When to Plant in Aurora, CO

Aurora, Colorado, experiences its last spring frost around May 17 and the first fall frost approximately September 27, resulting in a total of 133 frost-free days. This means gardeners have a relatively short growing season, making it essential to choose the right crops that can thrive within these constraints. To maximize the growing period, careful planning is crucial, particularly in understanding the local climate’s nuances.

The microclimate of Aurora is characterized as continental mountain, which brings cold nights and intense sun exposure during the day. This unique combination benefits certain crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash, which love the high altitude and long days; their growth is often vigorous in these conditions. Conversely, crops like lettuce and basil may struggle due to the sharp temperature fluctuations between day and night, which can impact their growth and lead to bolting or stress.

What to plant now in Aurora

Spring is the time to begin planting cool-weather crops such as peas and lettuce, starting in late March up to May 17. This helps utilize the early frost-free days effectively before transitioning to warm-weather plants.
As we move into summer, the focus shifts to warm-season crops. Starting in early June, plant tomatoes, peppers, and corn until July, ensuring you take advantage of the long, sunny days for vigorous growth.
In late summer, prepare for fall planting by sowing crops like kale and spinach from mid-August until September 27. This timing allows for a bountiful harvest before the first fall frost.
As autumn approaches, consider planting cover crops in October to enrich the soil through the winter months. The growing season may be over, but preparing your garden for next year can start now.

In Aurora (133 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Aurora

Month	What to do
January	In January, it's best to plan your garden layout and order seeds indoors. Utilize this time to educate yourself about seasonal planting schedules and crops suited for Aurora's unique climate.
February	As February arrives, you can begin starting seeds indoors, particularly for tomatoes and peppers. This advance preparation will allow you to transplant them after the last spring frost.
March	March brings the first signs of spring. Start planting cool-weather crops outdoors, such as peas and radishes, as the soil warms, taking advantage of the remaining frost-free days approaching May 17.
April	By April, continue sowing seeds for cool-weather crops and prepare the garden by clearing out debris. It's also time to get ready for summer planting, as nights may still be chilly.
May	May is crucial as the median last frost date is May 17. Make sure to protect vulnerable plants until then, and after this date, begin transplanting warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers.
June	June offers plenty of sunlight, making it prime for planting warm-season crops. Continue to care for your garden by watering regularly and monitoring for pests as the temperature increases.
July	July brings intense sun; keep your plants well-watered and consider shading sensitive crops. This is a great time to harvest early vegetables and prolong the growing season.
August	In August, begin thinking about fall crops, while continuing to enjoy the fruits of your summer harvest. Plant hardy crops like kale in late August for a successful fall yield.
September	September signals the approach of the first fall frost on September 27. Ensure that fall crops are established and harvest warm-season crops before the chill sets in.
October	In October, the garden begins to wind down after the first frost. Consider planting cover crops to enrich your soil and prepare for winter. Clean and maintain your garden tools.
November	With frost settling in, November is a quiet month for gardening. Focus on cleaning up the garden and planning for the following season based on your experience.
December	December is the time for reflection and planning. Start gathering ideas for next year’s garden, and consider upgrading your composting practices to enhance your soil health.

Frost dates for Aurora ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
80013	May 17	September 27	6a
80016	May 17	September 27	6a
80019	May 9	October 1	6a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Aurora?

The last frost in Aurora typically occurs around May 17, marking an essential date for gardeners planning their spring planting.

What vegetables grow best in Aurora?

Tomatoes, peppers, and squash thrive well in Aurora's sunny and warm conditions, while crops like lettuce may struggle due to the cold nights.

When should I plant tomatoes in Aurora?

Tomatoes should be planted after the last frost date, around late May, for optimal growth in Aurora's climate.

Can I garden year-round in Aurora?

While Aurora has a distinct growing season, some gardeners use cold frames or greenhouses to extend their gardening into the winter.

How does Plan My Garden help Aurora gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice and resources based on local climate conditions, helping Aurora gardeners maximize their yield and create successful planting schedules.