carrots and dodge garden creatures with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A Mystery Critter and a Happy Haul

I offered to harvest carrots while Mom was out of town, figuring it’d be a quick task. Loosen the soil, pull them up, rinse off the dirt, and done. But, of course, that’s not how it went.

Using a pitchfork to loosen soil around the carrot bed and harvest carrots. Learn with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Loosen the Soil

For this carrot harvest, I started with a pitchfork, working along the rows to loosen the dirt. Almost immediately, I noticed something strange: crisscrossed burrows twisted through the soil. It looked like something had dug out an entire little tunnel system under the garden. Whoever had moved in there had really settled in and helped themselves to quite a few carrots in the process.

Something made a tunnel under the carrot garden and has been eating the food. harvest carrots. Learn with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Guess the Intruder

I never saw the culprit, but the signs of the carrot thief were all over the harvest zone. Some carrots had been gnawed on from the tops; others had bite marks from underneath. From the size of the tunnels, I started to guess: maybe a rabbit, or possibly a ground squirrel. Then again, prairie dogs are known for their underground communities and are no strangers to garden raids. Voles could be the culprits, too; they’re notorious for snacking on roots from below. Whatever it was, it definitely knew its way around a carrot…

Something has been eating my carrots in the garden. harvest carrots. Learn with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

A Nice Carrot Harvest

Despite our mystery visitor’s appetite, there were still plenty left to pick. I finished up the patch, filling two big, overflowing bowls for this carrot harvest. I left behind quite a few damaged carrots. The critter will still have something to eat. Or, if my digging scared it away, the carrots will rot over the winter and add their composted nutrients back into the soil for next year.

A decent carrot harvest despite tunneling garden pests. Learn with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

So, no showdown with the carrot thief, but still a happy ending to this carrot harvest: two bowls of fresh carrots for the family, plus a bit of garden intrigue. It’s a reminder that even a quick garden chore can turn into an unexpected adventure.

Grab some of my favorite gardening gear in my Amazon storefront.

A giant root in the harvest of carrots. Learn with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

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Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch: Essential Tips for Success

Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch: Essential Tips for Success

If you’re moving into a new home or just itching to change up your outdoor space, building your backyard garden from scratch can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. The good news is that with the right approach, you can transform your yard into a functional, sustainable, and beautiful oasis. Whether you’re aiming to grow your own food, create a cozy outdoor living space, or support local wildlife, these tips will guide you through finding the supplies you need (and why permaculture beats sod grass, hands-down).

Build your backyard garden from scratch with these tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Start with a Plan

Before you dive into planting, take some time to envision what you want your backyard to look like. What are your goals? Do you want a vegetable garden, a pollinator haven, or a relaxing retreat with cozy nooks? Sketch out your ideas, including where the garden beds, pathways, and seating areas will go. This will help you understand how much space you need and what types of materials you’ll require.

Finding the Right Supplies

Building a backyard garden from scratch requires some materials, but you don’t need to break the bank. Here’s where to find quality supplies without overspending:

  • Local nurseries and garden centers: These are your best bet for finding plants suited to your region’s climate. Staff at nurseries are usually knowledgeable and can guide you toward plants that thrive in your area.
  • Community marketplaces and social media: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local garden groups often have people selling or giving away tools, soil, compost, mulch, and plants.
  • The Interwebs: The internet is now an excellent source for gardening supplies. Find tools, garden bed setups, and even chicken coops on Amazon. See my go-to tool list from Amazon on my Affiliate Page. Sites like fast-growing-trees.com can ship trees, fruit bushes, and a wide variety of live plants straight to your home.
  • DIY compost: You can create your own compost by collecting kitchen scraps, yard waste, and even cardboard. A compost bin doesn’t have to be fancy—you can make one from wood pallets or wire mesh.

Choose Permaculture Over Sod Grass when you Build you Backyard Garden from Scratch

It’s tempting to lay down a perfect, green lawn, but before you do, consider this: sod grass might look nice at first, but it’s high-maintenance, requires lots of water, and offers little environmental benefit. Permaculture, on the other hand, is a sustainable gardening method that works with nature, not against it. Here’s why it’s always the better option:

  • Adapted to your climate: With permaculture, you choose plants that thrive in your specific climate. This means less water, fewer chemicals, and more success! Native plants, herbs, and drought-tolerant species can fill in areas where grass might struggle.
  • Healthier soil: Permaculture focuses on improving soil health by using compost, mulch, and cover crops. Healthy soil leads to stronger plants and a garden that’s resilient to pests and disease.
  • Biodiversity: A permaculture garden encourages a variety of plants, which in turn supports bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. A lawn of grass offers little for these important creatures.
  • Low-maintenance: Once established, permaculture gardens typically require less upkeep than lawns. You’ll spend less time mowing, watering, and fertilizing and more time enjoying your garden.
  • Productivity: Why have a lawn when you could be growing your own food? By dedicating part of your yard to permaculture techniques like edible landscaping or raised garden beds, you can enjoy fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits right from your backyard.
Zinnias attract bees and hummingbirds to help create a biodiverse garden.

