Soil & Water

Know your soil

Many Colorado soils are clay or sandy, low in organic matter and alkaline. A soil test is the best first step; CSU's Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory offers home garden tests.

Amending & compost

• Add well-finished compost to improve both clay and sandy soils.
• Be cautious with manure-based composts, which can be high in salts, a common issue in Colorado soils. Test or use moderately.
• Lowering high soil pH is difficult; focus on organic matter and choose plants suited to your soil.
• Raised beds can help where native soil is poor.

Mulching

A layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded leaves, wood chips around perennials) keeps soil moist, moderates temperature and reduces weeds, which is especially valuable in dry, windy weather.

Efficient watering

• Drip irrigation and soaker hoses put water at the roots and reduce evaporation and leaf disease.
• Water early in the morning; water deeply and less often to encourage deep roots.
• Follow your water provider's watering rules. In Colorado Springs, check Colorado Springs Utilities.

Rain barrels in Colorado

Under House Bill 16-1005 (2016), eligible households may use up to two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons to collect rooftop rainwater. The water must be used for outdoor purposes, such as watering lawns and gardens, on the same property where it is collected. It may not be used for drinking or indoor household purposes. See the Colorado General Assembly bill page and CSU Extension's rain barrel information for current details.