---
title: "My sister lives in the high desert of Colorado, trying for a veggie…"
description: "My sister lives in the high desert of Colorado, trying for a veggie garden. They experience extreme temperature swings, 90F plus days, can freeze at night…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/CQDcNKuFT2eBWinfsTKHmQ/857OQzeVhZAtjRdhTuSeVu"
community: "Gardening and Outdoor"
author: "OJ"
published: "2026-06-10T02:14:04.240399Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/gardeningAndOutdoor.jpg"
---

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# My sister lives in the high desert of Colorado, trying for a veggie…

_Posted by OJ on 2026-06-10_

My sister lives in the high desert of Colorado, trying for a veggie garden. They experience extreme temperature swings, 90F plus days, can freeze at night anytime of year.  
I heard of a tactic of spreading a layer of river pebbles, crushed rocks, or pea stones on top of the soil. My guess is that this acts as a buffer from the sun during day, and releases heat at night?  
Is there truth and science to this?  
Thanks, cheers.

## 2 comments

### Larry Pickett sr commented on 2026-08-19

Try greens, kale,spinach,fig tree(dwarf) find out what zone you’re in,that should help narrow down your options

#### Larry Pickett sr replied on 2026-08-19

Try the cloth container gardening as well easier to move when needed

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