Focus on Soil Health First

Great gardens start with great soil. Test your soil to find out its pH level and nutrient content, then amend it as needed. Adding compost, organic fertilizers, or other soil enhancers can transform even the toughest dirt into a rich growing medium. If you’re dealing with poor or compacted soil, consider creating raised beds filled with fresh, nutrient-rich soil to get your plants off to a great start.

Water Wisely

A key element of successful gardening is managing water efficiently. Permaculture designs often include elements like rainwater catchment, drip irrigation, and mulching to reduce water waste. Try grouping plants with similar water needs together, and use mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent water from evaporating too quickly. You can also create swales—small depressions in the landscape—to help capture and direct rainwater where it’s needed most.

Use the landscape to help your garden water itself in the most efficient manner.

Start Small and Expand Gradually

When starting from scratch, it’s easy to get caught up in grand ideas and big projects. Instead of trying to create your dream garden all at once, start with one manageable section and build out from there. This allows you to learn as you go, figure out what works best in your space, and avoid burnout.

Use Perennials for Long-Term Success

One of the best parts of permaculture gardening is the use of perennials—plants that come back year after year. Not only do they reduce the need for replanting each season, but they also establish deep root systems that help improve soil structure and water retention. Consider perennials like herbs, fruit trees, berry bushes, or ornamental grasses as part of your backyard garden design.

Strawberries are hardy perennials that come back year after year.

Incorporate Companion Planting

Companion planting is a permaculture technique that involves growing certain plants together to benefit one another. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help repel pests, while beans add nitrogen to the soil for corn. Asparagus and strawberries have roots that grow at different levels, making the berries perfect groundcover. This holds in moisture and prevents weeds from filling asparagus beds. These natural relationships can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making your garden more eco-friendly.

In Conclusion: Permaculture for the Win!

While laying sod grass might seem like the quickest way to get a green yard, it’s not the best long-term solution. By embracing permaculture, you can create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. Whether you’re growing food, supporting local wildlife, or just looking to reduce your environmental footprint, building your backyard garden with permaculture principles will reward you for years to come.

So grab your shovel, gather your supplies, and get ready to build your backyard garden from scratch; you are steps away from your own thriving oasis! 🌿

Read More

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🌱 Planning to Garden This Year?

🪴 Seedling Repotting

🌻 My Knitting Garden

🌿 How to Grow a Small Indoor Herb Garden

🌳 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch

🍓 Planting Strawberries and Asparagus in Southwest Colorado

🌸 Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

🥕 Harvesting Carrots

🏡 Cozy Lifestyle Basics: Mountain Living Edition

Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

Pulling Weeds

I spent yesterday rehabilitating my overgrown garden and my enemy number one? Bindweed.

I left my garden for about three weeks, while I went on a work trip and then to visit family and friends in the big city. The weeds went wild! A thick carpet of vines smothered the other rogue plants that were trying to grow in the pathways.

Bindweed is a pretty, vining plant that produces dainty white and pink flowers, so you might be inclined to leave it in the garden. But don’t let it grow! Bindweed takes over everything.

Bindweed may have pretty flowers, but it will take over your yard. Make sure to pull the weed by its roots to keep it from coming back.

Instead of growing peas on my trellis Bindweed took over. This weed seems to steal nutrients from the other plants, as well. The peas are weak, the carrots tiny, and my squash and zucchini are basically non-existent.

One favor the Bindweed did for me? It entangled all the other weeds and I was able to roll up the mess like a fancy rug. Then, I tossed the whole thing into a garden bed I am letting rest this year. The nutrients will seep back into the soil, feeding next year’s veggies.

A Battle Worth Fighting

Although rolling up the bindweed gave me a moment of satisfaction, the real work was just beginning. Bindweed’s roots run deep, and simply pulling it out wasn’t going to cut it. I had to dig down and get as much of those stubborn roots out as possible. Even then, I know it’s only a matter of time before I see those vines trying to make a comeback.

Bindweed loves climbing the trellis; choking out the peas and beans meant for the arch.

Reclaiming the Garden

Once I had cleared the worst of the bindweed, I turned my attention to the rest of the garden. I re-staked the peas, giving them something to climb other than those aggressive vines. I added some compost to the soil, hoping to give my struggling vegetables a fighting chance. Then I sprinkled some fall-hardy seeds around like glitter. Hopefully I can salvage something from this growing season!

Bindweed steals sunlight, water, and nutrients from your garden plants. This sad squash has been stunted by bindweed.

