Plan a Colorado Vegetable Garden - A Rewarding Experience to Add to Your Family’s Activities.

Plan a Colorado Vegetable Garden - A Rewarding Experience to Add to Your Family’s Activities.

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Home grown vegetables are a great, healthy way to add nutrition to family meals. Planting a vegetable garden starts with timing of planting seeds, starting them indoors or buying vegetable starts from your local greenhouse. Along with this, you must consider how much area to devote to growing a crop and stagger planting time and variety to ensure a continuous harvest. Crop rotation is an important factor in reducing pathogens in your home garden. Home vegetable gardening is a rewarding experience and should be done to provide healthy food for your family


The first thing which needs to be done to have a good harvest is knowing when to plant each vegetable. Some seeds require what is known as stratification to have a seed germinate. Stratifying a seed can be accomplished by a thaw freeze cycle or even by washing away certain chemicals produced by the plant. Various seeds only germinate under the right temperature. This is why it is usually easier to research the veggies you are wanting grown in your garden to see the best way to plant the crop. A good choice is always to go down to a nursery and get plants which have already been started. Some gardening services also offer at the least installation, while others, such as A Better Garden Maintenance LLC, install, maintain and assist in harvesting your garden.


Planning spacing and which types of vegetables seeds to sow for the harvest can be a new experience. Along with the area devoted to supporting a plant of a specific crop, you must also look at use of the garden area in regards to shading, crop height, water usage and any effect on second plantings of fall season or cool season crops. Something to consider in a garden recommendation for planting does not mean the plant will be confined between these areas. Watermelon and squash are very invasive and can quickly cover lower and slower growing plantings. Planting these along your path will help in allowing this unutilized area to become a space to grow a juicy melon. Additionally tske a look at planting corn as this may cause a shading effect which will affect the crops grown behind and beside it.


You also want to consider planting based on having a continuous or prolonged harvest. This is done by planting every few days or choosing different cultivars of the same vegetable. Most vegetables have an estimated time to harvest based on field trials conducted. By considering sun, harvest time, invasiveness, and how to prolong your harvest you will have a garden which provides fresh vegetables for your family throughout the season.


Call now (303) 433 - 3750, if you need consultation for a vegetable garden in the Denver Metro Area. It is a great opportunity to work as a family or enjoy the fruit of your land. A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC is a full service lawn maintenance &, garden maintenance firm which offers services for both residential and commercial properties.

Be Prepared - Prepping for a Spring Garden in Denver

Be Prepared - Prepping for a Spring Garden in Denver

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Already most of your landscape is exposed since the majority of Denver’s snow has melted. Soon plants will start budding with new foliage and flowers. The lawn will need the first cutting, trimming and edging to make things look sharp. The lawn sprinkler system will need activated and all sprinklers repaired to start the growing season off right. Plan now in order to be prepared for Denver’s upcoming lawn mowing and garden maintenance season.


The twigs from shrubs protruding are looking bleak among the mulch and trees. The bare ground where your lush garden stood last year is still active and growing in your Denver garden. These apparently baron sticks will bring forth leaves and early spring flowers. Fruit trees will present their beautiful and fragrant blossoms. It is important to tend to these plants in the correct season to add consistent splendor to your Colorado garden.




Whether you live in Englewood, Golden, Lonetree, Greenwood Village or in the heart of Denver your lawn will need to be trimmed multiple times in April. This prevents shock and stress to the turf grass which occurs when you take off more than 1/3 of the grass’s leaf blade. Usually in the Denver metro area, a Denver lawn mowing contract would be from the beginning of April and last through the end October. During the first month and the last month of the lawn mowing season, April and October, the grass is usually only mowed twice due to the turf areas growing more slowly at these times. Irrigation systems for your lawn and garden might affect how quickly your grass grows.



A properly functioning lawn sprinkler system is essential in Denver. With our weather patterns always changing ,we never know when the next rainfall will occur. Your Denver lawn sprinkler system repair’s need to occur when the irrigation system is started up. All sprinkler zones need to be ran through and adjusted on a regular basis, weekly after mowing is best, through out the season while actively irrigating your residential or commercial landscape. Having your system tuned up by a qualified sprinkler repair technician is an important way to help prevent water waste from irrigating your lawn and garden.



