Ault, CO — Planting Guide for July
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
July in Weld County, Colorado — your action list
Your garden in Weld County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
Fire up the seed-starting tray: peppers, astilbe, and begonias
You're about 13 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
-
Start harvesting basil, carrots, and cucumber
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
-
Kick off the fall garden with carrots, kale, and lettuce
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- First harvests: basil, cucumber, and green beans
- Fall sowing: alliums, crocus, and daffodils
Ault gardens in a dry climate (only 14" annual precipitation). Watering strategy matters more here than in most of the country — drip irrigation, deep mulching, and morning watering aren't optional, they're table stakes. The flip side: pest and disease pressure are far lower than in humid regions, and your soil temperatures climb fast in spring so you can plant heat-lovers earlier than the zone map suggests.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Ault averages 24.8 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
5b (-15°F to -10°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 2
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 7
📅 Growing Season
158 days
🌧️ Climate
Semi Arid 14.1" annual
💨 Wind
Unknown 0.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
24.8 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Ault
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
The practical takeaway: In Ault, the watering question isn't "how often" — it's "is the soil moist 4 inches down?" Stick a finger in. Dry? Water. Damp? Wait. The 14" annual rainfall is just the starting context.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.4 in | 7 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.5 in | 8 days | — | None |
| Apr | 2.1 in | 8 days | 2.2 in | High |
| May | 2.3 in | 9 days | 2 in | High |
| Jun | 1.4 in | 5 days | 2.9 in | High |
| Jul | 1.7 in | 6 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Aug | 1.8 in | 6 days | 2.5 in | High |
| Sep | 1.7 in | 5 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Oct | 1.7 in | 5 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Nov | 1.2 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.1 in | 8 days | — | None |
Annual total: 18.9 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Ault Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | May 19 | Oct 19 | 153 days |
| Cautious | May 10 | Oct 12 | 155 days |
| Average year | May 2 | Oct 7 | 158 days |
| Optimistic | Apr 27 | Oct 2 | 158 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Apr 21 | Sep 20 | 152 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±28 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 2.4 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Weld County has challenging growing conditions. Season extension and careful variety selection are essential.
Local Gardening Help in Weld County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Weld County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Weld County Colorado State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 970-491-6281
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Weld County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Weld County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Weld County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Weld County CO" or "garden center Weld County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Weld County CO" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Weld County Gardeners" or "Colorado Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Ault
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Why it matters: The longest day at Ault's latitude gets longer the further north you go. Strawberries, garlic, onions all care. The shortest day gets shorter — which limits winter growing for greens without artificial light.
Longest Day
14.9 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
9.1 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
11 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.4 hr | 5.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.4 hr | 6.1 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 6.8 hr | Short day |
| April | 13.1 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14.3 hr | 8.6 hr | Long day |
| June | 14.9 hr | 11 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.6 hr | 10.4 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.6 hr | 9.5 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.3 hr | 8.8 hr | Neutral |
| October | 10.9 hr | 7.4 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.7 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 9.1 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Ault
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
For new gardeners: Mulched soil swings less. The mulch insulates against both winter cold and summer heat. In Ault, an aggressive mulch program shifts your effective soil temperature curve toward optimal for most crops.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil rarely reaches 60°F — use black plastic mulch to warm soil.
Best Month to Compost
Jul
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
3 months
Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3°F | 11°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 2°F | 8°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 10°F | 15°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 25°F | 24°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 39°F | 36°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Jun | 50°F | 45°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jul | 57°F | 51°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Aug | 56°F | 52°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Sep | 52°F | 48°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 37°F | 39°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Nov | 21°F | 28°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 10°F | 19°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Ault
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
For new gardeners: Pest score isn't pass/fail. It's a planning input. Higher scores mean: more compost (resilient plants), wider spacing (air circulation), resistant varieties (built-in defense), and inspection (catch issues at egg stage).
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash bugs | Low | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jul, Aug |
| Cabbage loopers | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Slugs | Low | Apr, May, Jun |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Ault
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
Why this matters: Cover crops are the experienced gardener's secret weapon. Ault's climate determines which species thrive: clover and vetch in mild winters, cereal rye and Austrian peas in cold ones.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | May 12 | Jul 29 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | May 14 | Jul 29 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 4 | Aug 12 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | May 21 | Sep 9 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (6 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 14 | Apr 11 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Daikon radish | Aug 15 | Apr 18 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 27 | Apr 18 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 27 | Apr 18 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 17 | Apr 11 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jul 17 | Apr 11 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Ault
For new gardeners: New gardeners under-plan for wind. Ault averages 0.0 mph — fine for most days. But every region has its windy days, and the first time a row of unstaked peppers leans over after a storm is a lesson you only need once.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 16 mph Summer: 11 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 14 mph
Prevailing wind: W. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the W side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
6.7/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
High
Hilly terrain with 2,489 ft of elevation range — cold air pools in low spots. Avoid planting frost-sensitive crops in valleys.
Rainwater Harvesting in Ault
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Why this matters: Building a rainwater system is mostly about doing the math: roof area × annual rainfall × 0.6 = gallons you could realistically capture. For Ault, that's your 14" times your roof.
Annual Collection
9,419 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
8 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 2,000 gal tank.
