Colorado evenings have a way of cooling off fast—even in the heart of summer. If you want to linger outside longer, a DIY outdoor heater can make all the difference. It’s also a smart way to shield frost-sensitive plants from surprise cold snaps.
I’ve rounded up these DIY heating ideas that are perfect for Colorado’s unpredictable weather. From fire pits to clay pot heaters, these options are budget-friendly and surprisingly effective. They’ll keep your patio warm and welcoming well into the night.
With a little creativity, you can turn your outdoor space into a cozy haven for both guests and greenery. These heating solutions help you enjoy your garden longer—no matter what the mountain air decides to do.
1. Terra Cotta Pot Heaters
Nestled among your potted lavender and native grasses, terra cotta pot heaters provide gentle warmth that won’t scorch delicate foliage. The natural clay material stores heat beautifully, gradually releasing it throughout the evening. You’ll need two different-sized pots, a bolt, washers, nuts, and tea lights. The smaller pot, turned upside down, becomes a heat chamber that radiates warmth across your Colorado rock garden. Many gardeners place these between frost-sensitive perennials during unexpected cold snaps. The soft glow complements evening-blooming flowers like evening primrose that Colorado gardens are known for.
2. Rocket Stove From Upcycled Materials
Fashioned from old bricks or cinder blocks, rocket stoves create an impressive heat output while providing a perfect spot to warm root vegetable seedlings on chilly spring days. The efficient combustion system requires minimal wood, making it eco-friendly for environmentally conscious Colorado gardeners. Position yours near cold-hardy vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts that benefit from gentle warming. The design’s L-shaped combustion chamber creates a powerful draft that maximizes heat production. Rocky Mountain gardeners particularly appreciate how these stoves can extend the growing season by several weeks at both ends of summer.
3. Solar-Powered Greenhouse Heaters
Harnessing Colorado’s abundant sunshine, these clever contraptions store daytime heat in water-filled barrels painted black. The thermal mass slowly releases warmth throughout the evening, creating a microclimate where tender succulents and tropical plants thrive. Arrange several water barrels along the north wall of your greenhouse where they won’t block precious winter sunlight. During frigid Colorado nights, they’ll maintain temperatures well above freezing. Alpine gardeners find these particularly valuable for extending the growing season of heat-loving vegetables like tomatoes and peppers that struggle in the short mountain summers.
4. Fire Bowl With Lava Rocks
Surrounded by drought-tolerant ornamental grasses that catch the golden sunset light, a handcrafted fire bowl becomes the heart of any Colorado garden gathering. Lava rocks retain and radiate heat long after flames have died down, making this option both practical and visually stunning. Create a safe zone with decomposed granite or flagstone that complements the rugged Colorado landscape. Native penstemons and blanket flowers planted nearby will benefit from the extra warmth on frosty evenings. Front Range gardeners often incorporate locally-sourced river rocks around the base, reflecting Colorado’s natural waterways while providing additional heat retention.
5. Copper Pipe Radiant Heater
Gleaming copper pipes arranged in a spiral pattern create an elegant heating solution that doubles as garden art among your columbines and blue spruce saplings. When attached to a propane source, the copper heats quickly and distributes warmth evenly across your Colorado patio. The slender profile takes up minimal space in smaller garden areas, perfect for townhome patios in Denver or Boulder. Hanging baskets of cold-sensitive fuchsias and begonias benefit from the gentle heat rising upward. Mountain gardeners appreciate how the copper develops a beautiful patina over time that blends harmoniously with alpine wildflower colors.
6. Canned Heat Clay Pot Array
Scattered thoughtfully among raised beds of alpine strawberries and leafy greens, these miniature heaters provide targeted warmth to frost-sensitive plants. Using clean-burning canned heat beneath multiple small clay pots creates a network of gentle heating stations throughout your Colorado garden. The beauty lies in their mobility—simply place them where protection is needed most as mountain temperatures fluctuate. Each pot develops a warm glow that attracts beneficial insects even on cool evenings. High-altitude gardeners find these invaluable during late spring snowstorms when tender seedlings need emergency protection from sudden freezes common in the Rockies.
7. Upcycled Washing Machine Drum Fire Pit
Transformed from discarded appliances, these unique fire pits cast enchanting light patterns across your Colorado xeriscape garden while providing substantial heat. The stainless steel drum’s perforations create a mesmerizing display as flames dance within, illuminating nearby rabbitbrush and prairie zinnia. Elevate the drum on sturdy legs made from rebar or pipe to improve airflow and heat radiation. The open design allows for excellent ventilation while containing sparks safely away from drought-prone Colorado landscapes. Western Slope gardeners often surround these with heat-loving lavender and sage, creating aromatic experiences as the plants release essential oils in response to the gentle warmth.
8. Propane Tank Fire Column
Transform an empty propane tank into a stunning fire column that provides both warmth and ambient lighting for your Colorado deck or patio. The vertical design takes up minimal space while efficiently radiating heat in all directions.
Start by safely emptying and cleaning an old propane tank (always consult a professional for this step). Cut the top portion off and install a simple gas burner kit with lava rocks or fire glass. Surround the tank with decorative stone, metal, or reclaimed wood that complements your outdoor décor.
The beauty of this project is its adjustable flame height and consistent heat output—perfect for unpredictable Colorado weather shifts. Plus, the enclosed design makes it safer during those notorious mountain wind gusts!
9. Horseshoe Wood-Burning Stove
Embrace Colorado’s western heritage with a rustic horseshoe wood-burning stove that doubles as a conversation piece. This frontier-inspired heater provides substantial warmth while celebrating the state’s ranching traditions.
Collect old horseshoes from local ranches or tack shops—you’ll need about 50-60 depending on your design. Weld them together to form a cylindrical chamber with sturdy legs and a hinged door. Add a metal pipe chimney to direct smoke upward and away from guests.
The dense metal of the horseshoes absorbs and radiates heat exceptionally well, making this heater particularly effective for Colorado’s dry, high-altitude air where heat dissipates quickly. Bonus: load it with pine or aspen for that quintessential mountain campfire aroma!