Fall is a critical season for improving garden soil in Colorado. The combination of short growing seasons, high evaporation, wide temperature swings, and commonly alkaline or compacted soils means that timing and selection of organic amendments matter more here than in many other regions. This article explains when to add specific amendments, how much to […]
Colorado’s sandy soils–common on the plains, in some foothill pockets, and in urban fill sites–present persistent challenges for gardeners, landscapers, and farmers. Low organic matter, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), fast drainage, and often alkaline pH combine to make nutrients mobile and plants prone to drought stress and nutrient deficiency. The good news: a targeted […]
Preparing soil for spring planting in Colorado requires attention to local climate, soil types, and water realities. High altitude, short growing seasons, variable precipitation, and common soil challenges such as low organic matter and alkaline pH means a Colorado gardener should be deliberate and timely. This article provides a step-by-step, practical guide with specific actions, […]
Colorado presents unique challenges and opportunities for landscapes: high elevation, strong sunlight, low humidity, alkaline soils, and water restrictions in many communities. A low-maintenance fertilizer plan needs to respect those realities while keeping plants healthy and reducing inputs, time, and risk. This article outlines practical, tested strategies and sample plans for common Colorado landscape types: […]
Colorado presents a unique set of soil and climate challenges for gardeners: high pH and alkaline soils in many Front Range locations, sandy or clay textures, low native organic matter, intense sun, low humidity, and elevation-related short growing seasons. Compost is one of the most powerful tools to improve soil health and increase flower bed […]
Cover crops are an increasingly important tool for Colorado landowners, farmers, and ranchers who want to improve soil health, conserve water, and increase resilience to drought and erosion. In Colorado’s semi-arid climate, variable precipitation, wide temperature swings, and diverse soil types mean that cover crops must be selected and managed with local conditions in mind. […]
Colorado soils present a unique set of challenges for gardeners who want to increase biological activity. High elevation, low rainfall, cold winters, alkaline parent material, and often sandy or compacted clay textures mean that native microbial populations can be low and slow to recover. This guide explains what to add to Colorado garden soil to […]
Soil test reports are the single most useful scientific tool a Colorado grower, gardener, landscaper, or land manager can use to make informed decisions. They condense a complex mix of physical, chemical, and biological information into readable numbers and recommendations. But those numbers mean different things in different soils and climates. This article explains what […]
Soil testing is the foundation of efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible fertilization. For Colorado gardeners, where soils are typically low in organic matter, alkaline in many areas, and exposed to wide moisture swings, interpreting a soil test and translating it into pounds of fertilizer is an essential skill. This article explains, step by step, how […]
Colorado soils, particularly across the eastern plains and many mountain-fringe landscapes, have a documented tendency to lose organic matter faster than soils in more humid regions. This article explains the physical, chemical, biological, and land-management drivers of rapid organic matter loss in Colorado, outlines how losses are measured and observed, and gives actionable strategies land […]
Gardeners at high elevations in Colorado face a unique set of growing conditions: thin, rocky soils, low organic matter, short growing seasons, cold nights, intense solar radiation, and commonly alkaline pH. Those conditions change how nutrients behave and how plants respond to fertilization. This article lays out practical, in-depth guidance you can use to improve […]
Rebuilding depleted garden soil in Colorado requires targeted action. High elevation, low rainfall, alkaline parent material, and a short growing season mean soils lose organic matter, become compacted, and can develop nutrient imbalances faster than in more temperate regions. This guide gives concrete, step-by-step strategies you can apply immediately and over the next growing season […]
Top-dressing flower beds is one of the highest-value, lowest-effort tasks you can do to improve plant health, soil structure, and long-term productivity in Colorado gardens. Knowing when to top-dress — and with what — matters in Colorado more than many other places because of short growing seasons, alkaline soils, low organic matter, and wide elevation-driven […]
Colorado yards face a unique combination of environmental stresses: low organic matter, alkaline and often clayey or compacted soils, low rainfall, high evaporation, cold winters and dramatic temperature swings, and high UV radiation. Addressing these challenges starts with building soil health: increasing organic matter, enhancing structure and water-holding capacity, promoting beneficial microbial life, and adjusting […]
A successful transition from synthetic to organic fertilizers in Colorado requires planning, soil-focused work, and ongoing cultural practices that match the state’s unique climate and soils. This guide gives an actionable, step-by-step plan with specific timings, materials, application calculations, and maintenance tips so homeowners and landscape professionals can phase out chemical inputs while keeping lawns […]
