Found on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, Montrose is more than just a picturesque town — it’s a vibrant hub, particularly at harvest harmonizing agriculture tradition and innovation. During harvest season, the region comes alive with activity, as farmers blend time-honored practices with modern irrigation systems to coax life from the land. With a semi-arid climate and less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, irrigation is not just helpful — it’s essential. Thanks to careful water management, Montrose supports a wide variety of crops including alfalfa, grass hay, small grains, sweet corn, vegetables and fruit trees like peaches, and apples.
The process for growing these crops begins in spring as the growing season lasts from May to November relying on the coming warm weather. Spring planting begins after the last frost around the beginning of May depending on the type of crop and whether it can withstand possible cold nights. Some farmers begin to prune perennial crops to eliminate disease and encourage healthy growth.
Montrose Harvest Relies on Irrigation and Sunshine
Once crops are in the ground, irrigation becomes critical. Montrose is built with a network of canals that carry non-potable (unfiltered) water to farms across the region. Farmers use a variety of systems to deliver water to their fields. One such is Furrow irrigation which uses small ditches and syphon tubes to deliver the water to the fields. Additional delivery systems include drip or center pivot irrigation. These systems improve water efficiency and crop yields. As water becomes more in demand, farmers are adapting regenerative agriculture, crop switching and modern irrigation infrastructure. Projects like the West Lateral Piping Project aim to improve water delivery efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Sunshine is another ingredient needed to grow crops. Luckily Montrose has plenty of that with, on average, over 300 days of sunshine. Farmers test and monitor the soil moisture, pest and weed pressure as well as nutrient levels. They are increasingly adopting regenerative practices such as no-till and cover cropping, reduction in pesticides and soil health monitoring.
By late August and on through October, fields and orchards are buzzing with activity. At this time the farmers begin whatever process is necessary to harvest their crops. With over 330,000 acres of farmland, Montrose plays a vital role in Colorado’s food system. Harvest season in Montrose is a harmony of irrigation, sunshine and agricultural care. It’s a process rooted in in resilience, innovation and community.
About Homes at Cobble Creek. Colorado Golf Course Homes for an Authentic Mountain Lifestyle.
Nestled at the base of the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, our residents enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. Start your day biking Gunnison Gorge Conservation Area coupled with an afternoon of hiking Black Canyon National Park. In winter, ski Telluride or Crested Butte resorts and the following summer fish the local rivers after the snow melts. An ideal choice as a Montrose retirement community, residents walk easily to the Clubhouse for Happy Hour or dinner. Members can participate in parties and parades in addition to enjoying the fitness center or joining one of many clubs.
At Spruce Point Patio Homes in the Cobble Creek Golf Community, you will find homes for sale in as well as homes in the planning stages. We offer a streamlined design process to help you configure your new house. There are a variety of home options, as well as styles, and prices to fit your vision and needs. Come visit us today and learn more about the exciting active-living lifestyle options available at Homes at Cobble Creek. Contact Madison about Spruce Point Patio Homes at 970-275-0662 or complete the Contact Us form.
