by Ed Powers
I live in the Evergreen/Conifer area at about 7600 ft. I have lived on several areas of the Midwest and West and gardened in all of them. But I find this area to be the most challenging and fulfilling. I have learned that you should buy plants that grow fast and bloom or fruit in a short period of time. Also, do not put them out too early and make sure they are hardened off when planting them. I have always had to do this but it is more critical at our elevation. Also, it is not a good idea to plant before June 1 unless you are planting cool season crops, such as root crops or some types of lettuce, cabbages, or spinach.
So, after 6 years of gardening here, reading and experimental planting this what I have come up with:
· · I clean my 2 raised gardens in late fall or very early spring.
· - I bring in some tomato plants when the season is over with and grow them inside.
· I plant beet, rutabaga, turnips and carrots in mid-March.
· I plant the other seeds I want to put in my gardens indoors in a well-lit area of my basement.
· I start my smallest flower and vegetable seeds in peat pots with starting soil and my larger seeds in starting sponge inserts.
· I plant beet, rutabaga, turnips and carrots in mid-March.
· I plant the other seeds I want to put in my gardens indoors in a well-lit area of my basement.
· I start my smallest flower and vegetable seeds in peat pots with starting soil and my larger seeds in starting sponge inserts.
· I transplant large plants in bigger peat pots as needed.
· In early May I will clean my wife’s deck railing pots and ready them for flowers.
· In mid-May I start putting my plants out to harden the off. I put them out in dappled shade at first so they don’t get too much sun, and gradually give them more sun. At first, I may bring them inside in the evening or I may choose just to cover them.
· In late May or early June, I plant my gardens.
· At this time, I also trim back the tomatoes I overwintered in the house and replant them.
I then water, fertilize and tend them for the summer-hope for a good crop and pretty flowers.
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