Colorado gardeners face a particular challenge when growing acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, blueberries, Pieris, and heathers. Much of Colorado has naturally alkaline soils, high-salt irrigation water, and low organic matter — all factors that push soil pH upward. This article outlines practical, safe, and effective low-pH fertilizer mixes and cultural strategies tailored to […]
Colorado’s climate presents a unique set of challenges for storing fertilizers: high altitude, strong UV exposure, large daily temperature swings, low winter humidity in many regions, freeze-thaw cycles, and localized summer monsoons. Whether you are a commercial applicator, a municipal parks manager, or a small-scale farmer or gardener, proper storage and protection of fertilizers reduces […]
Colorado soils present a set of consistent challenges and opportunities: semi-arid climate, large temperature swings, variable soil pH, low organic matter in many cropping and range areas, and a short growing season at higher elevations. Microbial inoculants–formulations containing beneficial bacteria, fungi, or consortia–can play a meaningful role in improving soil fertility, plant health, water-use efficiency, […]
Colorado presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for composting. High altitude, low humidity, alkaline soils, and a short growing season all influence how organic matter breaks down and how nitrogen becomes available to plants. This article explains the science of nitrogen in compost, identifies materials and additives that reliably increase nitrogen availability, and […]
Soil pH is one of the single most influential chemical characteristics affecting nutrient availability and fertilizer efficiency. In Colorado, where soils range from acidic mountain loams to strongly calcareous plains and irrigated fields, pH behavior and “pH swings” create management challenges that directly determine whether applied fertilizer becomes plant-available or locked away. This article explains […]
Overview: why elevation matters in Colorado gardens Colorado’s dramatic elevation range–from about 3,300 feet on the eastern plains to over 14,000 feet in the Rockies–creates strong differences in climate, soil biology, water availability, and crop physiology. Those differences change how plants use nutrients and how soil releases and holds nutrients. Gardeners who use uniform fertilizer […]
The way plants in Colorado react to organic and synthetic fertilizers is shaped by unique local conditions: high elevation, arid climate, alkaline soils, low organic matter, and short growing seasons. This article explores the physical, chemical, and biological reasons behind those differences and provides concrete, practical guidance for gardeners, landscapers, and small-scale farmers working across […]
Growing healthy landscapes and productive vegetable beds in Colorado requires paying attention to water, soil structure, temperature, and nutrient management. One nutrient-management factor that is frequently overlooked is the salt content of fertilizers. High-salt fertilizers can cause root burn, reduced water uptake, and long-term soil degradation–problems that are magnified in Colorado by low rainfall, high […]
A thriving Colorado vegetable garden starts beneath the surface. Many gardeners in Colorado contend with low organic matter, alkaline pH, high clay or sandy profiles, and nutrient imbalances that limit yield. This article provides a step-by-step, practical guide to diagnosing problems and applying targeted fertilizers and amendments to revive and sustain productive vegetable soil in […]
Colorado gardeners face a unique combination of high-elevation weather, variable soils, intense sunlight, and a relatively short growing season. These factors change how and when transplant fertilizer–often called a starter fertilizer–should be used. This article explains the why, when, and how of starter fertilizer for Colorado vegetable transplants, with concrete, practical steps you can use […]
Why soil amendments matter in Colorado mountain gardens High-elevation gardens face a particular set of challenges: short growing seasons, cold nights, strong sun, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, thin topsoil over rock, low organic matter, often alkaline native soils, and rapid drainage on slopes. Those conditions make selecting and applying the right soil amendments essential–not just to […]
Why raised beds matter in Colorado Raised beds transform challenging Colorado growing conditions into productive garden zones. Much of Colorado features high elevation, a short growing season, intense sun, low humidity, strong winds, alkaline native soils, and pockets of heavy clay or coarse, infertile sandy loam. A well-built raised bed: warms earlier in spring, drains […]
Colorado’s semi-arid climate, thin soils, and frequent drought conditions require a different approach to fertilization than regions with abundant rainfall. Low-input fertilizer strategies focus on improving and maintaining soil health so plants extract more nutrients with less added material, while minimizing water and nutrient losses. This article gives practical, site-specific ideas and concrete steps for […]
Understanding how to keep water in your garden beds is one of the most important skills for successful gardening in Colorado. With high elevation, low humidity, variable soils, strong winds, and intense sun, Colorado landscapes can drain and dry out rapidly. This article provides concrete, practical strategies you can use to increase soil water retention, […]
Colorado presents a distinctive set of soil and climate challenges: low organic matter, variable pH, high elevation and cold winters, frequent wind and erosion, limited and variable precipitation, and a wide range of soil textures from sandy plains to heavy clay valley soils. Adding compost and biochar — separately and together — can deliver both […]
