Seasonal Plant Tips in Utah

Gardening in Utah can feel like an Olympic sport, which is why we’re here to provide you with seasonal Utah gardening tips tailored to our unique climate.

On top of regular gardening concerns, Utah gardeners compete with varying soil conditions, alkaline and secondary water, drought, snow, freezing cold, and desert hot conditions — all in one year.

At Glover Nursery, we’ve seen it all. Our team of nursery experts is here to provide Utah gardeners with gardening tips to keep your yard and plants healthy, no matter the season!

Read through some of our seasonal plants tips below to keep your yard happy in our unique climate here in Utah. Note: You can always visit our store, where our nursery specialists will gladly answer any questions about your yard and garden.

Understanding Gardening in Utah

Our state’s unique climate presents both challenges and opportunities for gardeners. Gardening in Utah is shaped by its diverse climate, soil composition, and water challenges.

What Gardening Zone is Utah?

One of the standout features of gardening in this state is the variety of USDA gardening zones, ranging from Zone 4 in the higher elevations to Zone 8 in the southern regions.

This variability means that gardeners can grow everything from hardy evergreens and cold-tolerant vegetables to heat-loving plants like figs and— in the right conditions— even pomegranates.

Understanding your specific zone is essential to selecting plants that will thrive. You’ll find cooler zones in the northern mountains and warmer areas in the south.

For even more specific details about your zone in Utah, check out the USU Extension zone map to find your specific zone by county, or visit us and talk to one of our gardening experts.

Ideal Planting Times in Utah

The ideal planting times in Utah vary depending on your location and the crops you’re growing. Generally, you can start planting cold-hardy vegetables in early spring, around March or April.

Warm-season crops are best planted after the last frost date, typically in May or June.

For more specific planting dates sign up for our Glover Nursery weekly newsletter. We keep our gardeners updated with growing seasons, frost alerts, and plant deliveries.

Soil Diversity

Finally, Utah’s soil diversity adds another layer of intrigue to gardening here. Depending on where you live, you might encounter sandy soils, clay-heavy earth, or even loamy, fertile pockets.

Each type of soil presents its own opportunities and challenges, whether it’s improving drainage in clay or retaining moisture in sandy soils.

Seasonal Plant Tips

Another unique aspect of gardening in Utah is its soil and water composition.

Much of the soil across the state is alkaline (averaging around pH 8.0), which can pose challenges for growing acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. However, this soil type also supports several native and ornamental plants that have adapted to these conditions.

Adding to the complexity is the use of secondary water in many areas—an affordable and eco-friendly option, but one that often, depending on the water source, contains higher levels of salts. This requires plant selection that can handle the excess salts along with conscientious watering practices to avoid harming plants.

By amending soil with compost, mulch, or other organic matter, gardeners can create optimal growing conditions for their plants. Together, these factors make gardening in Utah a dynamic and rewarding hobby.

Utah Gardening Calendar

At Glover Nursery, we like to use “sub-seasons” to help identify which gardening tasks to tackle throughout the year. See our calendar below for a visual aid to help you understand what to do in your garden every season of the year.

For more detailed information, see our seasonal plant tips below.

Seasonal Gardening Tips Utah

Winter Gardening Tips

January - February

Flickr brewbooks Black_Mondo_Grass_in_our_winter_garden

Winter in Utah focuses on essential maintenance and planning tasks to prepare your yard for spring. This season is perfect for pruning, protecting plants, and planning your landscape.

Early Spring Gardening Tips

March - April

Early spring in Utah is an ideal time to prepare your yard for a vibrant growing season. From pruning trees to revitalizing flower beds, these months offer a perfect window to refresh your landscape.

Late Spring Gardening Tips

May - June

Spring_cinquefoil_Potentilla_neumanniana

Late spring in Utah is an exciting time for gardening as warmer temperatures allow for planting, pruning, and preparing your yard for summer blooms. From caring for trees to managing flower beds and lawns, there’s plenty to do to keep your landscape thriving.

Summer Gardening Tips

July - August

Summer in Utah will have you prioritize maintaining your landscape through the heat and keeping plants healthy. During July and August, attention shifts to watering, dead-heading flowers, and protecting your garden from pests and diseases.

Early Fall Gardening Tips

September - October

Bird eating persistent Hawthorn tree fruit

Early fall in Utah is the perfect time to transition your garden for the cooler months ahead. With milder temperatures, it’s a great season for planting trees, refreshing flower beds, and preparing your landscape for winter.

Late Fall Gardening Tips

November - December

Tulips are best planted in as bulbs in the Fall

Late fall in Utah is a time to prepare your garden, tools, and landscape for the winter months ahead. November and December are ideal for protecting plants, cleaning up your yard, and making seasonal purchases like Christmas trees to bring festive cheer.

Need More Gardening Help?

Are you looking to transform your Utah garden but feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Gardening in Utah’s unique climate can be tricky, but with the right help, your outdoor space can flourish. Glover Nursery offers a range of services to make your gardening dreams a reality:

Bulk Delivery

Save time and effort with convenient delivery of soil, mulch, and other materials right to your driveway.

Expert Planting

Let the pros handle the hard work! Our team can plant trees and large shrubs with precision.

Landscape Design

Struggling to visualize your perfect garden? Let our designers create a custom plan tailored to your space and style.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these services can give your Utah garden the boost it needs. Why not reach out to Glover Nursery and see how they can help bring your garden to life? With the right support, you’ll be enjoying a beautiful Utah garden in no time!