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.

Great Denver Gardens-Off Season Preparation is Essential to Having a Great Garden.

Great Denver Gardens - Off Season Preparation is Essential to Having a Great Garden.

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

Denver’s is snow finally melting and temperatures are forecasted to stay in the 40’s and 50’s for the next week or two. Now is a good time to get the rest of the leaves cleaned up in your garden. Some bushes need to be rejuvenated or just cleaned up. Adding mulch to your garden will make your yard have color during the bleak days ahead until spring. A little extra care now can make your Denver garden healthy and vigorous this growing season.


Plant growth is stunted when disease is present. Many plant pathogens over winter in the leaves of the plants they effect. Removing these leaves from the garden will seriously decrease the risk of pests and diseases being present this next gardening season. With perennials last years leaves have lost their color and began new basal growth (new lush green growth at the bottom or base of the plant). These plants need to have the old growth of the plant cut off and removed from the garden. Remember, most perennials die back to their base and begin new growth for the next season. Bushes are similar, yet are more specialized since their growth produces lignins which strengthen the previous years growth.


Shrubs are also termed as a “woody plant” since these chemicals produced affect the strength of the shrub, usually allowing it to grow much larger than a perennial. They also will produce new buds towards the end of the growing season which are where the new leaves or beautiful flowers are produced for the following Denver spring. It is important to understand the bushes characteristics, such as whether the buds will be flowers or leaves, before pruning any branches of shrubs in your garden. If necessary it is important to revitalize the shrub when growth gets too old or to remove any spent flowers such as rose hips or other seed pods created last year. Branches that cross each other and which might rub together should be removed as well. All debris such as branches and the extra leaves stuck between newly branches should be removed to give your garden a wonderfully clean look.


When the garden is clean of all leaves and debris, mulch should be the next consideration. There are a few varieties of mulch to choose from. Shredded cedar and bark mulch are the by far the most popular selected. They add a lovely touch to any home or business in Denver or Greenwood Village. Various people also appreciate a more recycled and colored mulch. Metro mulches are produced from construction waste, tree limbs and other recycled products. These woody materials, once recycled and steam treated to reduce weed seeds, are stained different colors to accent your house or commercial building. Mulch beautifies your property and by helping to retain water in the soil, enriches the life of all plants in your garden.


Great gardens, whether in Golden, Denver, Lonetree or Greenwood Village, are based upon the preparation provided when plants are not visibly growing. Your garden‘s, whether residential or commercial, risk for disease is reduced as leaf debris and pruning debris is removed. A well groomed woody plant or shrub, from pruning, makes for healthy, vigorous growth in the upcoming spring season.
Mulch will give some color to the bleak winter days where your garden plants sits seemingly idle. If these items are out of your skill range or if you just do not have the time, give us a call (303) 433 - 3750 and we can help you have A Better Garden.

Winter Garden Maintenance - Things to do in January in your Denver Garden and across Colorado’s Front Range.

Winter Garden Maintenance - Things to do in January in your Denver Garden and across Colorado’s Front Range.

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

In Denver there are many things which still need to be done in your garden. Dormant pruning is much needed in most gardens in the Denver Metro area. Topdressing new organic mulch is something which can be done to help retain moisture and enhance the color of the garden. Some things such as watering and finishing clearing out leaves from your garden can only be done when snow is not covering your garden areas.




Some bushes or shrubs sometimes need to be trimmed in the fall or winter to allow them to grow properly the next year. Butterfly Bushes (Buddleia davidii), Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris candensis), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), and other shrubs which just finished blooming later in summer and fall need to be cut back to approximately three inches (3”) off the ground. Be careful not to prune bushes such as lilacs (Syringa spp.) or forsythia (Forsythia spp.). Some shrubs such as Red or Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea or Cornus sericea flaviramea; repstectively), need to have the old wood carefully removed from the bush to allow new colorful growth.




Color and texture is also added by installing or topdressing mulch in your gardens. Mulch has many beneficial effects and can be detrimental if not used properly. Mulch helps retain water and keeps the soil cooler beneath the mulch layer. It also protects plants from this harsh Colorado climate. Remember, mulch should only be applied to a depth of no more than four inches (4”). When more than four inches of mulch is applied other issues may occur. Things such as locking up nutrients, not allowing air to enter into the soil and absorption of water by the mulch can occur when too much mulch is applied. Adding mulch is a hugely beneficial aspect and should not be neglected in the Denver Metro Area.




