What to plant this week in Fort Collins, CO
With the average last frost date of May 1, Fort Collins gardeners are past the danger zone for cold snaps and can now focus on harvesting your summer crops like zucchini, corn, and beans. The upcoming first frost on October 15 means you must prioritize getting cool-season giants like Brussels sprouts and garlic established before the ground freezes.
The next 7 days
Fort Collins, COGrowing in Fort Collins right now
- Fort Collins' high altitude (approx. 5,000 ft) creates a faster-growing season but requires vigilance against rapid soil moisture evaporation; mulch heavily around squash and melons to retain water.
- The region's clay-loam soils tend to become hard when dry; amend beds with compost before transplanting heat-loving crops like cantaloupe and habaneros now that the weather is stable.
- Be mindful of late-season wind chill from the Rockies, which can snap tall varieties like sunflowers and pole beans; use stakes or cages to provide structural support before heavy rains arrive.
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 for aphids clustering on new growth of edamame and fennel as temperatures rise above 60°F.
- Spider mites may appear on leafy greens and basil if the summer heat becomes particularly dry in June.
- Colorado potato beetles are actively seeking out transplanted potatoes and parsnips this week; hand-pick adults before they lay eggs.
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.
Fort Collins gardening questions
3Can I plant garlic now given the frost schedule?
Yes, garlic is listed for immediate transplanting and thrives when planted in late May to early June for a fall harvest. Ensure you use cold-hardy varieties suited for Zone 5b before the ground freezes.
When should I start harvesting my summer squash?
Yellow and winter squashes are ready to pick soon; cut stems with shears rather than twisting to prevent damaging the vine.
Do I need special care for peppers in Fort Collins this week?
Ghost peppers and habaneros can be transplanted now since the risk of frost has passed. Keep them watered consistently to prevent blossom drop as they transition from seedling to fruiting stage.
Other cities in zone 5b
8See the full zone 5b guide → · Plan your Fort Collins garden in SproutGuide →