by Trudi
Manuel
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Agent, Horticulture
Larimer County
Q: I’m wondering if there are any perennial vegetables that can occupy the same garden space for several years. Are there any annual plants?
A: There aren’t too many perennial plants that thrive from year to year. However, asparagus, rhubarb and horseradish are a few that continue to grow in the same spot. If you plant annual vegetables each year (tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, etc.) be sure to move the crops around in your garden. This is called “crop rotation” and doing this will help with soil fertility, increase plant vigor and reduce possible insect and disease problems. Crop rotation helps build up the organic matter and soil nutrients that vegetable plants use during their growth and production cycles.
Q: Is it possible to plant some vegetables in August for a fall harvest?
A: Try beets, celery, lettuce, spinach, endive, Swiss chard, bush beans and radishes. Some vegetables that thrive in cool weather in our climate are broccoli, kale, lettuce, peas, potato, spinach and green onion.
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