Gardening Basics in Northwest Colorado
Climatic limitations related to local land features and high elevation result in short growing seasons with unexpected frosts, poor cold air drainage, low nighttime temperatures, cold soid, high winds, and poor rainfall distribution as well as sparse rainfall in some areas. All fo these factors combine to make vegetable gardening difficult above 7500 feet. However, by using technology imaginatively, these problems can be diminished if not overcome.
The vegetable species which may be planted 4 to 6 weeks before the frost-free date for a particular area are broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, green onions, peas, potatoes, spinach, and turnips. Potato tops may freeze back to the soil level, but new shoots will be generated by the seed piece. Beets, carrots, chard, and radish may be planted 2 to 4 weeks prior to the frost-free date. All of these are considered cold hardy species and are recommended for the mountain gardener.
We are in the "Zone 3 & 4" on the plant hardiness zoning map.
The best resource for local gardening information is the
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Routt County
P.O. Box 772830,
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
phone (970) 879-0825
fax (970) 879-3992
e-mail: routt@coop.ext.colostate.edu
Related Links:
High Altitude Gardening
Gardening with Altitude
Plant Hardiness Zone Map
|
|
);)