Gardening in Colorado presents a unique mix of challenges: high altitude, intense sun, alkaline soils, low organic matter, and an arid climate that concentrates salts. Choosing and using the right fertilizer can make the difference between lush growth and poor performance, nutrient deficiencies, or burned roots. Reading a fertilizer label carefully will tell you whether […]
Soil texture is one of the single most important variables to get right when you plan, install, and maintain a xeriscape in Colorado. Texture governs how water moves and is stored in the root zone, how air and roots access soil, how fast soil warms in spring, and what kinds of plants will thrive without […]
Gardening or landscaping in Colorado often starts with a reality check: the soil is thin, rocky, alkaline, and low in organic matter. These conditions make it hard for many conventional garden plants to establish and thrive. The good news is that with deliberate testing, targeted amendments, and landscape design choices suited to the region, you […]
Gardening in Colorado is not the same as gardening in the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, or the Southeast. Altitude in Colorado ranges from roughly 3,000 feet on the plains to over 14,000 feet in the high mountains, and those elevation changes create distinct climatic and soil conditions that change how plants take up and use […]
Colorado lawns face unique challenges: semi-arid climate, variable soils, seasonal water restrictions, and sensitive watersheds. Nutrient runoff from lawns — primarily nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers and organic matter — can degrade local water quality, harm aquatic ecosystems, and trigger regulatory responses. This article provides in-depth, practical strategies for homeowners, landscape professionals, and municipal staff […]
Colorado gardeners face unique soil and climate challenges: alkaline, low-organic soils, wide temperature swings, short growing seasons, low precipitation, and sometimes compacted clay or coarse sandy soils. Building truly fertile soil for vegetables in Colorado means diagnosing your site, rebuilding structure and biology, managing pH and nutrients, and adopting water-smart practices. This article gives practical, […]
Understanding and managing soil pH is one of the highest-impact tasks you can do before planting in Colorado. Soil pH controls nutrient availability, microbial activity, and the success of the plants you choose. In Colorado, soils vary widely — alkaline, carbonate-rich soils on the plains and Front Range, slightly acidic to acidic forest and mountain […]
Introduction Fertilizing in Colorado requires timing keyed to the state’s climate, elevation, soil type, and the plants you grow. Mistimed or excessive fertilizer can waste money, stress plants, and contribute to environmental problems like nitrate leaching and harmful algal blooms. This article lays out specific seasonal timing, fertilizer types and rates, and practical application steps […]
Introduction: why fertilizer choice matters in Colorado Colorado gardeners and lawn-care enthusiasts face unique challenges: arid climate, high elevation, intense sun, short growing seasons in many areas, alkaline soils, and variable water quality. Choosing the right fertilizer is not just about boosting plant growth; it is about matching nutrient forms, timing, and application methods to […]
This article explores practical, regionally appropriate methods to turn common Colorado yard waste into effective homemade fertilizers and soil amendments. It covers why local conditions matter, specific yard materials and their properties, step-by-step recipes and processes, and cautions to avoid common mistakes. The focus is on low-cost, sustainable strategies that improve water retention, nutrient availability, […]
Gardening in Colorado’s mountain zones presents unique challenges and opportunities. Thin, rocky soils, a short growing season, high solar radiation, large diurnal temperature swings, and variable precipitation all shape what you can grow and how you prepare the ground. With intentional soil preparation you can convert marginal mountain soils into productive beds for vegetables, ornamentals, […]
Soil in Colorado presents a unique combination of challenges: low precipitation, wide daily temperature swings, high solar radiation, variable elevation, and a prevalence of alkaline, compacted or rocky soils. Organic soil amendments are one of the most practical, long-term, and environmentally friendly tools available to gardeners, landscapers, and farmers in the state. They improve soil […]
Colorado gardens present unique challenges: wide variation in soil type, low organic matter, high pH and alkalinity, frequent compaction, and localized caliche or hard pans. Improving both drainage and fertility requires a combination approach: test first, correct structure and porosity, feed with quality organic amendments, and manage irrigation and surface cover. This guide explains what […]
Soil texture is one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, properties influencing plant health in Colorado. Texture describes the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil. Those proportions determine how soil holds and moves water, supplies nutrients, resists compaction, and responds to freezing and thawing — all of which directly affect […]
Gardening in Colorado means working with extremes: low rainfall, high sunlight, large day-night temperature swings, and soils that were shaped by ancient rivers, glaciation, and wind. Many Colorado yards have heavy, compacted clay that holds water poorly at the surface and becomes a brick when dry, or very coarse, fast-draining sandy soils that struggle to […]
