Springtime in the Rockies

It is that time of year in Colorado, summer is close but there is still the possibility of a freeze before the warm temperatures take over. It is time to clean out the rain gutters and fire up the lawn mower. The warm days invite gardening, but don't plant prematurely, or you may be re planting again at the end of the month.

Freezing temperatures have visited Colorado as late as late May, killing trees and growing gardens. The unique climate allows for skiing as late as late April, and bike rides year round, it also makes for some difficult gardening.

Perennials are wonderful, they keep coming back as long as the season will allow, but annuals and more delicate plants can be started inside in April to get a head start and have the first blooms on the block. Flowers like Poppies and Cosmos can be started indoors as early as mid-March.

Water restrictions have been lifted this year, replaced by guidelines. Generally, watering should be done in the cool of the morning or evening, not more than three times per week on calm dry days. Watering under the hot sun can make a lot of the water evaporate from the ground.

Besides freezing temperatures late into the season, hail can also damage new vegetation, so when the stones start to fall, you may want to provide cover for those delicate leafy plants in the yard.

The precipitation we see now has to last through the dry months of the summer, so, enjoy it while it lasts!