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 soil, high winds, and poor rainfall distribution, as well as sparse rainfall in some areas. All of these factors combine to make vegetable gardening difficult above 7,500 feet. However, by using technology imaginatively, these problems can be reduced if not conquered.
The vegetable species that 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.
Hayden, Colorado is at an elevation of 6,337 feet and has a mean temperature of 42.2 degrees F. The growing period is around 84 days with the average last frost around June 10th and the average first frost occurring around September 14th.
Oak Creek, Colorado is at an elevation of 7,400 feet. The growing period for the area is around 49 days with the average last frost occurring around June 20th and the first frost happens around August 10th.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado is at an elevation of 6,770 feet, with a mean temperature of 38.5 degrees F. The growing period is approximately 59 days with the last frost around June 15th and the average first frost occurring around August 18th.
For more cool weather gardening information, pick up a copy of “A Guide To Rural Living & Small Scale Agriculture” , or check it out on our web site.
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