Is it safe yet?

It's the week after Mother's Day, when local lore tells us it's ‘safe' to plant those tender tomatoes and peppers here in the Denver area. Right now, it's 77 degrees, but the wind's been blowing all morning. That usually means a weather change is on the way.

So, as the last of the apple blossoms are being torn from the tree, I check the weather. Sure enough, a winter storm warning is in effect for tonight and into tomorrow.  What's a gardener to do?

That's one thing that people who love to garden know will be different in Colorado than almost anywhere else in the country. But it's really not all that bad. You'll just make some adjustments, and then you'll get to join in the friendly neighborhood competitions, where everyone vies to be the first to eat their own vine-ripened tomato.

Just remember to keep an eye on the local forecasts, and if night time lows are forecast below 40 degrees, cover your plants. It's going to happen, so be prepared. Have the cloths, stakes, supports, etc. on hand and ready to go. The local forecasts will say at what elevation snow is expected.  If snow is forecast for your elevation, remember that whatever you cover the plants with, will get weighted down, so protect them from being crushed.

In my area (between Denver and Boulder), we're just slightly above mile high. During my fifteen years here, I've seen light snow the first week of June (but that's rare!).

And be sure to take some time during the chilly, wet day that follows to go to your favorite nursery and get more  of everything you need. There'll be far fewer people than on sunny days, and even the nursery employees will be in a better mood!

Happy gardening!