What to plant this week in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs gardeners in Zone 6a are currently navigating the tail end of spring frosts, with an average last frost date hovering around April 21. This week marks a critical transition period where hardy cool-season crops like parsnips and leeks can be harvested while warm-weather favorites such as bush beans, cucumbers, and zucchini move into their prime harvest window.
The next 7 days
Colorado Springs, COGrowing in Colorado Springs right now
- With the valley floor often experiencing microclimates that delay frost by days compared to higher elevations, keep young transplants protected under row covers until after the April 21 average last frost date passes.
- The city's semi-arid climate means irrigation is vital for moisture-loving crops like celery and summer squash; apply deep watering in the early morning to mitigate high daytime heat stress.
- Soil temperatures are finally warming enough for edamame and pole beans, but check that soil has reached at least 60°F before sowing any seeds that require warmer ground conditions this week.
Sow this week
No direct sowing windows open this week.
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
45 crops- Basil
- Borage
- 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)
- Honeydew Melon
- Leek
- Lima Bean
- Lisianthus (Prairie Gentian)
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine
- Parsnip
- Pole Bean
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow bush beans and sweet corn every two weeks for continuous harvests through summer.
- Pinch back the tips of basil and okra to encourage bushier growth rather than flowering too early.
- Add a thin layer of straw or shredded leaves around heavy feeders like pumpkins and squash to retain moisture.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for aphid colonies forming on the tender new growth of basil, nasturtium, and okra as temperatures stabilize above 50°F.
- Watch closely for cucumber beetles appearing on emerging cucumber, melon, and squash vines, which can quickly transmit bacterial wilt in our warm valley soils.
Watering this week
Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, applying it deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
Harvest zucchini and summer squash early in the day when they are most tender and flavorful for your table.
Colorado Springs gardening questions
3Can I plant my tomatoes outside now that we are past the April frost date?
While the average last frost is around April 21, wait for a few more clear days to ensure no late chill damage occurs before moving seedlings. It is safer to start them indoors or in cold frames another week if you have concerns about lingering night air.
My zucchini and bush beans are already flowering; how often should I water?
Colorado Springs' dry climate requires consistent moisture, so aim for one inch of water per week split into two applications. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch deep; if it feels dry, give them a good soak to prevent blossom drop.
Are the garlic bulbs ready to harvest this week?
Yes, this is the ideal time to dig up your garlic before the first hard frosts of late October fully mature the necks. Gently lift the bulbs and let them cure in a shaded, airy spot on your porch or garage floor for two weeks.
Other cities in zone 6a
12See the full zone 6a guide → · Plan your Colorado Springs garden in SproutGuide →