There are plenty of good reasons to build a home in Utah—from the gorgeous mountains to the great elementary school language immersion programs—but it can be difficult to know where to start your garden, especially if you have only gardened in climates with high humidity. But never fear! Here are some tried and true plant varieties that thrive in this desert paradise.
For Your Vegetable Garden
Nothing can beat fresh produce grown in your own garden. Luckily, a wide variety of vegetables flourish all over Utah. These include:
Your options will, of course, vary depending on what part of Utah you live in. Talk to your neighbors about their favorite plant choices for their vegetable gardens, and consult with local gardening communities, or look at plant maps if you have questions about what you can expect when growing a specific vegetable in Utah’s climate.
(Information from Utah State University Cooperative Extension)
For Your Flower Beds
Think you’re stuck with cacti and yuccas for landscaping your yard? Think again. While it’s true that your flowers may need a little more attentive care to battle the high elevation and heat, you have plenty of options for adding a little color and beauty to your yard.
Hardy flower species work best in the seasonally extreme temperatures and year-round direct sunlight in Utah. Plan on using perennials and drought-resistant flower varieties. Here are some popular choices for Utah flower beds:
Use these resilient flowers in conjunction with more desert-like plants for a natural Southern Utah look, or plant them all over to keep your yard in bloom.
For Your Yard
Whether you need some shade or a little help defining the space, you have lots of choices when landscaping your backyard.
Trees
Many deciduous, or seasonal, trees prosper in Utah’s climate. These trees can provide shade and beautify your outdoor space. The best varieties for Utah include:
You also have the option of filling your yard with fruit-bearing trees. Myriad fruit trees thrive in Utah—apricot, apple, and plum to name three. However, remember if you decide to plant fruit trees, they require a higher level of pruning, and more attentive watering. Fruit trees are also more susceptible to disease than other deciduous trees.
Ferns and Shrubs
Ferns are a great option for separating your backyard space or adding a little embellishment. Ferns can be planted in beds or kept in planters. Some Utah-friendly varieties include: Royal Fern, Christmas Fern, Lady Fern, and Maidenhair Fern.
Shrubs are also a good choice for defining your yard. Consider shrubs like Honeysuckle, Current, and Hydrangea, along with their more rugged cousins, Barberry and Cotoneaster.
(Information from Gardening West)
Invest in plants like these to have your Utah garden flourishing in no time.