It may come as no surprise that higher elevations place higher demands on plants. The key is figuring out what plants are appropriate for the cooler mountain climate. Cold hardiness is only one variable gardeners have to consider.
Root vegetables, potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower can all sustain harsh weather, but even then there are several environmental factors to consider.
Mountain soils vary as much as soil on the plains, although there is a limited presence of nutrients. Soil may vary from sandy to the consistency of clay, but in the mountains it can often be decomposing rock as well. Sandy soil drains and dries out quickly while clay soils hold water. Decomposing rock can create a bowl that holds water or it can drain faster than sand, posing a challenge to figure out how much to water in the mountains.
There are certainly hardy plants in the lower elevations that can withstand extreme cold, but in the foothills and mountains those plants also deal with the wind. That consistent breeze is continually sucking moisture out of plants. Afternoon thunderstorms replenish some of the moisture but not all of it. Fierce winds in the mountains can also decimate plants, which is why dwarf versions adapt to that climate.
The mountains don’t have defined seasons and it’s not uncommon for a summer afternoon to reach the 70’s only to be followed by snow later that same day. After a few warm April days, plants that start to grow are frozen in May winters. Plants green, lush and blooming in late summer are frozen in a Labor Day cold snap. Both events cause tip die back on healthy, vigorous plants.
The protection of buildings shelters plants in town. Out of town that protection doesn’t exist. Even with extra care plants in landscapes outside of town may take twice as long to reach the height of plants grown in town.
Gardening in the amounts may appear daunting, but there are many plants and veggies that can be grown at high altitudes with some extra care and attention. Being familiar with the extra precautions needed to grow these plants will assure a healthy harvest.