Sad squash.

The Resilient Garden

This experience with bindweed highlighted how resilient nature can be. Even when life pulls you away and you have to leave your garden unattended, the garden is still there waiting for you to come back and set things right. It’s less about what went wrong and more about what you do next. And there’s something incredibly satisfying about rolling up your sleeves, taking back control, and making your space thrive again.

Turning Over a New Leaf

I know that bindweed is a tough opponent, but it’s not going to win this war. I’ll keep fighting, digging deep, and making sure my garden stays a place of growth and beauty, not a bindweed jungle. Whether I’m here every day or have to step away for a while, I’ll be ready to reclaim my garden whenever it needs me.

So, if you’re dealing with bindweed—or any other tenacious garden invaders—don’t worry about the time you’ve been away. With a little persistence and some hard work, you can take back your garden, too. Just remember: every setback is an opportunity to come back stronger.

Get rid of bindweed growing in your garden.

Planting Strawberries and Asparagus in Southwest Colorado’s Unique Soil

In southwest Colorado, gardening can sometimes feel like you’re trying to solve a tricky puzzle. The soil here isn’t like your typical garden dirt; it’s a mix of sandy and shale components that challenges even experienced gardeners. But if you’ve got this type of soil, you’re in luck if you like strawberries and asparagus because, oddly enough, these plants thrive here when others struggle. So, let’s dive into how to make the most out of these hearty plants and turn your garden into a part of the local food forest, complete with your piñon trees.

Why Strawberries and Asparagus?

During the 2020 Covid pandemic lockdown, gardening became my new hobby of choice. I tried planting all sorts of vegetables and herbs. Everything I planted just wouldn’t take. Brassicas like kale and broccoli were destroyed by bugs. My tomatoes barely budded before the weather turned cold. But, when I tried strawberries and asparagus, it was like they were meant to thrive in our unique soil.

Planting the Perfect Pair

To start planning this perennial garden patch, choose a spot you don’t intend to disturb with tilling or plowing in the future. Your plants will live in this space for a very long time. Make sure to select a sunny location in your garden, since both strawberries and asparagus thrive in sunlight.

Prepare the area for asparagus first, since they require deeper planting. Dig trenches about 6-8 inches deep, incorporating organic matter, such as compost, to add nutrients to the soil. Many planting guides suggest to slowly fill in these trenches as your asparagus grows. I did not take this step, and just smoothed the garden bed. My asparagus is still thriving; so if your soil is extra sandy, you may also be able to simply plant your asparagus in one step.

After you’ve established a your asparagus placement, you can plant the strawberries. Because strawberries do well in sandy soil, which naturally aids in drainage, there’s no need to create raised beds or mounds for them. This setup has encouraged my strawberries to produce runners prolifically.

Since we’re dealing with sandy and shale-type soil, adding compost is important. It helps retain water and nutrients that sandy soil often lacks, and it makes the hard shale parts easier for roots to penetrate.

Plants Spacing for Strawberries and Asparagus

Plant your strawberries about 18 inches apart and your asparagus crowns about a foot and a half apart in rows. Water them well after planting and keep the soil moist, especially during the dry months.

Companion Planting Under Piñon Trees

Planting under or near your piñon trees can create a mini food forest. The trees provide partial shade and help protect the plants from too much sun while also helping the soil retain moisture. Strawberries, in particular, can benefit from this arrangement as they like a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. The asparagus, with its ferny foliage, can also look quite decorative underneath the spreading branches of piñon trees.

Understanding Our Soil: Mancos Shale

Now, what’s this about our soil? In our region, we deal with something called Mancos Shale. It’s a type of sedimentary rock that you can find spreading across the southwestern United States, particularly in Colorado. This shale is part of what makes our soil so unique and challenging. It doesn’t hold nutrients well and can be tough for roots to break through. But with the right approach, such as adding compost and choosing the right plants, you can turn this challenging soil into a productive garden.

Mancos Shale is a geologic formation predominantly found in the Western United States, particularly across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This formation consists of fine-grained sedimentary rock, primarily composed of shale, which is a type of clay-rich rock formed from the consolidation of mud and clay under pressure over millennia. Mancos Shale is known for its gray to black color and often contains marine fossils, like seashells, indicating that the area was once under a sea during the Cretaceous period.

In gardening and agriculture, Mancos Shale presents particular challenges due to its dense, compact nature and low fertility. It tends to be poor in nutrients essential for plant growth and can be hard for plant roots to penetrate. Its composition also means it has low water retention capabilities, making it difficult to maintain the moisture levels that many plants require. However, with proper management, such as the addition of organic matter to improve nutrient content and soil structure, gardeners can successfully cultivate certain hardy plants like strawberries and asparagus, which are adapted to less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Final Thoughts

With a bit of preparation and understanding of our unique soil, even a garden filled with sandy, shale conditions can become a lush, productive spot in your food forest alongside your piñon trees. So, don’t give up on your gardening dreams just because the soil is challenging—embrace what works, and you’ll be amazed at what can thrive!

