- Pick a good spot that has plenty of direct sunlight. You will need at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Good soil is imperative, which doesn’t come naturally in Colorado. For a raised bed, you can control the soil. We recommend Eco Raised Bed Mix. A 100% organic soil mix includes Eco compost, sphagnum peat moss and poultry fertilizer. For beds in the ground, you can add to your existing soil. We suggest Eco compost, sheep and peat or other organic amendments. Get your soil to a loose, well-draining consistency.
- Pick out good plants. If you are early in the season, you can start with seeds. With our short growing season, using starter plants can help you get a jump. Typically, Memorial Day is the safest time to plant in Colorado. The soil temperature is warmer and promotes the best growth. Root growth likes warm soil.
- You can keep a steady harvest of certain vegetables by planting in succession. For instance, onions and carrots. Plant some early and then some later to get future crops.
- Typically, water your garden early in the day to prevent mildew and other diseases. Water thoroughly — fewer deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
- In our short growing season, make sure you fertilize to maximize growth. This is a common mistake that gardeners make. A good tip is to start with a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. This will keep your plants growing strong.
