So, I have a new-to-me place in New Mexico and I want to see if I can grow a vegetable garden. The rub is that my place is at 7,000 ft! Can it be done, or am I wasting my time? Locals tell me the first planting day is May 15th so I'll have a short growing season but everyone I talk to about gardening doesn't live at this elevation. Albuquerque is only 20 minutes away and is 5200 ft. so they don't have too much trouble growing things. Anyone else ever tried this? Any tips or places to start? Any and all help is welcome! Thanks, cjsdad
The best tip is to just do it. Keep asking and let experience be your guide and you will end up being the specialist in that area. As sure as someone says that you can't Mother Nature says you can. I was told that I would never grow grass in my red clay yard. And I did not plant grass, but I planted everything else.
Thanks for that D2D! I do plan to put the garden in and I'm doing a lot of research on how to maximize things. I know plants will grow because the former residents put Iris beds all over the yard. They keep popping up! I'll probably be asking so many questions you folks will want me to go away!
Yep! You're up there in the "clouds" at that elevation! You might consider container growing for some things (like tomatoes, peppers, etc.), put wire cages around them them at time of planting, cover outsides with heavy clear plastic held on with good, old-fashioned wooden clothespins to help retain heat, and do the same with cage tops at night making sure to remove those each morning so plants won't "cook" from sun's warmth. Works wonders for me at Casper's 5,200 foot elevation til weather "settles" and plants are well adapted. At that time, I just remove clothespins, take off plastic and store til the next season..is much easier than using Walls O Water and offers same effect. For perennials well suited at 7,000 feet, try contacting your local Master Gardeners organization for free information on those..they're there to help in situations like that. Sounds like you're short growing season is the same as here (May 15 to Sept. 20..maybe!) but I would really hold off planting tender annuals til at least first week in June just to be on the safe side. And remember: the only dumb question is the one not asked!! Good luck!
You shouldn't have big problems. People in the Hymalayas and other high places grow some vegs. Just give it a try but consider the higher temperature differences in day/night and summer/winter if there is any
Ok, so here's the start! Even CJ helped with the action! Notice the garden gnome in the corner? That was an accident! LOL!
It sounds like you're in for a real challenge. From what I've read, it sounds like the biggest challenges of high altitude gardening are lack of soil and browsing animals (deer, elk...). I'm challenged here with a very sandy, shady site. Not too many things like to grow here, either, so I've had to do a lot of amending to get some of favorites to grow. I also planted a lot of natives, as they've got the best chance of growing. I look forward to hearing of your successes!
High altitude I lived in Denver and its like Casper, 5200 feet and the only problem was soil and water. You might want to start composting, I blend my kitchen scraps to give the red wigglers a fast start, and get some 55 gallon drums and put them under your downspouts for water, because you'll need it in July & August. I read somewhere that putting down black plastic will keep the soil warm, but it gets slippery when wet. You shouldn't have any problem just the short growing season. Might be time to invest in a small greenhouse if you have spare change to extend the growing season.
OOhhhhh this is so exciting. I will keep my fingers crossed. Please keep us posted with all the progress that you make - High altitude gardening is totally new for me. BTW I like your gnome. And I absolutely have to tell you that I envy you your son, (can't I borrow him when I do gardening??) My children was never interested. Their interests only goes so far as eating some of the produce and cutting flowers for the vase.
I think I'm in trouble! These things are growing! FAST! LOL! The problem with that is the weather outside! Over behind that tree is where I plan to put the actual garden! But not today! LOL! As for CJ, well, his Momma would object strongly to any more than a couple hours on loan!
also at 7000 ft I have lived in Lander WY for 17 years, and had gardening shock when folks here said to plant at Mother's Day but that is about right. If you are on a ridge be careful of the wind and if you are in a low spot, it will be colder there. A friend and I "team gardened" on her land for several years; she had put the garden in the lowest spot on her land - the nicest dirt etc - BUT the season is way shorter than up the hill next to her house where she eventually moved it. Some of the other comments others have made here are very good; Master Gardeners, container gardening, raised beds, cold frames, green houses. If there is a garden store or green house near ask them about plants that will thrive in your area. They may know. We had great info on apple trees and other plants from our greenhouse owner.
