I've got a couple of empty acres outside of Alamosa, CO, and I'm looking to plant some low-maintenance options since I live in another state. I don't have a lot of knowledge about what's native to the area or what thrives well there. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
Check out Audubon's tool! You just enter your email and zip code, and they'll send you a link to a list of native plants that would work in your area. It’s super helpful if you’re not sure where to start!
Honestly, right now might not be the best time to plant anything. You should first make sure that you're allowed to plant trees on your land, as some plots around Alamosa have restrictions. In the meantime, potatoes and barley are good options that grow well in the San Luis Valley. Just keep in mind a general rule of thumb: aiming to plant around Mother's Day is good, but watch out for late frosts afterward! Also, I'd recommend considering native plants like chico brush for easier maintenance.
I won’t be able to get back there until spring, so that's perfect for my planning! Thanks for the advice!