When can I…?  When should I…?  These are the beginnings for most questions we hear each spring from people eager to dive into spring gardening projects.  So lets take a look at the general guidelines for planting in the Colorado Springs area.

In Colorado Springs, cold crop plants can be set out as early as April 15^th.  These include pansies, snapdragons, sweet alyssum, plants in the cabbage family such as kohlrabi, broccoli, collards and brussels sprouts, as well as lettuce, peas, and spinach.  While trees, shrubs and perennials can be planted throughout the season, Spring and Fall are the best times because cooler temperatures help prevent transplant shock and reduce water needs.

Our average last killing frost here in Colorado Springs is May 15^th.  Petunias and dianthus are fairly hardy and can be set out as early as May 10^th.  However, it is generally recommended that all other frost tender annuals be planted after May 15^th.  You can harden them off prior to that time by placing them outdoors in a protected location for increasing periods of time each day.  This will gradually get them acclimated to outside temperatures, wind and direct sunlight.  (All plants regardless of when they are purchased should be hardened off before planting.)  Keep in mind that frost can occur later than the average date.  Be prepared to protect your plants with lightweight cloth (NOT plastic) sheets and blankets should temperatures plunge.

With the average first killing frost occurring around October 10^th, many people attempt to extend the season with cold frames, heated frames and even plastic covered window wells.  Wall-o-Water allow you to plant as early April 15^th and offer added protection later for tender tomato and pepper plants.  Remember to vent!  These things work by solar power, the sunnier and warmer it is outside, the hotter they are inside.

Those of you living in Peyton, Black Forest, and Monument can knock about two weeks off the growing season at both ends.  That means you start two weeks later and end two weeks earlier.  But don’t be discouraged!  There are still many plants you can successfully grow.  While you may have difficulty growing a good pepper crop, you should have no problems with carrots, peas, beans, zucchini and other cold hardy or short season vegetables.  Also, many flowering annuals do well in cooler temperatures, particularly Martha Washington geraniums, lobelia, sweet alyssum and petunias.

If you have additional questions about when you should do some garden task, don’t hesitate to come by and ask us personally. 

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!   

For additional information, check the following links:  

• Find Your Last Frost Date
• It's March and Time to Dig in the Garden
• Test Your Colorado Gardening IQ
• Last spring frosts
• Spring frosts & snows