Preparing for Spring in Colorado

Preparing for spring in Colorado involves careful timing and planning due to the state's variable climate and risk of late frosts. Here’s a concise guide to get ready:

• Start Early with Cool-Season Crops: Plant vegetables like lettuce, spinach, peas, kale, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage as early as late March to early April since they tolerate light frost1.

• Wait for Warm-Season Crops: Hold off planting tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, and squash until after the last frost, usually around mid-May. You can start these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting1.

• Prepare Your Soil: March and April are ideal for adding compost and working it into your garden beds to enrich the soil before planting3.

• Protect Against Frost: Use row covers, frost blankets, or cloches to shield young plants from unexpected cold snaps. Water plants in the morning before frost to help soil retain heat1.

• Garden Infrastructure: Repair or build raised beds, trellises, and windbreaks early in spring. Choose sunny locations with good drainage for your garden beds31.

• Water Wisely: Colorado’s dry spring and high altitude cause quick evaporation, so water deeply and mulch to retain moisture1.

• Start Seeds Indoors: Use seed trays or containers placed in sunny windows or under grow lights to get a head start on warm-season plants12.

By following these steps and keeping an eye on local frost dates, your Colorado spring garden can thrive despite the unpredictable weather