Your Guide to Spring Gardening in the Mile High

The winter snow is turning to slush and springtime is just around the corner, so dust off your potting gloves and bust out your pruning shears because it’s never too early to get a jump on your garden. Learn what to plant and when with these tips from local pros for a happy, healthy springtime harvest.

Start Seeding Now

Because Colorado’s gardening season is so notoriously short, experts often recommend beginning some of your seeding indoors and then transplanting the seedlings to an outdoor garden bed when the weather gets warmer. Local gardening expert Betty Cahill authors a blog complete with detailed charts that break down ideal seeding and planting windows for dozens of popular plants, herbs, and crops.

Pick the Right Plants

The best way to find plants that will withstand Colorado’s unpredictable weather conditions and unique ecosystem is to buy from local purveyors. Selecting seeds from big-box seed companies that source internationally might leave you with varieties that aren’t prepared to thrive in our local climate.

You should also familiarize yourself with the different local growing seasons: Cool season (mid-March to mid-May), warm season (mid-May to mid-July), and mid-summer / fall season (mid-July to August). Knowing which plants fall under which season will help you understand their temperature and sunlight requirements. Some examples:

Prepare for Colorado’s Wild Weather Swings

Tunnels, cold frames, and row covers will help your early planted seedlings survive light frosts, cold temps, and other uncooperative weather. Colorado’s current weather patterns are lending to longer lasting cold weather and later springtime conditions. To stay on the safe side, plant your warm-weather plants in the later half of May.

More Resources, Programs, and Courses

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