1.Tomatoes

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost (mid-April). Transplant outdoors after the last frost (mid to late May).

Start from: Seedlings bought (or start seeds indoors and transplant).

Tomatoes are one of the most productive crops you can grow, offering a reliable harvest of juicy fruit over several months. They can be grown in pots or in garden beds, making them versatile for any space. Early-season varieties like ‘Early Girl’ or ‘Patio Princess’ mature quickly, giving you a jump-start on your harvest. Tomatoes thrive in full sun and need consistent watering, but once established, they’ll produce a high yield that can be used fresh, preserved, or made into sauces and salsas.

2. Zucchini

Ideal for: In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Direct sow seeds after the last frost (mid-May) and again in early July for a second harvest in fall. Plant in well-drained, full-sun areas for a continued yield, but be aware that Denver’s first frost can be unpredictable, so aim for early harvesting.

Start from: Seeds in the ground.

Zucchini is a high-yield vegetable that produces large quantities of fruit throughout the growing season. Once the plants are established, they will continue to produce, making zucchini a great choice for maximizing your garden’s output. These plants thrive in full sun and require little maintenance beyond regular watering and harvesting. With its versatility in the kitchen—whether grilled, baked, or sautéed—zucchini is a great way to ensure you’re consistently harvesting fresh, homegrown food.

3. Radishes 

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Direct sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost (early to mid-April). And again in mid-July for a fast fall harvest, as they mature quickly.

Start from: Seeds in the ground.

Radishes are one of the quickest-growing crops, ready to harvest in as little as three weeks. This makes them ideal for maximizing the space in your garden and providing fast results. Radishes can be planted in both pots and garden beds, and with multiple plantings, you can have a continuous harvest of fresh, crunchy radishes. They add a peppery bite to salads or can be roasted for a milder flavor. Their quick growth allows you to keep harvesting, boosting your overall yield without much effort.

4. Lettuce

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors early spring (March-April) and transplant outdoors after the last frost. Lettuce can be directly sown in early to mid-August for a fall harvest. Cool-season varieties (like Romaine and Butterhead) are perfect for this time.

Start from: Seedlings bought or seeds in the ground.

Lettuce is a perfect crop for maintaining a steady supply of fresh greens throughout the season. It’s easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times, especially if you harvest individual leaves instead of pulling up the whole plant. Lettuce thrives in cooler weather, so it can be grown in the spring and fall for continuous access to fresh, homegrown salad greens. Whether you grow loose-leaf, romaine, or butterhead varieties, lettuce is an essential part of an ongoing, productive garden.

5. Strawberries

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Plant strawberry starts in spring (April-May) or late fall (September-October) to overwinter.

Start from: Seedlings (bare-root or potted plants)

Strawberries are a great way to grow your own fruit and increase the productivity of your garden. Once established, they’ll produce a steady harvest of sweet berries every year. They can be grown in both pots and garden beds, and with proper care, they’ll continue to provide fresh fruit throughout the spring and summer. Strawberries require minimal maintenance and provide a valuable, low-maintenance crop for snacking, making jams, or adding to desserts.

6. Peppers

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost (early to mid-March), transplant outdoors after the last frost (mid to late May).

Start from: Seedlings bought (or start seeds indoors and transplant).

Peppers are another high-yield crop that can be grown in pots or garden beds. Both sweet peppers, like bell peppers, and hot varieties, like jalapeños, are productive and will continue to yield fruit throughout the summer and into the fall. Peppers require full sun and regular watering but are otherwise easy to care for. They can be used fresh in meals, preserved through drying, or pickled for later use, making them a valuable addition to your garden’s productivity.

7. Cucumbers

Ideal for: Pots and In-ground Beds

Best Time to Plant: Direct sow seeds after the last frost (mid-May), or start indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant. They can be planted again in early to mid-July for a fall harvest; choose quick-growing, bush-type cucumbers for better chances of success in the shorter growing season.

Cucumbers are a great plant for boosting your garden’s productivity. They grow quickly and continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, making them a reliable source of fresh food. Whether you choose bush varieties for pots or vining varieties for garden beds, cucumbers thrive in full sun with plenty of water. They’re perfect for salads, pickling, or snacking straight from the vine. With continuous harvests, cucumbers will keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, homegrown produce throughout the summer.