The Mountain West Garden Guide
Topical, super local gardening advice to help you turn your outdoor space into a fulfilling source of joy.
If you live in the US Mountain West and love gardening, or want to love gardening, you’re in the right place.If you live in the US Mountain West and love gardening, or want to love gardening, you’re in the right place.
Take a Look at Some of My Digital Resources for Your Garden
What Makes Mountain West Gardening Unique?
01
Semi-arid climate
Between limited rainfall and dry air, plants have inconsistent access to water and a harder time retaining moisture than more humid climates.
02
Intense Sun and UV Exposure
Due to the higher elevations, plant sunlight requirements are tricky. Even varieties that like “full sun” can get scorched and damaged.
03
Temperature Extremes
Temperatures in our region can swing 30 to 40 degrees in a single day! Plus, late spring or early autumn frosts can wreck garden plans.
04
Poor Soils
Much of the soil in our region is either clay-heavy and alkaline, or gravelly with low nutrients. It’s hard to dig, drains badly, and offers poor access to nutrients.
05
Pests and Wildlife
Our proximity to animals and insects mean gardens look like buffets. And some insects appear in massive numbers in dry summers.
06
Altitude and Wind
Plants are stressed by our region’s lower oxygen levels and strong winds which dry plants out or even damage them structurally.
Whether you’re trying to create an edible oasis
Love growing your own food? There’s nothing more satisfying than making an entire meal from the industry of your own garden, and you get started with as little as a few pots on a porch.
Or a gorgeous year-round stunner
Want your yard to envelope you in inspiration and serenity, embracing the beauty of each season? With careful planning, your garden never has to “go to bed.” It can delight you with new seasonal interest every month.
18
inches of precipitation annually on average in Utah (second driest state)
450
inches of snow totals in some areas (try growing through that!)
40
degree difference between daytime heat and nighttime cool in a single day
6
different hardiness zones in the Mountain West (Zones 3 – 8)
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