A wise person prepares for and takes stock of what needs to be done. If you need some assistance, A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC provides full gardening & flower maintenance, lawn mowing contracts and sprinkler repair services. Call on us, (303) 433-3750, if you need help this year. Not only will your plants be healthier and happier, you will have A Better Garden.

Supplemental Water in a Colorado Landscape- Do I Need a Lawn and Garden Sprinkler System in Denver?

Supplemental Water in a Colorado Landscape- Do I Need a Lawn and Garden Sprinkler System in Denver?

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Colorado has a semi-arid, or a high plains desert, climate which needs supplemental water at times. Rainfall is inconsistent and sometimes sparse throughout Denver’s growing season. Automatic lawn and garden sprinkler systems are the best way to properly water the landscape at your Denver home or business. Just remember, most cities require contractors to pull permits and to be licensed & insured. It is important to make sure things are done correctly to prevent problems in the future.


Plants need supplemental irrigation to survive the high light intensity produced at the higher elevation of the Denver front range. The sun at our altitude can place more stress on plants at a much quicker rate. The rainfall varies from year to year. At times there is nothing but afternoon thundershowers which drench our lawns, gardens and Denver streets. Yet there is weeks of endless Colorado sunshine with high temperatures which cause drought conditions. These times make our parched plants scream for water to survive. During these periods of drought, water must be applied to prevent stress and provide healthy growth.


The best way to supplement water is with a system which efficiently provides it to the plant. It is important to ensure that the system is installed properly to achieve water wise management of the turf and garden areas. If a Denver lawn sprinkler system is not installed in a manner to irrigate similar areas with the same style of sprinkler head, or areas are not split to be ran by themselves, you will have water wasted in your landscape. Drip systems should be used whenever possible as the provide the water to the root of the plants, which deters a lot of foliage disease. Annual flowers for spring and summer color should be on a zone to allow them to be watered individually throughout the heat of the day. Make sure you hire a professional, with water wise experience, to design and install your Denver lawn sprinkler system.


At A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC we specialize in lawn sprinkler systems and garden drip irrigation systems. We provide lawn and garden sprinkler system renovations, design/build sprinkler systems based on pressure and available water, provide spring start-ups and sprinkler activation, install & service backflow devices, and also service the Denver metro area with a sprinkler repair technician & parts service. If your lawn is getting parched, needs a new sprinkler system or if you need to renovate your existing system to make it more water-wise we are here for you. Call us (303) 433-3750 to setup an appointment. Make sure you and your contractor understand the unique needs of your Denver lawn and garden landscape in order to have A Better Garden.

Setting Up Your Compost

By:Whitney Gronseth

A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Now is the perfect time to make that compost bin that you have been meaning to get to. But how do you do it? You can make one yourself for little or not cost, or you can buy one at a store at a higher cost, but with more convenience. One do it yourself option goes something like this; Get a large metal garbage can. Drill holes (or hammer a large nail through to make holes) every 3-4" all around the can, in rows about 3-4" apart. To turn the compost, you just tie the lid down with a bit of twine through its lid and the handles on the side of the can, tip the whole thing over, and roll it around the yard a bit. If you decide that you would like to save time and purchase one, you can find them at various home improvement and gardening stores. Prices range from very inexpensive to a bit costly depending on the quality and features of the bin.

Now that your compost bin is set up, now what do you do? First, make sure that you place your compost bin some where away from the house in a shady area. Direct sunlight will dry the compost out. Next, put dry leaves or newspaper in the bottom of the bin. Fill it to about 1/8 – 1/4 full. Now take dirt from your garden and fill it to the half way point of your bin. Now take various organic scraps and paper products and place them in the bin. These are things like eggs shells, orange rinds, grapes, paper towels, etc. Next stir your compost bin, making sure that the scraps are covered with dirt. Spray the mix with lukewarm water till it’s moist, but not soaking wet. Add food scraps every couple of days ensuring that you stir it every time you add something. You will need to wait a few months before using your compost. Make sure that you save at least a third of it so you can make new compost as needed.

