Arvada, CO Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Arvada

In October:

• Plant garlic cloves (Oct 1–14)

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (May 5, 50% risk), balanced = May 11 (30%), safe = May 18 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

Frost odds aren't the only check. CSU recommends measuring soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before you sow. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so we list each crop's minimum soil temperature from CSU instead of a date.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Arvada

What to plant in Arvada in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 23 – Mar 9)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 23 – Mar 9)

What to plant in Arvada in March

• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Mar 9–23)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 23 – Apr 13)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 30 – Apr 13)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 23 – Mar 9)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 23 – Mar 9)

What to plant in Arvada in April

• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 23 – Apr 13)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 30 – Apr 13)

What to plant in Arvada in May

• Start tomato seeds indoors (May 2–16)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (May 5–18)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (May 5–18)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (May 5–18)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (May 5–18)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 10–24)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 30 – Jun 13)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 7 – May 4)
• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 21 – May 18)

What to plant in Arvada in June

• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (Jun 20)
• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jun 28)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (May 19 – Jun 1)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (May 30 – Jun 13)

What to plant in Arvada in July

• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 9)
• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Jul 13)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Jul 14)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Jul 18)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 18)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Jul 19)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Jul 23)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Jul 23)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Jul 23)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Jul 23)

What to plant in Arvada in August

• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 2)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 2)
• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Aug 12)
• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Aug 22)

What to plant in Arvada in October

• Plant garlic cloves (Oct 1–14)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Arvada

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Arvada, the frost rule alone would allow about May 19, but the average nightly low at Wheat Ridge 2 isn't above 52°F until Jun 20, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about Jun 20. Start seeds indoors May 2–16, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on Jun 20. Fruit set suffers when nights drop below 55°F (CSU). The normal low at Wheat Ridge 2 reaches 55°F on Jul 2. Set out on Jun 20, tomato plants would start producing around Aug 24, based on CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 42 days before the typical first frost (Oct 5).

When to plant peppers in Arvada

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set peppers out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 19 using the typical date, May 25 as a balanced choice, or Jun 1 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 30 – Apr 13, 6–8 weeks before transplanting on May 25. CSU notes that nights under 55°F hurt fruit set. The normal low at Wheat Ridge 2 climbs to 55°F on Jul 2. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on May 25 would start producing around Aug 3. That's 63 days before the typical first frost (Oct 5).

When to plant potatoes in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, potatoes can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 21 – May 5 in Arvada (typical date) or May 4–18 (safer date). The soil should be at least 45°F.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, onions (dry, from sets) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date).

When to plant peas in Arvada

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 7–21 in Arvada using the typical date, or Apr 20 – May 4 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For fall, count back 79 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 18, or by Jul 3 to be safe.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, lettuce (leaf) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date). For fall, sow by Jul 23 (Jul 8 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant carrots in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting carrots as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Arvada, that's roughly Apr 21 – May 5 by the typical date or May 4–18 by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 13, or by Jun 28 to be safe. That's 84 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beans (snap) in Arvada

Tender crop. CSU's timing for beans (snap) is around the average last frost, which is about May 5 in Arvada. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 18. Seeds want soil at 55°F or warmer. For fall, sow by Jul 9 (Jun 24 to be safe), which is 88 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant summer squash in Arvada

Tender crop. CSU's timing for summer squash is around the average last frost, which is about May 5 in Arvada. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 18. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, count back 78 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 19, or by Jul 4 to be safe.

When to plant broccoli in Arvada

Hardy crop. CSU says broccoli can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 7–21 in Arvada using the typical date, or Apr 20 – May 4 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for broccoli plants is 65 days. Set out on Apr 13, they would start producing around Jun 17, 110 days before the typical first frost (Oct 5). Fall broccoli: set transplants out by Jul 18. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Oct 5) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started May 30 – Jun 13 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cabbage in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, cabbage can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date). CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Apr 13, they would start producing around Jul 7, 90 days before the typical first frost (Oct 5). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Jun 28. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 5), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds May 10–24 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting cauliflower as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Arvada, that's roughly Apr 21 – May 5 by the typical date or May 4–18 by the safer date.

