Sunlight
“Full sun” generally means at least six hours of direct sunlight. Colorado afternoon sun is much more intense than gentle morning sun.
Garden & Spa CenterShop InventoryGarden advice
Local answers for Colorado growing.
Gardening here can be demanding. Start with the right plant, prepare the site, water deeply, and ask questions early.
Before you shop
Bring the details that lead to better recommendations.
Take clear photos of the planting area and any problem plants or insects. Measure the space, note how many hours of direct sun it receives, and describe how water moves through the area. For trees and shrubs, know the distance from buildings, sidewalks, utilities, and overhead lines.
For pest or disease questions, photograph the whole plant plus close-ups of leaves, stems, bark, and the problem itself. A sealed sample may help, but call before bringing insects or diseased material into the store.
Soil
Clay holds water but drains slowly; sandy soil drains quickly. Amendments and watering should match the actual soil rather than a generic recipe.
Water
New plants need consistent root-zone moisture while establishing. Deep watering is usually more effective than frequent surface sprinkling.
Elevation
Hardiness, frost timing, wind, and moisture can change quickly between Cañon City, Salida, Westcliffe, and surrounding areas.
Planting basics
Give roots the best possible start.
Check drainage
Know whether water drains away or sits in the hole. Poor drainage changes both plant selection and planting technique.
Dig wide, not unnecessarily deep
The top of the root flare or root ball should be positioned correctly for the plant and site. Avoid burying trunks or crowns.
Water the root zone
Create a watering basin when helpful and apply water slowly enough to soak into the surrounding soil.
Mulch correctly
Mulch helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, but keep it away from trunks and plant crowns.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common garden problems.
Why are my tomatoes splitting?
Fruit often splits after a dry period followed by heavy watering or rain. Keep soil moisture more consistent, mulch the root zone, and harvest ripe fruit promptly.
What should I use on my lawn?
Start by identifying the problem and season. Fertilizer, pre-emergent, weed control, insect control, and soil improvement products do different jobs. Bring the lawn size and photos so we can recommend the correct product and amount.
Why is my new tree struggling?
Common causes include planting depth, water that is too frequent or too shallow, poor drainage, trunk damage, heat, and incompatible site conditions. Photos of the whole tree, trunk base, leaves, and surrounding soil are helpful.
Can you identify a plant or insect?
Often, yes. Bring several clear photos showing the whole plant and detailed close-ups. For insects, include the plant where they were found and the damage they are causing.
When should I apply pre-emergent?
Apply before target weeds germinate and water it in according to the label. Once the barrier is established, avoid disturbing it with aeration or cultivation unless the product label says otherwise.
How much mulch do I need?
Measure the bed's square footage and choose the intended depth. Brady's can help convert that measurement into bags or bulk material.
Still not sure what you're seeing?
Bring photos and talk with the team at the location nearest you.