Spring has sprung, and with warmer weather comes the perfect time to start thinking about your garden.
But, not so fast. In most areas, we're still a few weeks away from prime planting season.
Average last freeze
Since spring freezes and spring planting go hand-in-hand, let's take a closer look at the average last freeze for several Southern Colorado cities.
On average, the last freeze of the season happens in Pueblo right around the 30th of April.
Canon City's average last freeze happens closer to May 3rd, with the last freeze of the season on the 8th of May for Colorado Springs.
Due to its a higher elevation, Monument won't typically see its final freeze of the season until the middle of May.
When is the best time of the year to plant my garden?
We called several home and garden centers around Southern Colorado to find out the best time to plant your vegetables and flowers.
When it comes to cold hardy crops, such as kale, lettuce, cabbage and radishes, these are OK to plant as early as March or April.
Mark Phelan of Phelan Gardens in Colorado Springs tells News 5 that these types of vegetables can survive during moderate freezes, but do not do as well when temperatures drop into the 10s.
Frost sensitive vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, tomato and cucumbers, are best to plant after the final freeze of the season.
As cold weather comes to an end in May, planting frost sensitive crops based on these dates above should give your garden a chance to flourish.
However, a late season freeze can cause damage or even destroy sensitive plants or vegetables.
Watching the forecast is key to maintaining a healthy garden. When cold weather threatens, throw a sheet or light blanket over outdoor crops. Potted plants can be brought inside to prevent damage.
A hot trend or reaction due to coronavirus
News 5 learned today that many people have been buying seeds and soil to start their own gardens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing your own vegetables can be fun and rewarding, and save you money in the long run. For more information, consult with an expert at your local garden center.