When to plant kohlrabi in Arvada

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 7–21 in Arvada using the typical date, or Apr 20 – May 4 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 2, or by Jul 18 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, green onions can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date). For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 23, or by Jul 8 to be safe.

When to plant radishes in Arvada

Hardy crop. CSU says radishes can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Arvada, that's roughly Apr 7–21 going by the typical date, or Apr 20 – May 4 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 22, or by Aug 7 to be safe. That's 44 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, spinach can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date). For fall, sow by Aug 12 (Jul 28 to be safe), which is 54 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Arvada

Hardy crop. Per CSU, turnips can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Arvada, that works out to roughly Apr 7–21 (typical date) or Apr 20 – May 4 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Aug 2, or by Jul 18 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting beets as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Arvada, that's roughly Apr 21 – May 5 by the typical date or May 4–18 by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 23, or by Jul 8 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says swiss chard can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Arvada, that's roughly Apr 21 – May 5 going by the typical date, or May 4–18 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Jul 23, or by Jul 8 to be safe.

When to plant parsnips in Arvada

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 21 – May 5 in Arvada (typical date) or May 4–18 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Arvada

Tender crop. Sow sweet corn around the average last frost, per CSU: about May 5 in Arvada. Waiting until May 18 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 50°F.

When to plant cucumbers in Arvada

Tender crop. CSU's timing for cucumbers is around the average last frost, which is about May 5 in Arvada. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until May 18. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, sow by Jul 14 (Jun 29 to be safe), which is 83 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Arvada

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost), set eggplant out around May 19 with the typical date, May 25 for a balanced choice, or Jun 1 with the safer 10% date. Sow seeds indoors Mar 23 – Apr 13, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on May 25. Set out on May 25, eggplant plants would start producing around Jul 24, based on CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest. That leaves 73 days before the typical first frost (Oct 5).

When to plant cantaloupe in Arvada

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant cantaloupe around May 19 at the earliest, May 25 as a balanced choice, or Jun 1 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Arvada

Very tender crop. CSU Extension says to plant watermelon 2+ weeks after the average last frost: about May 19 (typical date), May 25 (balanced) or Jun 1 (safer 10% date). Wait for soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Arvada

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to plant winter squash at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about May 19 using the typical date, May 25 as a balanced choice, or Jun 1 if you go by the safer 10% date. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant garlic in Arvada

CSU Extension's Colorado guidance is to plant garlic in early October, before October 15 (Oct 1–14). That's a fixed statewide window, not one computed from frost data. At Wheat Ridge 2, the typical first hard freeze (28°F) comes on Oct 14, on or before the window's last day.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Arvada?

Sow tomatoes indoors May 2–16 and peppers Mar 30 – Apr 13. We work back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Arvada?

About Jun 20 at every risk level, because the night rule decides it. CSU wants nights above 52°F at transplant, and the average nightly low at Wheat Ridge 2 first rises above 52°F on Jun 20. CSU's frost rule (2+ weeks after the average last frost) would allow about May 19 here.

What can I plant in Arvada in the fall?

Based on UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 5), sow peas by Jul 18; lettuce (leaf) by Jul 23; carrots by Jul 13; beans (snap) by Jul 9; summer squash by Jul 19; broccoli by Jul 18 (transplants); cabbage by Jun 28 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 2; green onions by Jul 23; radishes by Aug 22; spinach by Aug 12; turnips by Aug 2; beets by Jul 23; swiss chard by Jul 23; cucumbers by Jul 14. Garlic goes in Oct 1–14.

When should I plant garlic in Arvada?

CSU Extension's Colorado guidance is early October, before October 15 (Oct 1–14).

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