Living in Denver, Colorado presents unique challenges if you want a garden. For one, the mile-high city is aptly named because it is exactly one mile above sea level. This high altitude means you must be rather strategic in starting a garden because not everything will thrive at such an altitude.

What kind of garden should you have in Denver

One major part of your success in having a garden is that you must work with the elements rather than against them. This means you will have to work around the high altitude rather than try to fix or ignore it.

Having a garden in Denver, Colorado means you will definitely have to prep your soil. For many places in the mountains, the soil is not actually soil, but instead, it is decomposed granite. You may have to compensate for this and prepare the soil before planting.

On the upside, however, these higher elevations have some distinct advantages. We think of snow as the enemy at lower elevations, but it can be a blessing in disguise in a mountainous region. For example, the first snowfall usually acts as an insulator to plants, and milder summer temperatures mean that certain vegetables can be enjoyed all year round.

You can also still plant flowers, but you will have to focus on planting blooms that can adapt to the temperature. Perennials are usually a good choice because they dive back into the ground in the fall and are not affected by the harsh winter. It is also best to pick flowers that bloom in the early summer because if you pick blooms that come too late, they will get caught in the early fall freezes.

Having a garden at a high altitude can present a unique set of challenges, but there are ways to work around them. From enjoying the protection of the first snowfall to milder summer temperatures, there still is a lot to enjoy about having a garden in Denver, Colorado. If you are interested in developing a garden in Denver, you can contact Next Step Landscapes, and we can help you design and install your perfect garden.