Let’s face it: gardening in the Yampa Valley can feel like an extreme sport. Between late spring snowstorms, deer that treat tulips like tapas, and soil that’s more rock than dirt, growing anything here takes guts, grit, and a sense of humor.

The good news?

Regenerative gardening isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a way to work with the land, not against it, and no, it doesn’t require a PhD or a herd of goats (though both are welcome).

What is regenerative gardening?

It’s about healing the land as we grow veggies, herbs, and suspiciously large zucchinis. It goes beyond “do no harm” and seeks to improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and even sequester carbon. Yes, your backyard garden can help fight climate change and look good doing it.

Love your dirt

Routt County’s soil has a stubborn spirit, but with care, it’s eager to grow. Healthy soil holds more water, grows stronger plants, and saves you tears over failed tomato crops. Compost is your best friend. It builds structure, improves drainage, and attracts worms, those tiny superheroes. Vermicomposting is especially handy in bear country. Red Wigglers break down scraps into nutrient-rich “black gold” and compost tea. Toss in kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and that kale you swore you’d eat.

Cover ip

Think of mulch as sunscreen for your garden. Bare soil dries out faster than a snow berm in May. Cover it with straw, last fall’s leaves, or ground covers to prevent erosion, conserve moisture, and create a five-star worm resort. Bonus: fewer weeds, which means more porch time with lemonade.

Chill on the tilling

Put down the rototiller. While satisfying, tilling destroys soil structure and evicts hardworking microbes. Go no-dig or lasagna-style instead. Layer compost, straw, and leaves right on top. Nature’s been doing it this way for millions of years.

Plant for the pollinators

Pollinators, beneficial insects, and birds are your garden’s unpaid interns. Invite them with natives like yarrow, bee balm, and Rocky Mountain penstemon. They’ll keep your garden buzzing without chemical drama.

Ditch the chemicals

Skip synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Regenerative gardening means trusting nature to handle pests and feed plants. Ladybugs are surprisingly fierce, and compost tea is like a probiotic smoothie for your soil. Plus, your bragging rights: veggies grown 100% organic, with love.

The Bigger Picture

In the Yampa Valley, regenerative gardening is more than a trend, it’s a way to steward the land we love. It builds resilience in backyards and our community. And nothing beats the taste of a tomato you grew yourself.

Still curious? The CSU Routt County Extension Office and Master Gardener Help Desk are here to help. Stop by Thursdays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., May through September. Contact at 970-879-0825 or rcextension@co.routt.co.us

Sarah Storm is a Master Gardener in Steamboat Springs connecting community members to the joys and benefits of growing their own food and landscapes.