
Colorado-Specific Gardening Tips: What To Grow & How To Keep Plants Thriving
If you are gardening in Colorado you must be the kind of person who loves a challenge. Making your yard look its best means solving a puzzle that is the state's diverse climate, accounting for high elevation, and factoring in the variable soil conditions in your area.
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Keep reading to learn three important tips for successful gardening in Colorado and more about some of the plants that do very well along the Western Slope in places like Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose.

Climate-Adapted Plants Best for Colorado
Successful gardening in Colorado starts with getting to know the native and drought-tolerant species of plants that thrive at a higher elevation. These plants often require less water, and less tlc, meaning your garden requires less maintenance. Plants that will look great in any Colorado garden include Rocky Mountain penstemon, blue columbine, and several types of sagebrush.
Everyone loves garden fresh veggies, right? Vegetables with shorter growing seasons like potatoes, kale, and spinach will do nicely.
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Effective Watering Practices for Colorado's Climate
The best gardens in Colorado use just the right amount of water which can take some practice. The Colorado Rocky Mountain School recommends a drip irrigation that delivers water to plant roots. Less water is lost to evaporation in arid regions like Colorado’s high desert.
Colorado gardens love mulch. Use it to keep the garden moist and at a consistent temp which can help slow down weeds. Organic mulches including straw or wood chips will work best.
Gardening & Colorado's Temperature Extremes
Keeping all the plants in your garden healthy means guarding them against Colorado’s extremely hot and cold temperatures. Row covers can protect plants from the surprise frosts that can extend into the growing season. In places like Mesa and Montrose counties, late spring and early fall frost have ruined plenty of plants so be ready to protect yours.
Windbreaks can also be a big help in Colorado, especially during the spring which can be the windiest time of year. Fences and hedges can go a long way to protect a garden from damage caused by these conditions.
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