When to Plant in Cheyenne, WY

In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the gardening calendar is significantly influenced by its frost dates: the last spring frost typically occurs around May 12, while the first fall frost arrives approximately on September 26. This gives gardeners a total of just 129 frost-free days each year to plan their gardening activities effectively, ensuring they cultivate crops that can thrive within this limited window.

The microclimate of Cheyenne is classified as continental mountain, characterized by cold nights and intense sun. This unique environment allows crops like peas, lettuce, and radishes to excel, thriving in the cooler temperatures with ample sunlight. However, heat-loving plants such as tomatoes and peppers may struggle to reach their full potential due to the significant temperature fluctuations and shorter growing seasons.

What to plant now in Cheyenne

Spring: Start planting cool-season crops such as spinach, kale, and carrots well before the last frost, which occurs on May 12. These plants can endure the cold and benefit from early growth.
Summer: After the last frost, consider planting warm-season vegetables like beans, corn, and squash. These crops thrive in the warmer soil and can establish well during the late spring and early summer.
Fall: As the first fall frost approaches on September 26, harvest your remaining summer crops and sow a fast-growing crop like turnips or radishes for a quick fall yield.
Winter: Although serious gardening usually pauses during winter, consider planning for the next season. Research which crops perform best in Cheyenne's climate and prepare seed orders or garden designs.

In Cheyenne (137 frost-free days, a moderate season), 39 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Cheyenne

Month	What to do
January	January is a quiet month for gardening in Cheyenne. It's an ideal time for gardeners to plan their growing season, reviewing past planting successes and failures while reading gardening books to prepare.
February	In February, start planning your spring garden. You can also begin germinating seeds indoors for early crops. It’s good to research frost-tolerant varieties that will thrive when planted outdoors after the last frost.
March	March is the month to prepare soil for the upcoming planting season. Clear any debris from last year’s harvest, turn the soil, and start sowing cool-season crops like peas and spinach indoors.
April	As April arrives, complete your soil preparation, and begin direct sowing cool-weather crops such as carrots and radishes outdoors. Transplant any seedlings that have been started indoors to acclimatize before the May 12 frost date.
May	In May, gardeners in Cheyenne should keep a close eye on the weather as the last frost date approaches on May 12. Finish planting cool-season crops early in the month and prepare for warm-season crops after the frost.
June	June is the time to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers once the risk of frost has passed. Make sure to water regularly and monitor for pests, as the growing season is in full swing.
July	July is warm, and your garden should be thriving. Continue to water and support tall plants. Now is also a great time to harvest early summer crops like zucchini and green beans.
August	August marks the beginning of the transition in Cheyenne. Start preparing for autumn by harvesting remaining summer crops and sowing quick-growing fall crops such as turnips and radishes before the first frost date.
September	With September here, keep a vigilant eye on the weather as the first fall frost is expected by September 26. Finish harvesting your summer crops and plant any fall crops such as spinach or winter squash.
October	October signifies the end of the growing season. Clear out any remaining plants and cover the soil to protect it from winter weather. Wind down gardening activities until the next planting season.
November	In November, Cheyenne gardeners can focus on winter maintenance tasks. Prepare your garden tools for storage, and begin planning which crops to grow next season.
December	December is a time for reflection on your gardening successes and challenges. Use this time to read about gardening techniques and strategies that can improve your next growing season.

Frost dates for Cheyenne ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
82001	May 12	September 26	5b
82009	May 26	September 21	5b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Cheyenne?

The last frost in Cheyenne typically occurs on May 12, which means gardeners should plan their planting activities accordingly to protect sensitive crops.

What vegetables grow best in Cheyenne?

Crops such as peas, lettuce, and radishes perform well in Cheyenne's climate, thriving in its cooler temperatures paired with bright sunshine.

When should I plant tomatoes in Cheyenne?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last frost date of May 12 to ensure a successful growing season in Cheyenne.

Can I garden year-round in Cheyenne?

Gardening year-round in Cheyenne can be challenging due to its cold winters and limited frost-free days. However, indoor gardening and careful planning can extend your growing season.

How does Plan My Garden help Cheyenne gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored advice and resources for Cheyenne gardeners, helping them optimize their planting schedules in alignment with local frost dates and climate conditions.