Good Afternoon,

Thank you for contacting the extension help desk with your questions. I know gardening in Northern El Paso County is a whole new experience when it comes to choosing and caring for plants in your landscape. Unfortunately, our program does not support us coming out to the home to assist with design and plant questions. However, below I am going to include different fact sheets to help you choose native and deer resistant plants for your landscape. Also, I would suggest completing a soil test to determine if any amendments need to be made to the soil to ensure the best growth of your plants.  I have also included a fact sheet on different techniques to assist with planting in this elevation and how to use native plants as a solution to gardening concerns. Please also be aware the we are a very dry state and winter watering is strongly suggested in our area. I have included a fact sheet on when and how often to water in the off season to help ensure your plants are healthy and happy come the spring season.

Below are the resources discussed in the above section:

Native plants/Climate change group - https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/native-plants-for-el-paso-county/

We suggest any of the three labs listed below for soil testing. Each website will have detailed instructions for collecting and mailing in a sample.

Colorado State University’s Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory:

https://agsci.colostate.edu/soiltestinglab/

They offer a basic soil test for $30. Fill out the Horticulture Soil Submission Form.

Ward Laboratories:

https://www.wardlab.com/services/soil-health-analysis/

Their routine soil test costs $21.50.

Weld Laboratories:

https://weldlabs.com/

Their routine soil test costs $20. 

I hope that the information that I have provided is helpful in determining which plants you would like to grow and how to successful plant and water in Northern El Paso County! If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions!

Happy Gardening,

Sarah J.

Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice