Colorado Springs gardeners face a dry start
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The demonstration gardens at the Conservation and Environmental Center in Colorado Springs. Photo: Glenn Wallace/Axios
Colorado Springs gardeners face a tricky start this season after an unusually hot and dry beginning to the year.
Why it matters: Limited mountain runoff could strain the city's water supply as residents head into peak planting season.
State of play: The semiarid city is drought-prone, so native species and drought-resistant plants are smart picks — even in average weather years, per the city water utility.
- Plants are rated by growing zones, so look for zone 5, or zone 4 if planting along the western foothills or in the Monument area.
Be smart: With consistently tight water supplies, the city enforces Water Wise Rules that include:
- Water no more than three days a week
- From May 1 to Oct. 15, water before 10am or after 6pm to reduce evaporation.
Zoom in: If you're looking for low-water options, dill and thyme aren't native to the Springs, but they're drought-resistant and pollinator-friendly, according to Colorado State University's master gardener site.
- The city's water utility highlights 75 flowers that fit the bill.
- Beyond herbs and flowers, CSU gardening outreach specialist Allisa Zurbuchen suggests rabbit brush, sand cherry or autumn amber sumac as good native shrub landscaping options for drier conditions.
What they're saying: Early warm weather can be misleading for gardeners. "We're seeing plants wake up earlier than usual," but frost remains a risk, Megan Brown with Phelan Gardens tells Axios.
- "Dry soil is one of the biggest concerns right now," she adds. "Light, frequent watering isn't enough; deep soaking is key."
- And water use adds up quickly. "All vegetable gardening is water-intensive," Zurbuchen tells us, saying high-yield crops, like tomatoes rather than beets, should be prioritized.
Between the lines: If you don't have space for home gardening, there are eight community gardens on city properties, along with the Charmaine Nymann Community Garden in the county's Bear Creek Regional Park.
- Many are already open for the season, and gardeners say now is a good time to till and fertilize the soil — and even plant cold-resistant crops.
Yes, but: The National Weather Service recommends waiting until May 8 to plant anything frost-sensitive.
Fun fact: Colorado Springs' latest freeze on record was June 18, 1912.
What's next: The Horticultural Art Society's annual plant sale runs May 8-9 and May 15-16, offering gardeners plants and expert advice.