DENVER — As we continue to plant annuals, it's important to evaluate the risks.
No matter how hot it is during the day, low night temperatures can stunt and damage heat-loving vegetables and flowers
Lows in the 30s and low 40s are just too cold for plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Even if they don't die, the cold can stunt them. They may fail to thrive. No amount of fertilizer can compensate.
Vulnerable vegetables include: beans, corn, cucumbers, melons, squash, eggplant, peppers, basil and tomatoes.
Vulnerable ornamental plants include: coleus, sweet potato, geranium, marigold, ageratum, zinnia, impatiens, bloodleaf, begonia, salvia and cannas.
When nights remain reliably above 50 degrees, it's safe to plant the heat-lovers. In the meantime, place them outside and expose them to the sun gradually. Then bring them inside at night.
Another key to growing great annuals in soil. Premium potting soil mixes are worth the price. A bag of wood chips is not soil.
It's fine to reuse your potting soil from year to year. Mix in fresh new bagged soil and homemade compost to keep it fertile and nutritious.
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