DENVER — A few chilly nights doesn't mean that gardening season is over. Plenty is still happening.
Tomatoes, which took a break in production during the hottest days, are producing again. So are other vegetables. The lettuce that we planted just three weeks ago is flourishing. You can extend its season by covering the plants when it gets colder. If you're a balcony gardener, you can plant lettuce in a pot.
In the borders, one unusual bulb is commanding attention - colchicum, also known as meadow saffron. The flowers may be pink or white and resemble a giant crocus. The double form called 'Waterlily' is especially striking. Its flowers emerge in fall without leaves; the leaves appear in spring. Colchicums are native to high meadows in Europe and settle in well here. The bulbs are available at garden centers now and must be planted in fall. Animals don't mess with colchicums because they're poisonous.
Asters are coming on strong. Blooming mainly in shades of purple and white, these tough, easy-to-grow perennials are an important late food source for bees. They can be planted now. Just give them plenty of space.
We can also return to planting pansies. Pot them up now for an extended display on your porch or patio. Pansies are very cold tolerant and sometimes live through the winter. With luck, we may have pansy flowers well into December.
More Proctor's Garden
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
RELATED: Late summer garden gems
RELATED: Tips to protect plants from the heat