Is winter gardening possible in Denver?

Ummm, maybe.

Well, that depends. What kind of gardening are we talking about? What year is it? What month is it? What day is it? Fluctuations in Denver weather can be frustrating for gardeners. You just never know what the winter will be like. It could snow in September or be seasonally warm all winter. It could do both. That's what makes gardening in Denver so much fun. So, what's a mile high gardener to do?

The simple answer

The simple answer is go with the flow. However, it's not always that simple. One day, you could be digging in 70 degree temps. The next day could bring a foot of wintery white that freezes your hard work solid. What's more? Well, due to the influence of the purple mountains majesty, AKA the Rocky Mountains, even the best of meteorologists have a tough go with predictions. Luckily, there are ways of getting around the ups and downs of Denver winter weather.

Make winter crops portable.

Maybe it's obvious. Maybe you hadn't really thought about it. Still, the best way to insure that your winter veggies survive see-saw Denver temps is to plant them in pots. Bring them out when it's nice. Bring them in when it's not so nice. Problem solved. Or not.

Who wants to lug pots in and out in winter?

Well, no one, of course. So, get yourself a little red wagon. Use a piece of plywood as a ramp over your back steps. Leave the pots in the wagon, whether they're inside or out. Of course, you could also simply leave them inside all winter. What fun is that? Plus, they will thrive in natural sunlight on warm days.

Green-houses are awesome.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford them. Cold frames made from old windows placed over raised beds work wonderfully for shorter plants like lettuce. For taller foliage, nail two together as a triangular roof. Cover the ends with heavy duty clear plastic for easy access.

Of course, you don't have to garden in winter at all.

You can concentrate on nurturing your houseplants instead. You can plan next year's garden. You can even start your herbs and onions early. They'll be fine in pots until spring. And on those days when it does warm up a bit, you can take care of all that fall clean-up you didn't get to before the snow fell.

Whatever you do

When it comes to winter gardening in Denver, never assume you have it all figured out. That next heat wave or snow storm is lurking right around the corner to prove you wrong. The best you can do is take it one day at a time and enjoy the ride. Life is always an adventure in the Denver garden.