What to Plant in Colorado in August

If your summer crops are harvested and all that open space in your home garden has you wondering what to plant in Colorado in August, we have the answer! Your yard will yield some amazing vegetables and the beauty of your garden will give your home a summery look.
Make sure that you have a ballpark the first frost date for Colorado before you begin planting.  Check the Farmers Almanac as a guide and remember that the first frost date varies. For most of Colorado, the first frost on average falls in the opening weeks of October. At that point, it comes down to scheduling and there are plenty of vegetables and plants to grow as the summer winds down.

 

MANY PLANTS PRODUCE QUICKLY

Let’s face it, things happen in life that get in the way of planting and gardening. But luckily, some plants have a short growing period, meaning that even if planted later on in the month, they will still come in before the frost hits. Spinach and endive have a quick turnaround of 40 and 45 days to harvest, respectively. You can even plant radishes as late as mid-September, as they take 30 days to harvest.

 

PEAS, COLLARDS, BROCCOLI, KALE, AND LETTUCE ARE IDEAL TO PLANT IN COLORADO IN AUGUST.

Each of these plants takes approximately 55 to 65 days to harvest. Watch those peas though: When peas are planted in the fall, they are susceptible to powdery mildew. Look for mildew resistant varieties when purchasing.

DON’T OVERLOOK ROOT VEGETABLES LIKE TURNIPS, BEETS, AND CARROTS.

If you begin planting early enough, root vegetables are also a variety to think about. Turnips generally take 50 days to harvest, while beets take 60 days and carrots 70.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT FRUITING VEGETABLES.

Your fall seeding does not end and begin with strictly vegetables as you can also squeeze in some fruiting vegetables, the cucumber and the bush bean are both easy selections if you are looking to introduce some different flavors to the mix.