When should I plant my garden in Cedar City, Utah? (Clinton: landscaping, university)

[Murray1]

I am new to Cedar City and want nice vegetable garden this year. I need to know when I should plant to avoid freezing. Also what grows best here and what should I avoid? Any help would be great. Thanks

[toby04]

Welcome to the area! I live 45 miles west in the Valley and it is a little different. I usually say May 12, here is a pic from June 13 when it was freezing at night. Tomatoes are the hardest, any slow growers. The soil usually needs lots of amending. Here is more info Utah State University Extension - extension.usu.edu

[Murray1]

Thanks so much....how can I make my soil as rich as possible? I actually have to plant in pots and planters because I do not own the property and they don't want me digging into the landscaping... Have any tips? Is that plastic that you use to cover your plants when it freezes?

[toby04]

Whiskey barrells or large pots maybe. I do a lot of pots around the yard, lots more watering involved. Would you be able to do a raise bed? use railroad ties or wood? Like this Garden Grow Boxes
I have spent years adding peat moss, sterilized manure and compost. You made need to add lime or fertilizer. Since you cant dig, I would just get bags of garden potting soil. My husband is a painter, those are cloth drops
You can use sheets, even newspaper, just have to watch the wind!
Here is the garden in July!

[toby04]

Cant forget the sunflowers!

[Murray1]

Soooo Beautiful! Your garden looks like what I would love to have someday....but for now, pots will have to do. Thanks for the tips!

[toby04]

Thanks, feel free to pm me if you need! I love my yard, it has been 13 years in the making!

[mpy02]

I love your garden Toby. Is it possible to plant in Clinton, UT? I want to plant gourds, lemon grass, bitter melon, cucumbers, chili peppers, and peas. When is it the good time to plant them?

[toby04]

Thanks, what is your elevation? I am sure you can plant, just have to watch frost dates!