There are some common problems that you may run into with your compost bin. First is smell. If it’s far enough away from the house, you may not need to worry about this. But if it does start to become noticeably smelly it is either too wet or has too many un-decomposed scraps in it. Hold off on adding any more water and scraps for a few days and make sure to stir it well. You may also run into our furry friends and insects getting into your compost bin. First make sure not to put any meat in your compost bin. This will attract them like fruit flies. Speaking of fruit flies, if this becomes a problem, add dry soil to the top of the mix. You can also add ammonia to the compost. This will make sure that mice, raccoons, etc. stay out.

Once your compost is ready, you will still need to keep it in the shade for a few days before use. This is because the material is still producing heat from decomposition and will harm or kill the plants that you put it on. Take off the lid and put it into the shade and out of the rain. Leave it there for a few days and when the bin is cool to the touch, your compost is ready for use!

Take the time now to ensure that your garden is beautiful this summer. Call 303-433-3750 for all of your gardening needs and start making your garden healthy now!

Winter Watering

Winter Watering

By:Whitney Gronseth
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

It may seem out of place to be worrying about watering your lawn and other plants during the winter time. However, in Colorado's dry climate, your yard does need to be watered throughout the year. We are blessed with many sunny days and this makes it so that there is not a consistent snow cover. Without the snow cover on the lawn, your grass does not get the water that it needs (it is alive year round) and can be damaged this way. Watering in the winter is only done when there is no snow cover on the ground and it is above 40 degrees outside. You can most easily accomplish this by hand watering. Check you lawn and perennials every 4-6 weeks throughout the winter season to make sure that they are getting enough water for what they need throughout the winter months. Call 303-433-3750 for your winter watering needs.

Snow and Ice Removal

By:Whitney Gronseth
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

One of the great advantages to living in Colorado is our winter weather. With so much sunshine and milder temperatures, we are not under a snow pack throughout the entire winter. However, our brief yet intense and somewhat frequent storms can create quite a snow and ice headache that must be attended to. In Denver and surrounding areas, there are county and city ordinances that exist on residential snow removal. Most are that the home or property owner has 24 hours after the cessation of a storm to have all sidewalks and access cleared of snow and ice. Ignoring this can cost you. The first time fine for this is $100.00 and successive citations come with a maximum penalty of $1000.00 and 90 days in jail.



Another aspect to all this is ice removal. Ice forms and reforms long after the storm is gone and this to can open you up to serious liability. Property owners, lessors, property managers and landlords all liable for any injury incurred on property that is not correctly and properly maintained. This is called premises liability law. Ice patrol fulfills your obligations as a property owner, lessor, property manager and landlord and makes your property safe and hazard free.



When shoveling your own property keep in mind a few things; Make sure that you clear the whole sidewalk as well as an edging of grass. This way when the snow melts it not only avoids water running onto the sidewalk (which will re-form into ice) but it also directs the water onto your lawn. This is important as your lawn requires watering in the winter too. Don’t apply ice melt during the storm itself. This will also melt the snow as it falls which will just create more ice. Ice melt should be applied after the storm when more snow will not be added to the ice that you are trying to get rid of.



Besides convenience, having a snow removal service frees you from worry and time expended into keeping your property free of snow and ice. At A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC we provide professional and reliable snow removal services to the entire Denver Metro area. Contact us at (303) 433-3750 to schedule your snow removal services today. You can also contact us at www.abtrgarden.com.

First Snow Storm of the Year! Snow Removal Contracts Still Available.

First Snow Storm of the Year! Snow Removal Contracts Still Available

By:Whitney Gronseth
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

With the first snow fall of the year, many of us have been caught off guard. Snow removal is back breaking labor that is necessary when one has a property. Whether yours is residential or commercial, A Better Garden Maintenance can professionally and quickly remove snow to make access and use of your property easy during this winter season.

