What to plant this week in Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City gardeners in zone 7b are entering a critical prep phase as the last frost date of March 28 approaches rapidly. This week is exclusively for sowing garlic cloves to ensure a strong fall crop, while existing daikon radishes and spring garlic harvests require immediate attention before the ground freezes.
The next 7 days
Salt Lake City, UTGrowing in Salt Lake City right now
- Monitor the valley's intense dry winds which can desiccate young plants; water deeply in the morning rather than evening to reduce evaporation loss.
- The high desert soil here drains quickly, so incorporate compost before planting garlic to improve moisture retention for winter growth.
- Plan your spring transplanting now: aim to get cool-season crops like peas and spinach into the ground by late April after March 28.
Sow this week
1 crops- Garlic
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Daikon Radish
- Garlic
Seasonal tips
- Finish harvesting cool-season crops like Daikon radish before temperatures drop too low.
- Plant cover crops or winter rye now to protect soil structure during the dormant season.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around garlic plants to insulate bulbs from freezing ground.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for aphids clustering on garlic leaves as temperatures drop, which can weaken bulbs before they form.
- Daikon radishes are vulnerable to flea beetles right now; check foliage daily for small holes and consider row covers if infestations appear.
- Prevent powdery mildew on brassicas by ensuring good air circulation in your garden beds given the city's frequent stagnant air pockets.
Watering this week
Water garlic lightly and only when the soil is dry, avoiding wetting the bulbs directly to prevent rot.
Store your freshly harvested Daikon radishes in a cool, humid place like a crisper drawer or sand-filled bin.
Salt Lake City gardening questions
3When exactly should I plant my garlic cloves for a Salt Lake City harvest?
Plant your hardneck or softneck garlic varieties immediately this week while the soil is still workable. You have until about mid-November to get them in the ground, but planting now ensures roots establish before the Nov 15 first frost.
My daikon radishes are growing slowly; should I harvest them soon?
Yes, plan to pull your daikon radishes within the next two weeks as soil temperatures will drop below optimal growth levels soon. Leaving them too long in this zone can cause them to become woody or split due to erratic rainfall patterns.
Can I transplant any vegetables now in Utah before the frost?
No, do not attempt to transplant anything this week; wait for the average last frost date of March 28 before moving tender seedlings outside. Focus your energy on hardening off garlic and preparing soil amendments instead.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Salt Lake City garden in SproutGuide →