The Ultimate Guide: Best Vegetables to Plant from Seed in Late Spring/Early Summer in Denver

Late spring and early summer bring prime planting opportunities for Denver gardeners. With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, it's the perfect time to start your vegetable garden from seed. In this guide from Pioneer Landscape Centers, we'll explore the top vegetables to plant during this season, providing step-by-step instructions for a successful garden in the Mile-High City.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Vegetables Choosing the right vegetables is crucial for a thriving late spring/early summer garden in Denver. Opt for varieties that thrive in warmer temperatures and have shorter growing seasons. Here are some top picks:

1. Beans: Consider planting 'Provider' bush beans for a reliable harvest or 'Kentucky Wonder' pole beans for vertical gardening and a continuous crop.
2. Corn: 'Golden Bantam' or 'Ambrosia' are excellent sweet corn varieties that can be sown directly into well-prepared soil for a delicious summer treat.
3. Cucumbers: 'Marketmore 76' or 'Straight Eight' are popular slicing cucumber varieties that thrive in the heat and provide abundant yields.
4. Squash and Zucchini: 'Black Beauty' zucchini and 'Yellow Crookneck' squash are prolific growers in Denver's warm weather, offering delicious harvests throughout the season.
5. Tomatoes: Start 'Early Girl' or 'Celebrity' tomato seeds indoors in late spring for transplants, or opt for 'Better Boy' or 'Roma' seedlings for a summer filled with juicy tomatoes.
6. Peppers: Whether sweet or hot, peppers like 'California Wonder' bell peppers or 'Jalapeno' peppers love the heat and are perfect for planting in late spring for a late summer harvest.

Step 2: Preparing Your Garden Before planting, prepare your garden bed by clearing away debris, weeds, and rocks. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches and amend it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Consider using raised beds or containers if your soil quality is poor or if you have limited space.

Step 3: Planting Seeds Follow packet instructions for each vegetable regarding spacing and depth. Generally, seeds should be planted at a depth of two to three times their diameter. Water gently after planting to ensure good soil contact.

Step 4: Caring for Your Garden Water your garden regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests and diseases, and take action promptly to prevent damage to your crops. Consider using organic pest control methods to protect your plants without harmful chemicals.

Step 5: Harvesting Your Bounty As your vegetables mature, monitor them closely for readiness. Harvest beans when young and tender, cucumbers when firm and crisp, and squash when they reach the desired size. Enjoy the fruits of your labor fresh from the garden or preserve them for later use.

With the right vegetables and proper care, you can create a thriving late spring/early summer garden in Denver. By following these step-by-step instructions from Pioneer and selecting specific varieties suited to the region, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of homegrown goodness throughout the season. Happy planting!

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