Colorado gardeners frequently report that nutrients seem to disappear from their soil faster than expected. This article explains the physical, chemical, and biological reasons behind rapid nutrient loss in Colorado soils and gives detailed, practical steps you can apply to retain fertility, improve yields, and reduce the need for repeated fertilization. Overview: What “nutrient loss” […]
Colorado presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for fertilizing lawns and garden beds. Altitude, low humidity, intense sun, variable precipitation patterns, and a wide range of soils mean that a one-size-fits-all fertilizer plan rarely works. This article explains how to choose products and schedules that match Colorado conditions and gives concrete, practical steps […]
Gardening in Colorado presents unique soil challenges. Rocky soils, high mineral content, variable organic matter, and alkaline irrigation water all influence soil pH and nutrient availability. Balancing soil pH is one of the most important steps you can take to improve plant health, increase nutrient uptake, and reduce stress from deficiencies that often look like […]
Colorado is a state of contrasts: high plains, Front Range, mountain valleys and arid basins. That geographic variety creates very different growing seasons and fertilizer needs. The right fertilizer at the wrong time can burn plants, waste money, pollute waterways, or create weak growth. The right fertilizer at the right time will improve vigor, root […]
Colorado has unique soil and climate challenges: high elevation, low humidity, alkaline soils, variable rainfall, and a short growing season in many regions. Choosing the right fertilizer for plants in Colorado requires attention to soil texture, pH, plant type, and seasonal needs. The following guide explains the most appropriate fertilizer types for Colorado gardens and […]
Why soil pH matters in Colorado Soil pH controls nutrient availability, microbial activity, and the health of roots. In Colorado, many gardens contend with alkaline, calcareous soils because of the semiarid climate, high evaporation rates, and parent materials rich in calcium carbonate. High pH ties up iron, manganese, phosphorus, and some micronutrients, producing yellowing leaves, […]
Colorado gardeners and small-scale farmers face a particular set of soil and climate challenges: high elevation, thin alkaline soils, intense sun, low humidity, short growing seasons, and temperature swings that can stress both plants and microbes. Composting, when adapted to Colorado conditions, becomes more than a way to reduce waste; it is one of the […]
High-altitude Colorado soil presents a unique combination of challenges: low organic matter, high alkalinity, rocky texture, rapid drainage, intense sunlight, short growing seasons, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Successful gardening and landscaping at elevation depend less on brute force fertilization and more on building resilient soil structure, correcting specific chemical imbalances, conserving moisture, and selecting appropriate […]
Colorado presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landscape management. High elevation, large daily temperature swings, low humidity, mineral-rich and often alkaline soils, and frequent water restrictions all influence how plants access nutrients. Slow-release fertilizers are a practical tool for home gardeners, commercial landscapers, and municipal land managers in Colorado. This article explains […]
Colorado lawns face a combination of altitude, low humidity, alkaline soils, short growing seasons, and wide temperature swings. Choosing the right fertilizer for this environment is not just about buying the most expensive bag — it is about matching nutrients, release characteristics, timing, and application practices to the realities of Colorado climates and common turf […]
Colorado covers broad terrain from high alpine peaks to semi-arid plains, and its soils reflect that variety. For gardeners, landscapers, and farmers, understanding what Colorado soil is made of and how it behaves is essential to maintaining plant health, optimizing irrigation and fertility, and preventing long-term problems such as nutrient deficiencies, compaction, salinity, and erosion. […]
The soils across Colorado vary dramatically by elevation, precipitation, and parent material. Front Range foothills and river bottoms commonly have heavy clay and compacted urban fill, while many lower-elevation and eastern plains sites are sandier and drought-prone. Both soil extremes present practical challenges for gardeners and homeowners. This article explains how to evaluate, amend, and […]
Soils in Colorado face a unique combination of climate, mineralogy, and land-use pressures that make organic matter unusually important. This article explains why organic matter matters in Colorado, what it does to improve soil function, and practical ways to build and measure it in gardens, lawns, cropland, and rangeland. The goal is concrete, actionable guidance […]
Colorado presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for gardeners. High elevation, intense sunlight, dry air, short growing seasons, and commonly alkaline, low-organic-matter soils mean fertilizer choice and timing matter more here than in many other regions. This article provides practical, in-depth guidance for selecting and applying fertilizers that match Colorado’s conditions, crop types, […]
Colorado soils vary widely from alkaline clay loams on the plains to acidic mountain soils, and testing is the only reliable way to know what your garden or lawn needs. Routine soil testing identifies pH and nutrient availability, reveals salinity and sodium issues common in irrigated areas, and guides precise lime, sulfur, and fertilizer choices. […]