Garden The Plains

04/13/2026

Firewise Plant Materials

This is Colorado State University Extension Fact Sheet on Firewise Plant Materials. Since we are in an extreme drought, it is good to look over the plant materials and the defensible zones.
I worked on a team with other colleagues and the Colorado State Forest Service.

https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/firewise-plant-materials/

04/10/2026

Do You Want An Alternative to a Traditional Lawn?

Here is one suggestion: if you have a more shaded area-- a mix of clover and fine fescues. Fine fescues are among the most cold-hardy grasses besides Kentucky Blue and Zoysia japonica, which isn't recommended here. Fine fescues with their thin blades do well in shade. They are very drought-tolerant and thus, dry shade is the ideal place for this mixture.
Fine fescues are hardy to zones 3 and 4. Mixed with the clover is great for pollinators.
Clover and fine fescues together do well in shade and dry conditions.

Photo credit: University of Minnesota

04/09/2026

Have You Ever Attempted to Identify a Grass?

Keep this in mind. The best way to do that is by the seedhead. Often, the seedhead isn't there due to mowing. However, if you do have seedheads, do not be daunted by the size of the seed head or the number of seeds, because environmental factors can affect this.

The structure of the seed head and type are rarely affected by environmental conditions.

My point is that if a grass has a panicle, spike, or raceme, though it may differ in size, it remains true to its species.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

04/08/2026

For Those Who Like Dark-Leaved Lettuce or Organic

Truchas, Organic Lettuce Seed is a bronze-red miniature variety. The plants get 6-8 inches tall. Great for small spaces.

Photo credit: Johnny's seed

04/07/2026

MacDonald Rhubarb Crowns

This is a new variety that is root rot resistant. It is also cold-hardy and heat-tolerant.
It grows to a height of 24–36". It grows best in Zones 4–7. It should be divided annually if the crowns become crowded.

04/06/2026

May 13 - Trees in the West

Website -- https://treesinthewest.com/

04/03/2026

Tired of Tomatoes That Do Not Produce in Extreme Heat?

Try Kuzco (F1 Tomato Seed)

Determinate. It has a high degree of uniformity. Here is a list of the disease resistance:
Disease Resistance:
Alternaria Stem Canker (High)
Fusarium Wilt races 1–3 (High)
Gray Leaf Spot (Intermediate)
Tomato Apex Necrosis Virus (High)
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (Intermediate)
Verticillium Wilt (High)

Photo credit: Johnny's Seed

04/01/2026

Orange Easter Cactus ‘Colomba’ Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri

From the forests of Southern Brazil. The blossoms open in the morning and close at dusk.
It prefers filtered light. It needs well-drained soil. It takes moderate water and fertilization.

Photo credit: Logee's Greenhouse

03/31/2026

Plant A Tree Short Video

In this video, Denver Forestry staff share how to correctly plant two types of nursery trees: container and balled & burlapped. They explain the importance o...

03/30/2026

Rent Mason Bees Company

I did an interview with Thyra McKelvie, Managing Director and Global Solitary Bee Educator. Listen to the amazing work they do!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5N1iO0tbBjgmjhONiHJl1B?si=pN6UlruxTAGxeEy-xtlUdg

The Relentless Gardener · Episode

03/30/2026

Sonic Fire Tech Company

I have mentioned this before. But it bears repeating. They invented a backpack that puts out fire. How? NASA did the research a long time ago. It is based on 20 Hertz infrasound. We can feel it but not hear it because it is just below human hearing.
For combustion, you need three things: heat, fuel, and Oxygen.
This backpack sends out 20 hertz aimed at a tree on fire. What happens?
The oxygen molecule speeds up and outpaces the fuel. The fire goes out.

This company is a startup in California. This could be a new tool in our toolbox for fighting fires with less foam spray or water.

Please share this with your Fire Departments, Utility Companies, and Your Local Towns.

03/27/2026

Join Us This Weekend