So you want to start a garden, but aren’t quite sure when to plant or what produce grows best on Wright’s Mesa. Let’s dig in…!
Which produce grow best on Wright’s Mesa
Thanks to Norwood sitting at 7,000 feet, the growing season on Wright’s Mesa is not all that long compared to the surrounding lowlands of Naturita, Montrose, Delta, Grand Junction and Moab. Because of the cooler nights, and shorter growing season, there are many warm-weather loving vegetables and fruits that have a much easier time growing in more desert-like conditions. However, where those crops struggle, there are many cool weather loving fruits and vegetables that shine in cooler temps!
Below is a list of crops and when to plant on Wright’s Mesa:
- Cool season vegetables (these vegetables prefer growing in cool temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. They are often replanted mid-summer for fall harvest).
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, garlic, lettuce, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, peas, radish, parsnips, turnips and various herbs.
- When to plant: These crops may be planted as early as 0-2 weeks before the date of the average last spring frost. Plant as soon as soil adequately dries in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 35º-45º.
- Some crops such as spinach and garlic are best planted in the fall when the soil temperature reaches 35º-45º.
- Warm season vegetables (these vegetables prefer summer-like weather with temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. They are intolerant of frost and may be sensitive to cool spring winds.
- Beans, celery, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, squash (yellow, summer, winter squash, spaghetti, butternut, pumpkin), and tomato
- When to plant: These crops may be planted around the date of the average last spring frost, or to be on the safe side, even two or more weeks after. Transplants of tomato, cucumbers and squash without frost protection should be delayed until frost potential is over. Plant as soon as the daytime temperature remains consistently above 55º.
Spring and summer aren’t the only time to plant, check out these tips for planting an abundant fall harvest!
Where to plant your crops
There can be many microclimates around your home, from shady northern aspects to warm and sunny southern facing walls, and shrubby or fenced areas that are protected by the wind. Gardens placed in full sun with southern exposure will have a longer, warmer growing season than other exposures. These warm microclimates are ideal places to experiment with plants that need more heat during the growing season.
A good site for more tender crops and less hardy plants is in front of rock formations or walls where the thermal mass can raise temperatures. Because plant growth is slowed by cool soil temperatures, creating a perennial bed that slopes towards the south or using raised beds will help plants grow faster and emerge earlier in the spring thanks to the increased soil temperature. However, the downside to these locations is they tend to be very hot in the summer and require extra water.
It is also important to consider airflow. Cool air tends to settle in low areas, and valley floors can be over 10º cooler than surrounding hillsides above valley floors. Strong winds, which Wright’s Mesa can be notorious for, can cause plants to dry out. You can help block the wind by using fences, trees, or shrubs to create a barrier.
Don’t forget to prepare the soil
Soil preparation is often the key to growing healthy plants. The soil on Wright’s Mesa is mostly clay, which is high in nutrients and great for growing, but generally has poor drainage. It is beneficial to add organic matter to any type of soil, and on Wright’s Mesa it is best to add some each year. If you add some all at once, you may chance salt buildup. Incorporate 2 to 3 inches of organic matter (or 3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of garden), such as alfalfa pellets, compost, or aged manure, to a depth of 6 to 12 inches.
Raised beds can solve many problems for gardeners around Wright’s Mesa. Raised beds can be created with good, weed free soil, and are especially beneficial if soils are poorly drained or are very rocky and hard to dig. They also tend to warm faster in the springtime and can help to protect the plants from pests such as earwigs and rodents. For earwig prevention, use a weed lining in the bottom before the soil is added. And for rodents, tack ¼” wire mesh onto the bottom before the soil is added.
Let’s not forget to talk about water
Water is a rare commodity on Wright’s Mesa and nearly every summer, residents of Norwood are faced with water restrictions before the summer monsoon season kicks in. This can make maintaining a garden full of crops incredibly difficult. When the summer heat is in full swing, it’s important to water your garden early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lowest to prevent water from evaporating from the hot sun during the day.
If you have water rights or access to ditch or raw water, it’s important to not waste a single drop. Installing drip water systems, weather-based, smart sprinkler systems with an automatic rain shut off and watering systems with timers will ensure your crops have plenty of water, without any of it going to waste.
When water restrictions are in effect, it is important to water only on the days you are allowed, and only water plants enough to keep them alive. One of the best things you can do is to collect and store water. Using tactics such as collecting water from faucets while waiting for hot water or while brushing teeth, collecting water from leaky or dripping faucets, or even collecting gray water, can then later be used to water crops. Lastly, if you have the capability, set up a rain collection system to collect rainwater from your roof for future use during dry times.
Organic compost and mulches such as weed-free straw, bark chips, or shredded bark can also help preserve water and help protect the soil and plants from drying out too fast during the summer heat. Netting or branches can help keep the wind from blowing the mulch off. Organic mulches can however delay spring growth by keeping the soil temperature cooler. Remove the mulch in the early spring to allow the soil to warm up. Pea gravel or rock mulches are more wind-resistant, provide frost protection, increase the soil temperature and may allow self-seeding of plants.
Learn more about its history and how to preserve water on Wrights Mesa!
Don’t have room to plant a garden?
Norwood’s Community Garden has space for you and your crops! Plots are available to rent for the season, with raw ditch water included. To learn more about the community garden, visit the Norwood Community Garden Facebook page!
Resources
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/colorado-mountain-gardening-basics-7-224/