If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking for your “next big thing.” 

Whether it’s knitting, painting, or playing an instrument, you’ve got quite the “I should try that someday” list. But one thing you maybe haven’t quite mustered up the courage to consider is gardening. 

Or, you know, maybe you have tried it, but… well… let’s just say even the bunnies were unimpressed.

Don’t give up! Honestly, it’s probably not your fault if your garden croaked. Colorado’s high altitude presents some unique planting challenges. But we think it’s worth a shot, especially since it’s good for us and Mama Earth.

Benefits of Gardening

Starting a garden is sooooo worth it, for our own health and our planet’s.

Whether you’re growing flowers or veggies, your new garden has plenty of earth-friendly benefits:

• Reduced carbon emissions

• Decreased food waste

• Limited use of not-so-friendly pesticides and fertilizers

• Enriched local soil

• Protection for local wildlife and pollinators #savethebees

Getting outside and into a garden has plenty of personal benefits, too:

• Learning a new skill

• Fostering a connection with nature

• Improving nutrition

• Enhancing cognitive skills like attention, working memory, and flexibility

• Reducing stress

• Improving happiness and positive mood

So good, right?  And we’re here to help get you started.

(If you’re more into houseplants than an outdoor garden, check out 7 Ways to Become a Better Plant Parent.)

10 Tips for a Great Denver Garden

#1 Start small.

There’s no need to turn your whole backyard into a zero-waste, self-sustaining situation. In your first season, start small! A few containers will provide enough flowers, veg, or herbs to give you an idea of what to expect the following year.

#2 Know your growing season.

Colorado has a much different (and shorter) growing season compared to other places in the great U-S-of-A—about 160 days. That’s mostly due to our altitude. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to guess when to plant what, because  the good ol’ Farmer’s Almanac has your back.

As The Almanac advises, you’ll want to get seeds in the dirt early in the season. That means as early as now if you’re starting inside and as early as late-March if you’re starting outside. (Hooray! Something to do besides doom-scrolling and binging Netflix!)

#3 Location, location, location.

All plants need some sun, but the amount can vary significantly from plant to plant. So, be sure to check your garden space’s orientation before heading to the nursery. South- and west-facing is ideal for most blooming plants and veggies. North-facing is better for those shade-loving plants, like leafy greens.

Choosing your ideal location also means using the best soil. Test out different areas in your gardening space to get a better idea of the type of soil you have to work with. You may even want to consider raised beds instead of planting directly in the ground. 

#4 Prepare for weather.

High altitude means low humidity, intense sunlight, and sudden precipitation. Especially in Denver, the weather can go from hotter-than-heck to wetter-than-water in 0.2 seconds. 

To protect your garden, invest in row covers, tunnels, windbreaks, and shade cloths. Your plants will thank you!

Adequately preparing for weather can also extend your growing season. Follow these tips to make the most out of your garden all year round:

• Cover your soil with black plastic coverings or mulch to keep your beds warm.

• Use raised beds earlier in the year, and cover them with grass clippings, wood chips, or mulch.

• Purchase frost blankets, row covers, and tunnels to protect your veggies from frost.

• Reduce, reuse, recycle with old milk jugs, plastic cartons, or plastic grocery bags for coverage!

• Invest in cold frames and greenhouses for a convenient, long-term solution. 

#5 Decide what to plant the smart way.

While most plants grow best in completely frost-free soil, that can mean an even shorter growing window in Denver. Instead, investigate plants that are tolerant to frost. This way, you get the most out of our growing season.

Plants that can handle the cold include:

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Collards

• English peas

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Mustard

• Parsley

• Radish

• Spinach

• Turnips 

#6 Plant space-savers.

Some small plants, like bush beans and bush cucumbers, are biologically designed to produce full-sized veg from teeny-tiny plants. If you’ve only got a windowsill or patio to spare, choosing these plants can help you get your gardening fix while saving space. 

#7 Get a head start with established plants.

If you’re the instant-gratification type (guilty!), you might be better off with established plants or vegetable starters from your local garden center. 

Or, plant some onions! Those guys are fast growers and can give you the quick satisfaction you need to keep your garden growing. 

#8 “Harden off” your plants.

To get your plants used to our unique growing conditions, harden them off by taking them outside an hour or two each day for several days. This will help prep your plants and make them more likely to flourish in your garden.

#9 Water more often.

Due to our high elevation, water evaporates faster—which means your garden will need to be watered more frequently to stay hydrated. The general rule of thumb is to keep the top inch of soil nice and moist. If it’s dry, get out the garden hose!

Another way to keep your plants hydrated is to add a layer of mulch around them to slow evaporation. You should also water your garden at ground-level, avoiding the leaves, to prevent disease and rot and to maximize your water usage.

For more sustainable watering tips, check out our Easy Guide to Water Conservation.

#10 Use compost.

Composting is the “natural process of recycling organic matter… into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.” Over time, your decomposing waste—yard trimmings, leaves, mulch, paper products, food scraps, and other plant-based materials—becomes a garden’s best friend. Compost can make just about any soil more fertile, efficient, and healthy.

By making and using your own compost, you can set your garden up for success. Check out Composting 101 to learn more!

You can grow, too.

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