Gardening in Colorado can be quite a challenge! During my first year, nearly all my crops failed. The only survivors at harvest, were my pumpkins, tomatoes, and strawberries. I even tried companion planting. Yet to no avail, the grasshoppers, critters, and intense heat still took their toll. Let's dive into the best veggies to plant in Colorado.
Cool-season vegetables are ideal for Colorado’s spring and fall due to their ability to withstand cooler temperatures.
Lettuce: Various types of lettuce, including leaf, butterhead, and romaine, thrive in Colorado’s cooler temperatures.
Spinach: This nutrient-packed green grows well in early spring and fall, tolerating light frosts.
Radishes: Fast-growing and hardy, radishes are perfect for early spring or fall planting.
Peas: Snow peas, snap peas, and shelling peas do well in the cooler parts of the growing season.
Carrots: These root vegetables prefer cooler weather and can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Kale: A cold-hardy green, kale can withstand frost and even improve in flavor after a light freeze.
Broccoli: Thrives in cooler temperatures and can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall crop.
Cabbage: Another cool-season vegetable, cabbage is best planted in early spring or late summer
Warm-season vegetables need to be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Tomatoes: A Colorado favorite, tomatoes need plenty of sun and warm temperatures.
Peppers: Both bell peppers and hot peppers thrive in Colorado’s warm summers.
Beans: Bush and pole beans grow well in the warmer months. They require warm soil to germinate and produce well.
Squash: Summer squash (like zucchini) and winter squash (like butternut) are excellent choices. They need warm temperatures and lots of sunlight.
Cucumbers: These heat-loving plants do well in Colorado’s warm summer but need consistent watering.
Corn: Sweet corn can be grown in Colorado, especially in areas with longer growing seasons.
Eggplant: Needs a warm growing season and performs well with consistent watering and sunlight.
Melons: Cantaloupe and watermelon can be grown successfully in Colorado’s warmer regions.
Root vegetables can be both cool-season and warm-season crops depending on the type.
Beets: Can be planted in early spring and late summer, tolerating cooler temperatures.
Turnips: Grow well in cooler weather and can be harvested in spring and fall.
Onions: Bulb onions, as well as green onions (scallions), do well in Colorado. They can be started indoors and transplanted.
In addition to vegetables, consider planting herbs, many of which are drought-tolerant and well-suited to Colorado’s climate.
Basil: A warm-season herb that thrives in the summer heat.
Thyme: Drought-tolerant and hardy, thyme does well in Colorado gardens.
Sage: Another drought-tolerant herb, sage thrives in Colorado’s climate.
Parsley: Can be grown as a biennial and withstands cooler temperatures.
By selecting the right vegetables, you can enjoy a productive and rewarding gardening season in Colorado. Hopefully your luck is better than mine with your next garden, and don't let those pesky grasshoppers kill your crops! Send us pictures of your garden and/or harvest on facebook or instagram.
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