Utah Planting Guide

Wait for warm soil to plant delicate vegetables such as tomatoes.

Planting a garden at the correct time can make a significant difference in how successful it is. Gardens planted too early may suffer frost damage, especially in cold areas such as North Central Utah. Knowing what to plant and when can help Utah gardeners plan their gardens correctly.

Hardy

Hardy vegetables can be planted as soon as the soil dries out in the spring, but they must be capable of withstanding some cold weather. These include asparagus, rhubarb, cabbage, kohlrabi, onions, spinach and turnips, all of which can be planted between mid-March and the beginning of May. Broccoli, peas and radishes may also be planted this early, and as late as mid-May.

Semi-Hardy

Semi-hardy plants should be planted a week or two after hardy ones, and include carrots, beets, cauliflower, endive, lettuce, parsnip, parsley, potato, Swiss chard and salsify. In Central Utah, these vegetables are usually planted between mid- to late March and May, with planting for some vegetables extending into summer.

Tender

Tender vegetables are easily damaged by cold, and should be planted around the date of the last spring frost or when the first apple blossoms appear. These include beans of all kinds, celery, sweet corn, summer squash and cucumbers. Planting usually begins around the first week of May.

Very Tender

Very tender vegetables require warm soil and should normally be planted in late May, though planting may occur earlier in Southern Utah. These include lima beans, cantaloupes, winter squash, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and watermelons.

References

• Utah County Online: Growing Vegetables
• United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map