Knowledgebase
Starting Seeds & Luffa Plants in Northern Colorado #891646
Asked January 16, 2025, 2:54 PM EST
Hello!
I am a novice gardener and this spring will be my 4th time starting a garden. I'd like to get more serious in actually providing food/herbs for my family. I'm interested mainly in herbs, carrots, corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins but would eventually like to do garlic, potatoes, broccoli, and onions. I'd like to start things from seeds because I know it's more cost effective but I have no idea where to begin. I'd love all the tips you could give me about growing in Northern Colorado. Also, I've heard about people growing Luffa plants for natural sponges. Is that possible in our climate? I'd also love tips on grasshopper control as well as best types of fertilizer. As you can see, I don't know much and I would love as much help as possible. Thank you so very much!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Thanks for your questions. First, the Larimer County Master Gardeners will be a great resource to you as you go into the gardening season. They can be emailed at any time: <personal data hidden>. That will be a better option than using this system.
CSU Extension has a ton of veggie resources through the Grow & Give website: https://growgive.extension.colostate.edu/
The Veggie Crops A-Z guide will be really helpful: https://growgive.extension.colostate.edu/grow/crops-a-z/
As will the Colorado Vegetable Guide: https://growgive.extension.colostate.edu/colorado-vegetable-guide/
We also have a couple webinars that will be useful:
Seed Starting:
Vegetable Varieties: Container Vegetables: We also have a webinar coming up on unique vegetable varieties on Wednesday, February 12 at 12:00pm MT:
Join Cassey Anderson from CSU Extension for an informative and interesting discussion on some of the lesser-known (and lesser-grown) vegetables for Colorado gardens. Tips on growing and varieties will be shared.
Registration required: https://col.st/IerKc
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Locally, there are some in-person classes:
Growing Peppers and Tomatoes at Fort Collins Nursery
Saturday, January 25, from 9:30am-11:00am
Cost: $18
More information: https://fortcollinsnursery.com/event/growing-peppers-and-tomatoes-in-northern-colorado/
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The Best Fruits and Berries for the Colorado Front Range
Saturday, February 8, from 12:30pm-2:00pm
Cost: $18
More information: https://fortcollinsnursery.com/event/the-best-fruits-berries-for-colorados-front-range/
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And the Gardens on Spring Creek has a lot of classes focused on various aspects of gardening: https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/adult-classes
Consider taking the "Gardening 101" class on 1/25, 12:30pm-2:00pm with Susan Bonsall - she's a current Master Gardener and does a great job with the basics of growing.
There's also a seed starting class on 2/22, veggies on 3/8 (Mary Miller is an outstanding veggie gardener), and composting on 4/5.
Taking classes and mingling with other gardeners will be a great way for you to learn more and become more knowledgeable.