The Knitting Garden: Seedling Repotting

Plant Growth Spurts and Repotting Shenanigans

Hope this update finds you in good spirits! Hold onto your knitting needles because it’s time for a report on the wild antics of my New Year’s Day seedlings, starring the one and only seedling repotting extravaganza. It has been two months now and my little baby plants have outgrown their first pots.

Learn to repot seedlings with Liz Chandler @ PurlsAndPixels

Apple Seedlings

Take the apple seedlings, for instance. These mischievous little sprouts are tossing leaves and shoots around like they’ve discovered the secret to a plant rave. Their repotting makeover has transformed them into the life of the botanical party. I’m envisioning a future of bountiful apple harvests, providing both sustenance and ample inspiration for my knitting escapades.

Artichoke Seedlings

And then there are the artichokes, living their best lives in upgraded accommodations. With newfound space, they’re flaunting extravagant leaf unfurling ceremonies. It’s like they’re rehearsing for a vegetable beauty pageant, and I’m eagerly awaiting the day they’re crowned the queens of my knitting garden.

Pepperoncini Seedlings

In the realm of pepperoncini, things are heating up – quite literally. These VIP-treated pepper plants are flexing their green leaves and budding peppers with an extra dose of sass. I anticipate them adding some serious heat to my meals, perhaps even delivering a spicy stand-up comedy routine on the side.

Indoor Tomato Plant

And as for my indoor tomato houseplant I started last fall? It has a green tomato to boast about! Picture this tomato strutting its stuff, declaring, “Look what I can do!” Who knew repotting could turn a tomato into a superstar?

As I navigate the unpredictable world of repotted seedlings, it’s clear that New Year’s Day was just the opening act for a dramatic comedy of plant proportions. Stay tuned for more laughs and updates as we continue this horticultural stand-up routine. Here’s to a year filled with knitting, gardening, and the joy of watching our repotted seedlings steal the show!

Repotting Seedlings 101: Time to Give the Plants a New Home

Now that we’ve had our share of laughs with the sprightly seedlings, let’s delve into the not-so-serious, but very important, matter of repotting these green comrades. Because, let’s face it, even plants need a change of scenery every once in a while!

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Think of it as matchmaking for your plants. Find a pot that’s just the right size – not too big, not too small. You don’t want your seedlings feeling like they’re in a mansion or stuck in a studio apartment. Goldilocks would be proud.

Choose a pot that is just a bit bigger than your seedling when repotting. Choose a pot that is just a bit bigger than your seedling when repotting. This ensures your plants stay happy.

Step 2: Mind the Roots

When you are working on seedling repotting, make sure to be careful with the delicate roots. It’s like giving your plants a spa day. Gently loosen the roots from their cozy starter pot. Don’t be too harsh; remember, it’s a delicate operation, not a wrestling match. We’re aiming for happy, not traumatized.

Seedling repotting with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Step 3: Fresh Soil, Fresh Start

Think of this as a plant vacation – new soil, new adventures. Choose a nutrient-rich mix to give your green buddies the best start in their upgraded homes. Maybe throw on a little “Welcome to the Jungle” soundtrack for added flair.

A little pro top for those soil bags….

When opening your soil bag, don’t cut horizontally at the top. Instead cut a vertical silt down from the top. You’ll be able to tie the top of the bag closed when your done. No more spilling dirt all over the place!

Open your potting soil with a vertical silt so you'll be able to close it more easily when you are done. Open your potting soil with a vertical silt so you'll be able to close it more easily when you are done. Tie a cute little bow and no more soil spills!

Step 4: Water with a Sprinkle, Not a Flood

Plants appreciate a good drink, but let’s not turn this into a water park comedy. Be mindful not to overflow their new digs; a gentle sprinkle will do. Imagine it’s a sophisticated tea party for your seedlings, not a wild pool party.

Water newly repotted seedlings, but be gentle; you don't want to drown or hurt the delicate plants.

Step 5: Sunlight Serenade

Just like us, plants need their daily dose of Vitamin D. Place them in a spot where they can bask in the sunlight, not in a dark comedy corner. Let them soak up the rays, and watch them flourish like little botanical superstars.

Repot your seedlings if it is too early to put them outside, but they are getting too big for their starter pots.

And there you have it – the not-so-serious guide for seedling repotting. Remember, it’s all about creating a pleasant environment where your green friends (and you) can thrive. Happy repotting, and may your plants enjoy their new homes!

Stay tuned, because now that there are some open starter pots, I’ll be trying to grow Celery for the first time this year… It should be an interesting project!