Hi, I just bought a few acres on a mountain ridge, about 3,000 ft. up. I'd like to have a vegetable garden, but I've never had one on a mountain and I'm wondering if there is anything special I should know about gardening at that elevation.
Thanks,
Lou

Major factor is climate. Probably equivalent to a much more northern location, especially for summer temperatures.

Can you find average last frost date and hardiness zone for the elevation? My impression is that ZIP code / USDA Hardiness Zones are not fine enough to really say what YOUR climate will be.

I tend to think of ridge tops as cold and windy, but maybe ridge tops in NC are warmer.

When you look around at vegetation already there, can you tell whether the weeds get enough rainfall? Do they seem vigorous and green as if the soil is fertile, or do they look like they are working hard just to make ends meet?

Do you have much soil, or just rocks?

Welcome to All Things Plants, @drlouiegen ! Is there anyone nearby that gardens? They could be a great source of information for your particular area.

The Memberlist shows three members IN Asheville and three more within less than 25 miles. They might have have suggestions IF they live near your same elevation and exposure.

http://garden.org/users/member...


User Location Miles away

Fillup - - - - - Asheville, NC - - - - - - 0
drlouisgen - - Asheville, NC - - - - - - 0
barbralove - - - Asheville, North Carolina - - - - - - 0
koiguy - - - - - - Western, North Carolina - - - - - - 22
miekkosalter - - - - Penrose, North Carolina - - - - - - 24
deansbooboo - - - - - Pisgah Forest, NC - - - - - - 24

My son lives in Asheville at about 3,000' and I have helped him get his garden established. Nothing special to it at all, although you do have to know your exposure. A southern facing slope will warm up sooner than a northern one, etc. If you are on an actual ridge top, you might have to address wind issues. The soil in that area is generally pretty rich but I know where my son lives it is heavy and needs a lot of compost. The local Farmer's Markets will be opening next month and the farmers have always been willing to share their knowledge and experience. Good luck with your endeavor; Asheville is a great place to grow veggies.