The trials and tribulations of gardening in Routt County is a well-known topic for those of us who strive to achieve green finger status. Jen Tamburrino, the co-owner of 25-year-old, Nature’s Design, spends the summer elbow-deep in dirt, creating and maintaining gardens across the valley. She sat down with Colorado Group Realty to share tips from her years of experience.

When can you start planting in the Yampa Valley? 

  • We say Father’s Day. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the week before and after, to avoid frost. I prefer to plant seeds straight into the ground, instead of starting them indoors.  If you are doing containers and pots, use a frost cover at night if the forecast calls for freezing temperatures.

What should you do to prepare soil for planting? 

  • Different areas of the valley have different soil, much like microclimates. For example, Silver Spur has a lot of shale and Tree Haus is very clay-based. Amending soil can be a laborious process. One thing we strongly recommend to owners of new build properties, is to invest in good topsoil. Builders tend to backfill the landscaping and if you don’t amend that soil plantings will not succeed. Good topsoil is worth the investment.

What do you suggest with regards to water restrictions for keeping your yard looking good? 

  • Limit the amount of lawn. Grass is nice, especially as so many of us have dogs but you don’t need much of it. Choose native plants and grasses which are more drought tolerant. Although it’s a limited volume, we can capture and store some rainwater, which can be used for watering. Don’t water in the heat of the day.

Do you have any specific native plants you recommend? 

  • There are so many good choices, but I like coreopsis, penstemon, dianthus and rudbeckia varieties like Black-eyed Susan and coneflower.

Many of us struggle with deer and pests in the yard, what can we do to prevent that? 

  • Place salt blocks around the perimeter of the property. Use a sol solution to spray trees each year, which will save damage to the bark. I’ve also heard that mountain lion urine is a deterrent, although how it’s captured seems questionable!

Is it possible to grow vegetables here when we only have 59 growing days? 

  • Yes of course, some things grow in abundance. Stick with hardy varieties like lettuce, spinach and broccoli. A greenhouse can be a great addition to achieve a longer growing season but be sure to keep the soil moist and avoid it getting too hot as you can scorch plants.

Is an irrigation system a good investment? 

  • Yes, that and good soil are worth spending money on.

Do you have a favorite addition you like to see in yards? 

  • Bees. Besides pollination, you get a medicine chest in one beehive.

What should you do to winterize your garden? 

  • Cut back perennials by Halloween and blow out irrigation lines before winter sets in.