Lettuce, spinach, broccoli and other cool-season crops bolt and become bitter during these hot summer days.  So if you haven't already pulled them from the garden now is the time to dig them up and reseed for harvest in September.

The first frost usually falls in mid-September, but can vary by a few days to a few weeks.  As the frost date approaches, be prepared to cover your garden.  There are several techniques that can extend the growing season well past the frost date.  Cold frames, grow tunnels, row covers and hot caps can be used to protect plants from frost damage.
 
 
Plant of the week
Plant of the week
Michelle Heronema, Nursery Manager for Bath, has picked the Seven Son Flower Shrub as plant of the week.  We have a few in stock, and they're just beginning to bloom!  Come check them out!

  • A deciduous shrub with distinct leaves and unusual peeling bark.  Small, white fragrant flowers are followed by bright red calyx in the fall.  Best in shrub borders or foundation planting against a dark background.  Needs regular watering - weekly or more in extreme heat.
  • Partial to full sun
  • Fast-growing, upright shrub reaching 20ft tall and 10-15ft wide
  • Fragrant, showy flowers
  • Attracts butterflies
 
 
Kristen's new friend surprises her with a wet shake
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Thanks to everyone who came out to help raise money for The Animal House, Saturday, July 10.  The Animal House washed more than 160 dogs and raised $2,000.

All the towels used to dry the dogs broke The Animal House washing machine!  If you have a washing machine you would like to donate, please contact The Animal House or call 970-224-DOGS.
 
 
Loveland Garden Tour
June 26 was the Loveland Garden Tour, a tour of landscapes that will inspire you to get outside and make your landscape beautiful.  Bath is a proud sponsor of the event each year, hosted by the Loveland Youth Gardeners.  To learn more about the Loveland Youth Gardeners, visit http://www.lovelandyouthgardeners.org.
 
 
T5 on sale at Bath Garden Center
This weekend only, T5 premiere lighting systems are 25% off.  The sleek design, and efficient flourescent lighting is perfect for starting seeds, overwintering plants, growing orchids, houseplants and more.  If you've ever considered supplemental lighting, this is the weekend to come check them out.
 
 
All 2" vegetables are now buy one, get one FREE!  If you need to replace any veggies that have been damaged by weather or insects, do it quickly!
 
 
Our $2.99 4-packs of petunias are now buy one, get one FREE!  Pick up a few to fill in bare areas in your landscape, or make a hanging basket!
 
 
We want to know how your garden is growing!  Please upload a picture, or share a tip you've learned as a gardener.  Your photos and advice will be posted on this blog at a later date.  Enjoy the rainy day!

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We've had several customers come in with tomato plants that have been damaged by herbicides.  Usually, the culprit is a 2, 4-D weed killer that has drifted from another yard.  Tomato plants are highly sensitive to herbicide exposure and the result is twisted, curling leaves.  The only remedy for this is patience.  Growth will stop for a few weeks, then resume as the plant recovers.  If the plant is seriously affected (more than half) consider replacing it with a healthy plant.  The herbicide will wash away after a couple rains and will not affect the fruit produced.

If you see a landscape crew in your area, ask them if they are spraying herbicides, then cover your plants.  Your HOA should inform you of herbicide applications as well.  You have the right to protect your plants!
 
 
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Eating local is the idea that food requiring less transportation leaves less of a carbon footprint, and it is also good for the local economy.  Bath recommends the most local food of all - a home garden!

Why grow your own food?

1. It tastes better, seriously.  Many foods start to lose flavor as soon as they're picked.  Most produce is picked at an immature stage to allow for easier shipping, so vegetables or fruits haven't reached their full flavor potential.

2. It's better for you.  Just as the flavor increases on the vine, so does the nutritional value.  Almost without fail, produce that is fresher has more vitamins and minerals that produce that is picked green.

3. You save money.  You might not see it right away due to the start up cost of a garden, but if you do your research and start your garden off right, you can greatly supplement your grocery costs.  Canning, freezing and pickling can take you through the winter months.

4. You get more variety.  Even the best grocery stores are limited to what is easy to grow and ship.  The variety of seeds available for the home garden is impressive and allows you to try foods you never knew existed.
 
Bath Garden Center and Nursery 2010