The Best Vegetables to Grow in the Colorado Climate

Colorado is known for having a fairly harsh climate for plants, with it's high elevations, snow-capped mountains and the desert conditions in much of the state. Regardless of the climate, there are a multitude of vegetables that are able to be grown in a garden with special care in where to plant and when to plant into the ground outdoors. Although the soil is very hard with a lot of clay, it is still possible to treat the soil by mixing it with either fertilizer or compost to make it more garden friendly.

Spinach

Spinach is a hardy vegetable plant that does well in a variety of different climates and many soil types. Because the soil gets very dry, with very little humidity and at times, very little precipitation, this plant requires keeping the soil moist in order for it to grow a strong and healthy crop. Spinach is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, offering a very healthy treat.

Lettuce is an excellent choice for a garden in Colorado, as they do very well in high altitudes and can grow even in colder temperatures. They will grow in fact, throughout the entire year. Just add some fertilizer or compost to the soil it is planted in and you should have no problem with growing a strong healthy crop. Some of the lettuce species that do especially well in Colorado include Boston and Romaine varieties. Lettuce is high in vitamins C, A and B, offering an excellent addition to the diet.

Potatoes

Potatoes grow well in Colorado, and require a well worked soil with fertilizer or compost. These can be started indoors in a glass jar, then when weather conditions are less likely to freeze, they may be transplanted out doors.

Onions

Onions, like potatoes, require soil that is tilled with compost or fertilizer. They too may be started indoors and then transferred outside after the last frost of the year.

Pumpkin, Squash & Melon

Pumpkin, Squash and Melons grow comfortably in the Colorado climate, provided they are in well mixed fertilized soil and are planted after the after the last freeze in the spring. They are rich in beta carotene and vitamins A and C.

Tomatoes

Tomato plants can withstand the dry climate of Colorado. The best way do plant them is by starting them indoors in pots in March, then allowing them to grow indoors until either the last week of May or the first week of June, depending on the elevation.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are a good choice for a garden vegetable in Colorado. They grow easily even in soil that have a lot of clay content. Regardless, composting or fertilization of the soil is highly recommended. Bell peppers are very high in vitamins and minerals and are considered to be one of the healthiest foods.

Berries

If you enjoy berries, try planting a strawberry patch. Strawberry plants are perennial and grow back every year. Additionally, blackberry and blueberry bushes will spread and give you increasingly more fruit every year. They are extremely high in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Resources:

http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/New/colosoil.htm