When to Plant Your Vegetable Garden in Denver

Timing your vegetable garden in Denver depends on your last frost date and the cold tolerance of each crop. While the exact date varies yearly, you can follow these general guidelines based on soil readiness and frost risk.

Cool-Season Crops (Plant 4 Weeks Before Last Frost)

As soon as the soil is workable—dry and loose—you can sow or transplant broccoli, cabbage, beets, peas, radishes, lettuce, and spinach. These hardy vegetables handle light frosts.

Semi-Hardy Crops (Plant 2 Weeks Before Last Frost)

Carrots and onion sets can go in a bit later, about two weeks before the average last frost.

Warm-Season Crops (Plant 1 Week After Last Frost)

Wait until all danger of frost has passed for tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, corn, squash, and beans. Planting earlier risks losing them to a late freeze.

To find your precise last frost date, check resources like the Victory Seeds frost chart. When in doubt, wait a week or two longer for tender plants. Your patience will pay off with healthier starts and better yields.