Articles written by Mike Heath Laramie County Master Gardners
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Drought update September 2021
The drought of 2021 is now in full force in Laramie County. As of July we were the only county in Wyoming that was not being affected by the drought. At least most of the county. There were two small pockets in the extreme northeast and northwest...
Protect our Pollinators
For many years, I was told that bees only liked white and yellow flowers. That they would go to other colored flowers only when the first two were unavailable or in short supply. What a myth to...
Fall is upon us and so is harvest Part 2
Now that the harvest is finished it's time to do something with all of the delicious veggies. Or maybe, like me, you're still harvesting. I was out this morning picking crabapples. Normally I'm not...
Fall is upon us and so is harvest
This year I didn't plant much outside. Most everything is going into the hydroponic systems that haven't been built yet. What I did plant outside ended up being about four weeks late, but the harvest...
Edible Plants of Wyoming
This spring brought an abundance of wildflowers and other plants that I've never before seen, at least in the profusion that decorated my pasture. Quite a few of the plants were poisonous but one edib...
The Majestic Sunflower
They grow all by themselves. All along the roads, in pastures, in fields, in barrow pits, and in gardens. The can even show up in your flower beds and vegetable gardens. Sunflowers are everywhere this year. If you're a fan of sunflowers this is an...
Preparing your lawn for winter
If this week didn't get your attention I don't know what will. We usually keep the windows open at night during the summer and Wednesday night I wasn't sure it was still summer. Wednesday was hot but...
The Fair, 4H, FFA and You
Chalk up another year for the Laramie County Fair. Once again the fair was a week of controlled chaos as exhibitors rushed to get in their entries, set up for the competitions, then held their breath...
Water is Critical
So far Laramie County is doing pretty well according to the National Drought Monitor. There are parts of the county, though, that are in the abnormally dry range or drought. If you watch the map it...
Lavender
As I was considering topics for this week it occurred to me that it's been three years since I discussed lavender. If you haven't experienced the wonders, and joy, of lavender you'll be in for a...
Garlic Scapes
"No, that's not what I said. Not garlic, garlic scapes. Two different things." That's the gist of a brief conversation I had with a friend when I offered her some garlic scapes. It didn't dawn on me...
Xeriscaping
I've talked with several people in the last few weeks concerning lawns. FYI. Part of the Master Gardener program is helping people with plant issues, including lawns. To a person they are concerned...
Wyoming Drought conditions worsen
This year it’s easy to see how blessed we are to live in Laramie County. I have been talking about a severe drought that expected to occur in the west (including Wyoming) this year for the past two years. Well, folks, it’s here. I spoke to an...
Firewise Planning
I was fortunate to be invited to attend the Fire District 10 Annual Awards Picnic recently. Actually, Linda was invited and I attended as the Plus 1. If you don't know where District 10 is at they...
Wildflowers
For the last couple of weeks my wife has been trying to get me to mow the yard. I'm not saying she was wrong because, frankly, I've been a bit on the lazy/busy side and haven't wanted to take the...
Overgrazing your yard
There are a few places that cause me to cringe inside every time I drive past them. Every one is a home on a small acreage with a lot of horses. I think of one in particular that I see nearly every...
Cover crops for home gardens
I know. The first question you ask is, "Why use a cover crop? I only have a small garden." When we talk about cover crops we are talking specifically about vegetable gardens. Whether you have a small...
Weed season is here
Every time I think I'm going to get ahead of the chores something comes up and I fall further and further behind. Always so much to do and so little time. I thought I was about to get ahead with the...
Gardening with Children
Our granddaughter will be 20 months old this month and she loves to be outside with us. I know that she doesn't really have a clue what we are doing or any concept of why we are doing it but she does...
The Benefits of Animals to the Environment
Yesterday our Labrador was going nuts barking at something in the back yard. Linda went out to see what was going on and found a huge snake that slithered up the embankment behind the house. It was...
Almost Planting Time
I hope. I pray. Cross my fingers. Cross my toes. And whatever else I can cross. Warm weather, are you here to stay this time? I certainly hope so. Here it is almost May and we're still having some...
Spring Time is Green Time
I love Spring. I love the smell in the air. I love the chill of the wind off the mountains. And, most of all, I love to watch new life coming up from the ground and the new buds on the trees and...
Native Grasses
When I decided on the subject for this week I never thought it would still be winter at the end of April. It sure feels like it though. It's cold and snowy. So why am I talking about grass? I mean...
Raised Beds
Another question that came up often at the Cheyenne Home and Garden Show concerned raised beds and container gardening. The funny thing is that I was going to write on that topic anyway. Both of...
Extending your growing season
I've spent the last three days at the Ask-a-Master Gardener booth at the Cheyenne Home and Garden Show answering questions and providing assistance to many new gardeners and a host of experienced...
