NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Spring has finally sprung. As morning frost comes to an end, peak planting season for many gardens is right around the corner. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, there are plenty of options when it comes to the type of plant that you decide to grow. From fr uits and vegetables to flowers, KRQE asked viewers via social media what they were planning to grow in their gardens this year. The most commonly answered garden-grown vegetables were chiles and tomatoes. Chile is a New Mexican staple and is sure to be found in many local gardens each year. The real decision comes between growing red, green, or Christmas. Chile grows best in sandy soil with lots of sun, making New Mexico the perfect growing climate. Make sure to protect those plants from strong winds and practice crop rotation for healthy soil and protection from pests and disease. Chimayo Chile becoming rarer as fewer farmers stick with tradition Growing tomatoes in the Land of Enchantment can prove to be a little trickier, however. Planning is required to account for hot, dry summers, high altitude, and the potential for frost well into April. A layer of mulch can help to retain moisture, and a shade can protect tomato plants from intense sunlight. Viewers are also growing bell peppers, cantaloupe, carrots, and peas this year. Bell peppers are grown in a similar way to chile, with lots of sun and well-drained soil. Drip irrigation can be an efficient method of watering in hot, dry climates. Cantaloupe requires consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil and fertilizer. Carrots grow well with sandy topsoil and plenty of sun. Consider a trellis for growing peas, especially climbing varieties, as it will make harvest much easier. Pea plants are delicate, so water the soil instead of the plant. Not all gardeners are growing fruits or vegetables, however. Some are going more for looks with flowers like tulips or marigolds or hardier plants like succulents. One viewer is growing Stevia rebaudiana, a South American plant whose leaves are used to make the zero-calorie sweetener stevia. Whatever you're planning to grow this year, expect to see plenty of new sprouts popping up this spring around the state. ...read more read less