What to plant this week in Cheyenne, WY
With the average last frost date finally set for May 1, Cheyenne gardeners are moving from the cold-weather prep phase into active spring planting this week. The air is clearing after a typical late-April dip toward -15°F lows earlier in the month, signaling that cool-season crops can now find their footing while heat-loving varieties get ready to bloom.
The next 7 days
Cheyenne, WYGrowing in Cheyenne right now
- Cheyenne's semi-arid climate and alkaline soils mean you must amend beds with generous amounts of organic matter before planting any of this week's transplant-ready crops like Garlic or Leek. The region is prone to rapid drying winds, so start all new transplants in shaded areas until they harden off against the intense afternoon sun that defines our summer days.
- Take advantage of the long daylight hours in Zone 5b by sowing short-season varieties like Bush Beans and Pole Beans immediately; these thrive before the mid-June heat spikes become a limiting factor for fruiting. Keep an eye on soil moisture levels during the spring melt, as rocky loam can fluctuate quickly between saturated and bone-dry conditions.
- Plan your summer squash harvest now, as Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini listed for immediate harvest will require consistent watering to prevent bitterness in this dry environment where evaporation is high.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
44 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Dahlia
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia)
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Habanero Pepper
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Nasturtium
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Harvest bush beans, cucumbers, and yellow summer squash regularly to encourage continued production.
- Deadhead spent flowers like cosmos and zinnia to keep the plants looking tidy and blooming longer.
- Check on garlic scapes if planted early this spring; it's time to harvest them soon.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch closely for early spring aphids colonizing the tender new growth of transplanted Garlic, Leek, and Parsnip, which can be managed with strong water sprays or insecticidal soap.
- Be vigilant for cutworms threatening young seedlings of beans and melons; using cardboard collars around stems is an effective local deterrent before they reach soil temperature thresholds that encourage feeding.
- Monitor brassica crops like Brussels Sprouts for cabbage loopers, which often appear as temperatures stabilize above 50°F in our valley floor microclimate.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to keep roots hydrated during this warm growing season while letting soil dry slightly between sessions.
Pinch back any leggy basil or shiso plants now to promote bushier growth before the heat peaks.
Cheyenne gardening questions
3Can I plant Garlic now even though the frost dates are still a few weeks away?
Yes, this is actually the prime time to get your Garlic in the ground; it needs several weeks of cool weather to establish roots before summer heat arrives. While Cheyenne sees lows near -15°F occasionally, hardy varieties listed for transplanting will withstand these temperatures once planted.
Which vegetables from this week's list are best suited for our dry, alkaline soil conditions?
Root crops like Parsnip and Leek perform exceptionally well in Cheyenne if you add plenty of compost to improve drainage and texture. However, water-intensive crops such as Zucchini and Bush Beans will require supplemental irrigation to thrive in our naturally arid environment.
When should I start harvesting the summer squash varieties listed for 'harvest soon'?
You can expect to see your first Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini ready within 50 to 60 days of planting, which aligns with late May to early June in our zone. Pick them frequently to encourage continued production before the intense July heat sets in.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Cheyenne garden in SproutGuide →