When To Plant A Garden In Utah

Knowing when to plant a garden in Utah is the first step to a successful harvest. Our state’s unique climate, with its short growing season and unpredictable frosts, makes timing everything.

This guide will walk you through Utah’s ideal planting schedule, from early spring to fall. We’ll break it down by region and vegetable type so you can plan with confidence.

Utah’s planting schedule is primarily dictated by frost dates. The last spring frost and the first fall frost create your growing window. This window varies dramatically from St. George to Logan.

For example, St. George might have a last frost in early April, while Park City’s can be in late May. Always check your local frost dates for the most accurate planning.

Understanding Utah’s Planting Zones

Utah spans USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. This means winter lows can range from -30°F to 30°F. Your zone tells you what perennials can survive, but for annual vegetables, frost dates are more critical.

Here’s a quick regional breakdown:

Northern Utah (Zones 5-6): Includes Salt Lake City, Ogden, Logan. Shorter season. Last frost: mid-May. First frost: early October.
Central Utah (Zones 6-7): Includes Provo, Heber Valley. Moderate season. Last frost: early May. First frost: mid-October.
Southern Utah (Zones 7-9): Includes St. George, Cedar City. Long season. Last frost: early April. First frost: late October or November.

Your Spring Planting Schedule

Spring planting happens in waves. Don’t try to plant everything at once. Start with the toughest crops that can handle a chill.

Early Spring (2-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)

These are your cool-season crops. You can plant them as soon as the soil is workable—not too wet or frozen.

Seeds: Peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets.
Transplants: Onion sets, potato pieces, bare-root asparagus.

After Last Spring Frost Date

This is when the soil has warmed. Tender plants will die if hit by frost, so be patient.

Seeds: Beans, corn, squash, cucumbers.
Transplants: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil. You can start these indoors 6-8 weeks earlier.

Your Summer Planting Schedule

Summer is for maintenance and succession planting. To keep harvests coming, plant quick crops every few weeks.

In early summer, plant another round of beans and corn. By mid-summer, focus on crops for fall. These need to mature in summer’s heat but be ready for harvest in cooler fall weather.

Plant pumpkins and winter squash in June for a October harvest.
In July, start seeds for broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts indoors to transplant out in August.

Your Fall Planting Schedule

Fall gardening is fantastic in Utah. Cool weather makes crops like kale and carrots even sweeter. The key is to count backwards from your first fall frost date.

Late Summer to Early Fall (6-8 Weeks Before First Frost)

Direct sow these seeds in the garden. The soil is warm, which helps with germination, and the cooling air is perfect for growth.

Lettuce, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard.
Radishes, turnips, beets, and carrots.

Extending Your Season

Use simple tools to protect your plants and gain weeks on either end of the season. Row covers, cold frames, and even old milk jugs can shield plants from light frosts.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to get your timing right every year.

Find Your Frost Dates: Use a reliable online tool or contact your local extension office. Write these dates on your calendar.
Make a Planting Calendar: List each vegetable you want to grow. Note if it’s a seed or transplant and it’s ideal planting time relative to your frost date.
Prepare Your Soil: Add compost in the fall or early spring. Well-draining, fertile soil is the foundation of a healthy garden.
Harden Off Transplants: If you started plants indoors, acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting.
Plant at the Right Depth: Follow seed packet instructions. A general rule is to plant a seed 2-3 times as deep as it’s wide.
Water Wisely: Water deeply after planting. Use mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors in Utah’s climate.

Planting Too Early: Eagerness leads to frozen tomatoes. Warm the soil with black plastic if your impatient.
Ignoring Soil Temp: Seeds rot in cold, wet soil. A simple soil thermometer is a great investment.
Overcrowding: Give plants space for air circulation. This reduces disease in our often dry but sometimes humid summers.
Forgetting to Rotate: Don’t plant the same family (like tomatoes and peppers) in the same spot year after year.

Utah Garden FAQ

What can I plant in April in Utah?
In most northern areas, plant peas, potatoes, onions, spinach, and lettuce. In St. George, you can start planting warm-season crops by late April.

When should I start seeds indoors for Utah?
Start peppers and eggplant in late February to early March. Start tomatoes in mid to late March. Start broccoli and cabbage for fall harvest in July.

Is it to late to plant a garden in June?
Not at all! You can plant beans, corn, squash, and cucumbers from seed. It’s also the perfect time to plant pumpkins and start seeds for fall broccoli and kale.

How do I protect my garden from late frost?
Keep old sheets, frost cloth, or even cardboard boxes handy. Cover plants the night a frost is forecasted, and remove the cover in the morning.

What are the best vegetables for beginner gardeners in Utah?
Start with easy, productive crops like lettuce, radishes, green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. They give you quick results and are very forgiving.

By following Utah’s natural rhythms, you can grow a abundant and healthy garden. Keep a journal each year, note what worked and what didn’t, and adjust your schedule as you learn. Your perfect planting calendar is the one tailored to your own backyard’s microclimate.