Early spring gardening in Colorado is challenging. First it snows, then the sun comes out to warm things up and we get excited…then it snows again. Typical Rocky Mountain Spring. But what does that mean?
For all of you that have lived in this area for some time, you know this is normal. Our landscape plants should be fine, short of tree and branch damage that may occur with extreme snowfall levels. Everything will appreciate the moisture (don’t we always say that). But it really helps our landscape.
So, what do we early gardening enthusiasts do? Let us do what we know works for mid-March gardening and landscape care in the Rocky Mountains. Once the snow melts and dries up a bit, now is the perfect time to work on your garden cleanup. Read more here.
Pansies
Secondly, let us begin thinking about planting the plants that like it cold and will withstand the spring storms that are sure to roll in. Pansies, in containers or ground beds are the most colorful annuals to plant this time of the year. They can take it! And Creek Side has a beautiful Grown Fresh™ batch blooming and ready for planting now!
In addition to pansies, consider snapdragons, dianthus, alyssum and dusty miller. Creek Side will have these plants ready by early April.
Perennials
Early season perennials, shrubs and trees may be planted now if they are cared for. The Creek Side Grown Fresh™ perennial crop is coming along nicely. Over 350 varieties this year including, many Plant Select varieties, which have been specifically chosen for our climate. Our growing experts are getting them ready for you by turning the temperatures down so they are conditioned for your garden. The perennial plants will be available to plant in another couple of weeks.
Vegetables
Cool season vegetable transplants and seeds may be planted and sown in the next couple of weeks. This group includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, radishes, beets and peas. The ground will have warmed up a little more and which will advance their development. Creek Side has Botanical Interests and Pages Garden seed available now. Early season transplants will be ready in a couple of weeks. Just in time for planting!
When we work in concert with Mother Nature, our efforts will be rewarded, and your disappointments will be diminished.