When mulch is applied it is a great time to water the areas to help add weight to the mulch, evenly distribute the mulch and add water to the soil. Deeply watering trees, shrubs, perennials and even your lawn will dramatically effect their growth in the spring and summer. Deep watering during the winter and early spring, when sprinkler systems are shutdown, allows roots to penetrate the soil. Deeper roots means more root area, which allows plants to absorb more water & nutrients which increases survival in Denver’s semi-arid climate. (***Remember water should only be applied when there is no snow covering the ground and the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.)




Get out in your garden and get prepared for the upcoming gardening season. What is done now dramatically effects the health of your garden. Help your Denver garden get started growing the right way this spring by watering, leaf cleanup, adding mulch to the proper depth and pruning your garden correctly.




A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC is here to provide assistance or to fully take control and help you have A Better Garden. Call us today, (303) 433 - 3750, to setup a Garden Maintenance Contract or Lawn Maintenance Contract for your Denver Area business or home garden. Remember we also offer snow removal services including Snow Plowing, Snow Shoveling and De-icing Services.

Gardening Gift Ideas

Gardening Gift Ideas

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

With the holiday season upon us, probably the last thing on your mind is next year’s gardening. With as much as you invest into the holiday season, you have invested that much more into your home and landscape. A well done landscape actually increases property value, decreases stress levels due to an aesthetic environment and presents you and your home at its best. So, while during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, next year’s hyacinths may be the last thing you think about, take the time now to meet with our professionals at A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC and get your gardening contract for next year all set up. We have a proven track record of providing excellent service with a sharp eye for detail and will give your lawn and garden the care that it deserves. So treat yourself this holiday season and have the peace of mind that your investment is in good hands. You can also treat your loved ones to the same special treatment by getting them a landscaping gift certificate for Christmas! Call us at 303-433-3750 or contact us through our website at www.abtrgarden.com. Have a great holiday season!

Fall Bulb Planting

Fall is the Time to Plant Your Bulbs

By:Whitney Gronseth

A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

The best time to plant your beautiful spring flowers like Tulips, Hyacinth, Daffidols, Crocuses, Red and Yellow Crown Imperials, Spring Starflowers, Early Snow Glories, Dwarf Irises, etc is early fall. In order to get the deepest root and the best spring bloom, these bulbs should be planted when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees or lower. Not sure what to plant? Our experts here at A Better Garden Maintenance can assist you in choosing which flowers and colors will make your spring garden look its best. Call (303) 433-3750 now to schedule planting. You can also contact us through our website http://www.abtrgarden.com/.

Container Gardening - Not just for Annual Flowers

Container Gardening - Materials & Preparation is Critical!

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

Concrete and patios should not limit the garden potential you have at your homeor business. In these concrete porches, paver patios, and other open space you can have beautiful color and even produce vegetables. Installing tomato plants along with marigolds will brighten up the grey and give you delicious mile high city ripened tomatoes for those summer salads.



Container gardens do take more maintenance, yet the reward is worthwhile. If you choose to have a container garden, make sure toco use a large pot and the correct media (potting soil such as Miracle Grow can be used, but is not ideal). We use a special composition of media which specially for the needs of Colorado. If you are using Miracle Grow or a similar potting mix, adding peat moss and vermiculite helps by increasing water holding capacity for the media.

A few things to remember:

The media in pots dry out much quicker than soil in the ground. Pots should be watered daily and in some situations multiple times per day if in direct sunlight. Drip irrigation should be on a separate irrigation drip valve which is used to support only annual flowers and vegetables. Drip irrigation should only be regarded as a fail-safe and hand watering deeply should not be neglected in any circumstance.


Installing high grade media (soil) you ensure good root establishment and a higher ability to retain water. Media for container gardens should be replaced and fresh & clean media should be used one year to the next to prevent disease. This is similar to how farmers rotate crop to reduce pest populations.

Ensure you have a large enough clay pot, container or plastic liner. This has many positive affects survive the heat and drying effect of direct sunlight. An added trick to help to protect expensive clay pots is the added use of a liner. A liner is a plastic pot, or insert, to allow reduced pressure and corrosion of the container. Each type of flower and vegatable has differing rooting structures and rooting depths. Having a deep liner or pot helps maximize growth and flowering.


To maintain healthy plants, the contents of a containers with flowers or vegatables should be checked daily for correct moisture if it is not irrigated. In the case of flowers, dead/dying flowers and seed pods should be removed to increase and rejuvenate bloom. Vegatables, such as tomatoes, produce their fruit (in this scenario, tomatoes) from flowers. These flowers can be thinned to increase size of each tomato or to help establish the plant in the beginning. Research the type of plant you are going to plant in your Denver container garden or have A Better Garden Maintenance help you with your gardening needs.