Even though the first snow has akready here, it is not too late to get your snow removal contract with A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC. Contact us for both commercial and residential snow removal contracts at (303) 433-3750. You can also contact us at our website at www.abtrgarden.com.

Denver Lawn Aeration - Get your Denver lawn aerated to aid the care of the turf grass.

Denver Lawn Aeration - Get your Denver lawn aerated to aid the care of the turf grass.

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The seasons are changing and it is becoming time to aerate turf grass areas. In all situations it is recommended to use a core plug aerator. This allows plugs of soil, thatch and roots to be pulled on top of your lawn. These plugs laying on your lawn are an important part of keeping a healthy lawn.





A good lawn care regiment, for a healthy turf grass, always includes, at minimum, a spring aeration. All full service lawn maintenance contracts offered by A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC offer a spring aeration, along with three fertilizations and two broadleaf applications. Additional aerations are a set price and may be requested whenever we are providing the service.





It is important to recognize the benefits of an aeration especially in the Denver metro area. Metro areas soils are generally clay and do not promote root grow as much as would be promoted in a silty loam. Remember, this process allows air & water to enter and leave the soil profile. The plugs left on top of the grass areas introduce soil microbes to the thatch layer. This in turn brings the thatch layer organic matter into the soil profile, decreasing risk of disease in the soil.





Email us at abettergarden@abtrgarden.com to setup an appointment or call us at (303) 433 - 3750. Let us work together to meet your needs to have A Better Garden.

Fall is great for New Sod - The time to install sod, shrubs and seed is now.

Fall is great for New Sod - The time to install sod, shrubs and seed is now.

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The summer is winding down and fall is on its way, yet now is a perfect time to think about next year. In the fall you should take time to make sure your contract for lawn, sprinkler and garden maintenance is in order, get new shrubs installed, get a lawn sprinkler system installed and even get a new sod lawn installed. Any and all of these items are great things to have performed in the Fall. The thing to remember, any plants installed in the fall must be hand watered throughout the winter months. During Denver's fall and winter months, plants are still active and need water.



Plants being active during the winter in Colorado is actually a good thing. During the fall in Denver, the above ground temperature drops dramatically while the soil temperature is buffered. The protected soil still has the trapped energy of summer to allow roots of plants to continue to grow during the winter and spring. In winter wheat, the process of roots growing laterally is known as tillering. Colorado farmers plant wheat plants in the fall to allow better establishment of the "stand," by tillers, for the next seasons crop. This is great since the newly installed sod is looking to establish roots. By planting in fall, you reduce the immediate heat stress conditions and encourage good rooting of the freshly laid lawn in Golden, Littleton, Arvada or Greenwood Village. Whichever city you live in, it is a good time to plant in the Denver Metro Area.


Yes, the hose needs to be dragged, a water trailer utilized, the irrigation system reactivated to water your new or established plants. The alternative option is to pay someone to perform the services above, which are offered by A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC., over the winter months for your newly installed plants & established plants. Anytime the winter temperatures are above 40 degrees farenheit with no snow on the ground, it is recommended to water all plant material(sod, perennials, shrubs, sod & turf areas). It is recommended to deeply water to allow deeper penetration and deeper establishment of roots.


There is something more important to root establishment in newly planted areas then just watering. The ability for the roots to grow though the soil and the ability of the soil to hold water is important as well. This is increased by ammendment of the soil by adding composted manure and rototilling. Various cities require a different number of yards of composted manure per thousand square feet. I recommend and install approximately five (5) cubic yards composted manure per thousand square feet. This is done prior to grading the areas which will have sod installed. It is important to make sure the grading is done correctly(away from the house, proper drainage, etc.) and is smooth without rocks or large chunks/clods of dirt. When installing sod, it should be layered with the second row of sod being a half piece off laterally to prevent gaps and the help prevent the sod from rolling.



