State growing guide
Utah Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6a/6b · Last frost Apr 25 · First frost Oct 12 · 170 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Utah.
Frost Dates by City — Utah
Average frost dates for major Utah cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 6b | Apr 20 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
| Provo | 6b | Apr 20 | Oct 15 | ~2 wks after (Apr 20) |
| Ogden | 6b | Apr 22 | Oct 12 | ~2 wks after (Apr 22) |
| St. George | 8a | Mar 15 | Nov 10 | ~2 wks after (Mar 15) |
| Logan | 5b | May 5 | Oct 5 | ~2 wks after (May 5) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Utah Gardeners
- Salt Lake City gardeners transplant tomatoes early to mid-May
- St. George (Zone 8a) has excellent warm season — transplant mid-March
- Utah summers are hot and dry — drip irrigation strongly recommended
- Choose heat-tolerant tomato varieties — Celebrity, Heatmaster
Common Challenges in Utah
- ⚠ Alkaline soils throughout Utah — work in sulfur and compost
- ⚠ Intense summer heat in southern Utah (St. George) can exceed 110°F
- ⚠ Late spring frosts possible in higher elevation valleys
Best Crops for Utah
Sweet Corn Tomatoes Peppers Potatoes Peaches Apples Cherries Squash Beans
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Utah
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Utah Gardening
What zone is Utah?
Utah ranges from Zone 4a (high Uintas) to Zone 8a (St. George). Salt Lake City and Provo are Zone 6b, Logan is Zone 5b, and St. George is Zone 8a.