As the days start to lengthen and the snow begins to melt away, it's time to start thinking about your spring garden! For those living in Teller County, Colorado, with its unique high-altitude climate, knowing when to plant and what to expect throughout the growing season is crucial. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, following a Zone Gardening Calendar is one of the best ways to ensure your garden thrives.
Teller County falls within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4b to 5a, which means our winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°F, but our summers can still bring plenty of sunshine and warmth. Understanding your specific zone will help you choose the right plants for the climate and ensure a successful growing season. Here's a guide to help you plan for spring gardening in Teller County, starting with February and continuing through the warmer months.
February: Start Planning and Preparing
While it's still too cold to do much planting outdoors in February, it's the perfect time to start planning your garden for the coming season. Consider the following tasks:
Plan Your Garden Layout: Think about the types of plants you want to grow—whether it's vegetables, herbs, flowers, or shrubs. Take note of your garden's sun exposure and how much space each plant needs. Research which plants thrive in Zones 4b and 5a.
Order Seeds and Supplies: Start ordering your seeds now so they arrive in time for early spring planting
Start Indoor Seedlings: If you're planning to grow warm-season vegetables like tomatoes or peppers, start them indoors in seed trays under grow lights. The goal is to get them started early so they’re ready for transplanting when the weather warms.
March: Seed Starting and Garden Prep
As temperatures start to rise and the snow melts, it's time to start preparing your garden for the season. You can begin some of the following tasks:
Prepare Your Soil: Clear any remaining snow and debris from your garden beds. Turn over the soil and amend it with compost to improve its fertility and drainage.
Start Cold-Hardy Seeds Indoors: If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start seeds for cold-hardy crops such as lettuce, spinach, and peas. These plants can tolerate the occasional frost and can be transplanted outdoors in early spring.
Prune Trees and Shrubs: Early spring is a great time to prune your trees and shrubs before they start budding. This helps remove dead or damaged branches and encourages healthy new growth.
April: Early Planting and Soil Work
By April, the soil should be workable, and you'll be able to start planting some of the hardier plants. Here's what you should focus on in the garden:
Direct Sowing of Cold-Hardy Plants: Now that the soil has warmed up, you can start direct sowing cold-hardy vegetables like peas, carrots, radishes, and kale. These crops thrive in cooler weather and can be planted outside before the last frost.
Plant Perennials: Perennials like strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus can also be planted in April. These plants will return year after year, making them great for long-term gardens.
Watch the Weather: Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast for any late frost warnings. You may need to cover your young plants with row covers or cloth to protect them.
May: Warm-Season Planting
As the last frost date passes in May, the garden really begins to take shape. This is when you can begin planting your warm-season crops. Here’s what to focus on:
Plant Tomatoes, Peppers, and Herbs: If you’ve started warm-season plants indoors, it's time to harden them off by placing them outside for a few hours each day. After about a week of acclimation, you can plant them in your garden. Tomatoes, peppers, and basil do well in our growing zone when planted after the last frost.
Transplant Seedlings: Transplant any seedlings you've grown indoors into your garden beds. Be sure to space them properly for optimal growth.
Mulch Around Plants: Adding mulch around your plants helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature as the weather warms.
June through August: Growing Season Maintenance
During the summer months, your garden will require regular care. Here are a few tips to keep your plants healthy and thriving:
Watering: With Teller County’s dry air and fluctuating temperatures, it’s important to keep your garden well-watered. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Weeding and Mulching: Keep your garden beds free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching around your plants will help suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Fertilizing: Provide your plants with additional nutrients by fertilizing them regularly. Use an organic fertilizer, like compost or well-rotted manure, to keep your garden healthy.
September: Preparing for Fall
As the summer draws to a close, it’s time to start thinking about fall gardening. In September, you can:
Harvest Your Crops: Collect the fruits and vegetables that are ready to harvest. This includes tomatoes, peppers, squash, and pumpkins.
Plant Fall Crops: Consider planting cool-weather crops like broccoli, cabbage, and carrots to enjoy fresh produce throughout the fall.
October and November: Clean Up and Protect Your Garden
As winter approaches, it’s time to prepare your garden for the cold months ahead:
Clean Up Debris: Remove any dead plants or diseased foliage to prevent pests and disease from overwintering in your garden.
Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch around perennials to protect their roots from freezing temperatures.
Plan for Next Year: While you may be wrapping up this year’s garden, it’s never too early to start planning for next spring!
Starting a garden in Teller County requires careful planning and attention to the local growing conditions, but with the right knowledge and resources, it can be a rewarding experience. By following a gardening calendar tailored to our high-altitude climate and USDA Zones 4b to 5a, you’ll ensure that your garden flourishes year after year. For more gardening tips, supplies, and inspiration, visit Teller County Master Gardeners to get advice and purchase the materials you need.
Happy gardening! Let’s make this spring your best yet.
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