Contact us today if you would like to have a beautiful variety of flowers to accent your Denver business or Greenwood Village residence.

Garden Cleanup is Here- Schedule now to get prompt service

Spring Garden Cleanup is Here- Schedule now to get prompt service

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

Already the grass is starting to show a little green through the yellow straw. The garden is bursting with the first buds of spring. Color is sinking back into the world around us. Tulips and hyacinth will be emerging and giving the hope of color and warmer weather. Daffodils will be shining brightly in the midst of the garden. In May, the Tall Bearded Iris will be blooming. All this is possible by making sure the garden has been cleaned, planted and maintained properly.

Many landscapes are built through a lifetime of labor. Even when landscape construction happens there is something else that is an afterthought. A touch the designer didn't think was desired can be added by a small construction crew or by gardeners. The amending, planting bulbs & perennials, trimming back bushes properly, mowing the lawn at the right height (most home lawns require to be cut at 2 1/2" - 3"). Hand weeding, restoring mulch, and watering properly all lend to having a well groomed yard or commercial property. All processes of leaf & garden cleanup(spring cleanup, fall cleanup), regular mowing at a proper height(cutting no less than 1/3 of the grass blade at any one time), lawn core aeration (spring & fall), fertilizing (slow release granular 3-4 times per year), proper watering methods (deep, less frequently instead of shallow, frequently) all lend to a synergism allowing your lawn, garden, retail business or office park to look its best.

Spring Leaf & Garden Cleanup - Yard Restoration and Renovation

Spring Leaf & Garden Cleanup - Yard Restoration and Renovation

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

The snow is melting and the garden areas are being exposed. Now, before the buds break on the shrubs and trees, it is time to remove the leaves and debris from the garden. The leaves being left in the garden can cause issues with pests and disease. It is a great thing to remove the potential hassle and it makes the lawn & garden look great.

Here is an example, the garden below was not cleaned up for two (2) landscaping & gardening seasons.
"Accumulation of leaves & debris in the garden can cause disease and pest issues"

The important things to remember for a spring garden clean-up;

1. Cut back perennials to the "basal growth." Basal growth is the new soft shoots coming out of the base of the plants in your Denver garden. You should not have any dead plant material left on the garden perenials unless it is the shoot leading to the fresh groth.


2. Remove any overgrown sections. Gardening is about what you want to see; if you do not appreciate how the garden looks it needs to be pruned to make it look nice.


3. Large shrubs should be trimmed as needed by their species. Some shrubs such as Dogwoods are thinned to allow new colored wood. Lilacs need to be pruned after flowering in the spring. Some shrubs need to be pruned for a gradual renewal also known as sheering. Some shrubs might need to be fully rejuvenated. Schedule a gardener to come out and perform this service if you are unsure.


4. Rose bushes need to have the winter dieback and rose hips pruned out. Sometimes thinning cuts and new trellising/posting are needed to support bushes.


5. Broken Branches should be cleaned up to provide a proper & clean cut for the plant to heal.


6. Weeds should be pulled by hand or sprayed chemically to reduce issues throughout the season.


7. Leaves & garden debris should be removed with a wire rake first and then a blower should be used to give a clean garden area.


8. Top Dressing of all organic mulch beds should only be done as needed (mulch should not be deeper than 4 inches)

Below is the same picture after the garden had a spring garden cleanup was performed.

Reclaiming a garden is not only possible but a reality when we help you have A Better Garden.

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A SPRING CLEANUP.

(303) 433 - 3750

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #2)

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #2)

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

Soil Compaction can be cause by many sources. Farming equipment, such as trucks and tractors, can lead to fragipan. Earth moving equipment can also cause compaction. Pastures can even be compacted by animals when field are wet (McMahon 147). That means even lawn mowers and people can cause compaction in their own lawn & garden. Especially when the soil is wet. These compacted soils have a higher Bulk Density. As the Bulk Density goes up, the pore space goes down.



Pore space is a needed part in the growth of any plant; grass, roses, corn, tomatoes, flowers. Remember, Field Capacity is the point where there is an equal amount or distribution of water and air in the soil profile. Plants need both air and water to survive. Compacted soils do not allow water, air or roots to penetrate easily. Water, air and roots are necessary for a healthy enviroment to grow plants and sustain the ecosystem for other organisms (Utah.gov).



Works Cited



McMahon, Margaret, Anton Kofranek, Vincent Rubatxky. Hartmann’s Plant Science: Growth, Development, and Utiliazation of Cultivated Plants. Upper Saddle River. Prentice Hall, 2002.



Utah.gov. Utah Department of Natural Resources. 12 Nov. 2002





Part #3 will be on Soil Temperature