Legal Status
Limited
Your state has quantity limits on rainwater collection — check local regulations before installing large systems.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Feb, Nov, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 18.9 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 9,419 gallons annually
- Check CO state regulations — rainwater harvesting has quantity limits
- In your dry climate, every drop counts — consider a larger cistern system
- Position collection tanks in shade to reduce evaporation and algae growth
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Ault
105 vegetables matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Ault.
Show all 105 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 12 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 3 | 90–120 |
| Arugula | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | May 16 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 22 – Oct 17 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | May 9 | — | — | Aug 8 – Sep 26 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 80–120 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 29 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 15 – Sep 19 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 | 50–60 |
| Chickpeas | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 12 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 29 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | May 16 – Jun 6 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Sep 12 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Feb 21 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 26 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Nov 25 – Feb 10 | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | May 16 | — | Sep 19 – Oct 31 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Feb 21 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 31 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 29 – Oct 3 | 100–120 |
| Kabocha | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 12 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Jul 18 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | May 9 | — | — | Aug 8 – Sep 12 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Jul 25 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Oct 17 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 15 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Mache | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Melon | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 12 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | May 9 – Jun 6 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Aug 15 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Jul 4 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 1 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 8 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 11 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 1 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Feb 21 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 3 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 3 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 4 – Aug 8 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | May 16 – Jun 6 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Jul 25 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 22 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Mar 14 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 5 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | May 9 | — | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 12 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 5 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 3 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | May 16 | — | Sep 5 – Oct 31 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 3 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 26 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 18 | — | Jul 29 | May 30 – Jul 4 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | May 2 | Jul 29 | Jun 13 – Jul 18 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 12 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | May 9 | — | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Aug 15 – Oct 3 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Ault
27 fruits matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Ault.
Show all 27 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Nov 7 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 5 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 26 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | May 23 | — | Aug 15 – Sep 26 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Medlar | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Quince | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | May 23 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | May 23 | — | Aug 22 – Nov 7 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Ault
34 herbs matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Ault.
Show all 34 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jul 25 – Oct 10 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Mar 14 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 12 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | May 9 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 24 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 20 – Aug 8 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 12 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Aug 8 – Oct 10 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Mar 14 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | May 9 | — | Aug 8 – Oct 24 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 29 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Mint | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 27 – Aug 29 | 60–80 |
| Rue | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 19 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Aug 29 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Mar 28 | Apr 18 | Apr 25 | Jul 29 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Mar 14 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 12 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | May 9 | — | Sep 12 – Oct 24 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Ault
51 flowers matched to Zone 5b with planting dates calibrated for Ault.
Show all 51 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Mar 14 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Oct 3 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Sep 30 – Oct 21 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | Apr 4 | — | May 2 | — | Jun 6 – Jul 4 | 90–120 |
| Astilbe | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 10 | 70–100 |
| Bachelor's Button | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | May 2 | — | Jul 4 – Sep 19 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Feb 21 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 10 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Feb 28 | May 2 | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 7 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | Mar 21 | Apr 11 | May 2 | — | Jun 20 – Sep 19 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 17 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Feb 28 | May 9 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Nov 7 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Apr 4 | May 2 | May 2 | — | Jul 11 – Oct 10 | 60–90 |
| Crocus | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 8 – Jul 29 | 10–20 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 15 – Aug 5 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | Apr 4 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 31 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 7 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Feb 28 | Apr 4 | Apr 18 | — | Jun 6 – Aug 29 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 7 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 80–120 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Mar 7 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Nov 7 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Feb 21 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 10 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | May 9 | May 9 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 31 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Aug 8 – Nov 7 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Aug 5 – Sep 2 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 24 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Mar 7 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 17 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 15 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | Apr 4 | — | — | Jun 13 – Aug 8 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Feb 21 | — | May 23 | — | Aug 1 – Sep 19 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Oct 24 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Feb 21 | — | Apr 25 | — | Jun 20 – Sep 5 | 70–80 |
| Lupine | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Jul 11 – Aug 22 | 75–100 |
| Marigolds | Mar 21 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Oct 3 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Apr 4 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 4 – Oct 17 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Feb 21 | — | May 2 | — | Jun 27 – Aug 29 | 70–90 |
| Peonies | — | Division | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 | 90–120 |
| Petunia | Mar 7 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Feb 28 | May 16 | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 24 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Mar 28 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jun 27 – Oct 3 | 50–70 |
| Roses | Feb 21 | — | May 16 | — | Aug 1 – Nov 7 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Feb 28 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 17 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Feb 28 | — | May 16 | — | Sep 12 – Nov 21 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | Feb 21 | Apr 18 | May 2 | — | Jul 11 – Sep 19 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Apr 11 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Aug 1 – Oct 17 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | Mar 14 | Apr 18 | May 2 | — | Jun 13 – Aug 22 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | Mar 21 | Mar 28 | May 2 | — | Jul 18 – Sep 19 | 65–85 |
| Tulips | — | — | — | Aug 26 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 | 15–30 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Feb 14 | — | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 10 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Feb 28 | May 2 | May 16 | — | Jul 25 – Nov 7 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Apr 4 | May 9 | May 9 | — | Jul 18 – Oct 17 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Ault
ZIP Codes in Ault
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Weld County.
Your Weld County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Weld County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log