Preparation for 2018 Planting

by Ed Powers I live in the Evergreen/Conifer area at about 7600 ft.   I have lived on several areas of the Midwest and West and gardened in all of them. But I find this area to be the most challenging and fulfilling.   I have learned that you should buy plants that grow fast and bloom or fruit in a short period of time.   Also, do not put them out too early and make sure they are hardened off when planting them.   I have always had to do this but it is more critical at our elevation.   Also, it is not a good idea to plant before June 1 unless you are planting cool season crops, such as root crops or some types of lettuce, cabbages, or spinach. So, after 6 years of gardening here, reading and experimental planting this what I have come up with: ·          ·      I clean my 2 raised gardens in late fall or very early spring. ·         -  I bring in some tomato plants when the season is over with and grow them inside. ·      I plant beet, rutabaga, turnips and carrots in mid-March. ·