What to Plant in Late Summer in Colorado: Your Guide to a Productive Fall Garden

Think gardening season is winding down? Think again. Late summer in Colorado is one of the best times to plant for a beautiful fall harvest and extend your growing season. While many homeowners assume August means the gardening season is ending, savvy Colorado gardeners know it’s the perfect time to get another round of vegetables, flowers, and cool-weather plants into the ground.

Whether you have raised beds, a backyard garden, or a few patio containers, here’s what you should be planting now.

Leafy Greens

Fast-growing greens are excellent late summer choices include lettuces, spinach, kale, arugula and Swiss chard. Many leafy greens grow quickly and can be harvested before the first hard frost.

Root Vegetables

Cool temperatures help root vegetables thrive—and often improve flavor. Try your hand at planting radishes, carrots, turnips or beets.

Fast-Growing Favorites

Short-season crops that works best this time of year include green onions, peas and bok choy.

Add Flowers for Fall Color

Late summer isn’t just for vegetables. Adding flowers keeps your yard colorful while supporting pollinators. Great options include pansies, snapdragons, ornamental kale, mums and asters.