Watering is the best way to prevent gaps and rolling of the newly installed sod. The soil below the sod needs to be saturated to not shock the sod. As soon as the sod has been installed the areas should be watered and then placed on a regular schedule to water the sod at least three to four times a day for the first three to four weeks. After that point the regular irrigation schedule should suffice but should not be depended upon. If the plants look stressed, water should be applied.
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If there are any questions or if you would like to get an estimate for sod, sprinklers, or maintenance give me a call (303) 433 - 3750 or send an email to abettergarden@abtrgarden.com .

Rain Smart Technology - Update your controller and have options.

Technology - Update your controller and have options.

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

It is amazing to see the progression of the green industry in Colorado. Ten years ago we had just started installing user friendly controllers with rain sensor shutoffs for lawn sprinkler systems. In 2009 we now have irrigation controllers which can have soil moisture sensors, internet connections to your own computer and even soil salt content sensors. We even have controllers based off evapotranspiration (ET Controllers) specific to the immediate area based on a variety of factors and soil conditions.





Whether you just need a basic controller to turn on your denver lawn sprinkler or want a complete computer based irrigation system for Greenwood Village estate, we can help. A Better Garden is here to provide any sprinkler repair service and renovation across the Denver Metro Area. Here at a Better Garden we also provide basic maintenance in dealing with sprinkler shut offs / sprinkler blowouts /sprinkler winterizations and other irrigation repairs.

Randy Penns Iris Garden - Directions to the Iris Garden

Randy Penns Iris Garden - Directions to the Iris Garden

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

It is still a little early since Iris will be in bloom come May-June. I will be having a blog up here to hopefully give dates of bloom for varieties at Randy Penn's Iris Garden. Check out http://www.abtrgarden.com/iris_garden.html come May and it should be running.

If you need directions, the Iris Garden is in Englewood, CO:

Approximate address, if mapquesting, is
4110 S Huron Ct, Englewood, CO 80110-4529

General Directions to Randy Penn's Iris Garden:

Coming from the North (Downtown Denver & Arvada Area):

If you are coming north from Denver, the easiest way to take is Santa Fe Blvd/Hwy-85. From I-25 in Denver take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the South (Littleton and Highlands Ranch Area):

If you are coming South from Littleton, the easiest way to take is Santa Fe Blvd / Hwy-85. From C-470 in Highlands Ranch take Santa Fe North to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the East (East Denver and Centennial):

If you are coming East from East Denver the easiest way to take is Hampden Ave / Hwy-285. From Hampden Ave / Hwy-285, take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Coming from the West (Morrison, Golden, Lakewood, etc):

If you are coming West from Lakewood or Morrison, the easiest way to take is Hampden Ave / Hwy-285. From Hampden Ave / Hwy-285, take Santa Fe South to Oxford Ave in Englewood. Go East on Oxford Ave. into Englewood. The Iris Garden is located on the South side of Oxford at Huron Ct.. This is about halfway between Broadway and Santa Fe in Englewood.

Winter Watering

Winter Watering

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The Denver area is considered to be a semi arid climate. Essentially this makes our front range community a desert. Infrequent rainfall and snowfall do not put much moisture in our soil. This is especially true with moisture from a snow event. Even with a 3 inch snowfall, we only receive around a quarter inch of precipitation. We almost never receive enough rain or snowfall to support the true need of the plants in our yards. This moisture needs to be supplemented.

The addition of water during the winter months is a critical addition to the health of all plants (pansies, perennials, shrubs and trees). These plants do not shut down over the winter as it appears. The lack of moisture can cause dehydration of the branches and stems. When this happens in trees, it cause either winter die back or weakens the cells in the branches. This is a process called "cavitation." Essentially the cavities of the xylem, with which the plants pull up water, are destroyed and no water can pass through. This not only affects the physiology of the plant, but also the structural integrity. Winter Watering, done in the correct fashion, can help deter these effects.

Winter watering should only be performed when the air temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watering should only be performed during daylight hours to reduce the possibility of creating ice. Use of a watering wand with shut-off on the handle is recommended. During the winter a garden should be watered as much as necessary and as the weather permits.

Thank you for reading. Please visit us on the web at http://www.abtrgarden.com/ .

We hope these tips will help you have A Better Garden.