In the Centennial State, your garden can flourish all year round. Yes – even during fall and winter! We have some great tips if you’re looking forward to off-season gardening. With proper care, your harvest will pay off in spring! Here are some considerations to take when starting a garden in the fall or winter:
Choose What to Plant
It can be tricky to get the hang of gardening in our part of Colorado, where the sun shines most of the year, but temperatures can dip quite dramatically. If you’re just getting started, be sure to choose plants that are known for thriving in cooler weather. There are several excellent choices, including:
–Root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and turnips. These crops are low maintenance and do exceptionally well in cold weather, so you won’t have to worry too much when the temperatures drop below freezing.
–Cabbage and greens. Cabbage and greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens are known to be cold-weather resistant and can add some colorful nutrition to your meals. Their abundant leaves also add texture and visual appeal to your garden.
–Onion family. Onions are a staple in many recipes, and when they’re cared for properly, they can survive even the harshest weather conditions. When selecting seedlings for your Colorado garden, look for onion, garlic, leeks, and chives varieties.
–Perennial herbs. With a little extra care, herbs such as horseradish, tarragon, and chives can reliably survive frosts. Plus, these herbs add depth to many recipes.
Invest in Row Covers
The soil will need some TLC to keep your garden growing throughout the year’s coldest months. Even the most demanding plants can’t survive for long if the soil freezes, so you’ll need to monitor the temperature of your garden beds. If you’re using raised beds, take the protection up a notch by installing row covers. These covers are a low-maintenance way to provide humidity-trapping insulation that raises the temperature around the plants.
Continue Watering
It’s a common misconception that snowfall will provide adequate water for crops. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Unlike rainwater, which can easily penetrate the soil, snow remains frozen on the top layer until it thaws. To ensure that your garden stays hydrated, keep watering as needed. Aim for warmer parts of the day when the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plant Cover Crops
Cover crops are another way to support plants that need extra help through the colder months. These crops enrich the soil with vital nutrients and require little attention during the coldest parts of the year. Before selecting the best cover crops for your garden, evaluate your crops’ specific needs and consider what will grow well during the winter. For example, fava beans, rye, and wheat are excellent for infusing the soil with nitrogen and can easily be removed once spring arrives.
In Colorado, there’s no reason to close up shop on your garden if you want to continue during the fall and winter. With some planning and special care, plants can flourish during the colder months and provide a bountiful spring harvest. If you’ve been dreaming of a yard perfect for gardening, we’d love for you to explore our move-in-ready homes at Independence. We also have a community garden for your enjoyment! To learn more about our conservation community in Elizabeth, please contact our team.