Modena, UT — Planting Guide for June
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
What to do in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Get basil, cucumber, and peppers in the ground
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: cucumber, kale, and lettuce
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Start harvesting lettuce, radish, and anemones
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: basil, peppers, and pole beans
- First harvests: basil, carrots, and cucumber
- Fall sowing: carrots, kale, and lettuce
Modena has a classic four-season growing climate (Zone 6b). The last spring frost typically lands around May 21 and the first fall frost arrives around October 1 — a 133-day frost-free season that's long enough for tomatoes, peppers, melons, and a full succession of cool-weather crops on either side. The trick is timing: start warm-season seedlings indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, harden them off, and plant out the week after your local frost date is statistically safe.
Soils trend Loam — the gold standard for vegetables. Add 2–3" of compost annually to maintain it and you'll outgrow most of your neighbors.
Modena averages 34.4 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend stable). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
6b (-5°F to 0°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
May 21
🍂 Avg. First Frost
October 1
📅 Growing Season
133 days
🌧️ Climate
Moderate 25.3" annual
💨 Wind
Unknown 0.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
34.4 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Modena
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
What this means for you: Plants need different amounts of water at different growth stages — heavy at flowering and fruit-set, lighter at establishment. Modena's 25" annual rainfall is your starting math; the timing tells you when natural rain will cover you and when you need to step in.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1.3 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Feb | 1.1 in | 5 days | — | None |
| Mar | 1.5 in | 6 days | 2.8 in | High |
| Apr | 2 in | 8 days | 2.3 in | High |
| May | 2.6 in | 9 days | 1.7 in | High |
| Jun | 1.4 in | 4 days | 2.9 in | High |
| Jul | 1.9 in | 6 days | 2.4 in | High |
| Aug | 2.2 in | 6 days | 2.1 in | High |
| Sep | 1.6 in | 5 days | 2.7 in | High |
| Oct | 1.7 in | 6 days | 2.6 in | High |
| Nov | 1.5 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Dec | 1.1 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 19.9 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Modena Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 31 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | Jun 9 | Oct 16 | 129 days |
| Cautious | May 29 | Oct 7 | 131 days |
| Average year | May 21 | Oct 1 | 133 days |
| Optimistic | May 13 | Sep 24 | 134 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | May 10 | Sep 17 | 130 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±30 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Iron County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Iron County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Iron County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Iron County Utah State University Extension Extension Office
Phone: 435-797-2200
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Iron County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Iron County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Iron County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Iron County UT" or "garden center Iron County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Iron County UT" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Iron County Gardeners" or "Utah Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length in Modena
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
The practical takeaway: A 14-hour day in June produces dramatically more photosynthesis than a 10-hour day in November. Modena's seasonal swing determines which crops can pack growth into spring vs. limp through fall.
Longest Day
14.6 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
9.4 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
10.1 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your long summer days (14+ hours) support long-day onion varieties like Walla Walla, Sweet Spanish, and Ailsa Craig.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.7 hr | 5.2 hr | Short day |
| February | 10.6 hr | 6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.7 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| April | 13 hr | 7.4 hr | Neutral |
| May | 14 hr | 8.4 hr | Long day |
| June | 14.6 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| July | 14.4 hr | 10.1 hr | Long day |
| August | 13.5 hr | 9.4 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.2 hr | 9 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11 hr | 7.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 9.9 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
| December | 9.4 hr | 5.1 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Modena
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
For new gardeners: Most root crops germinate well at 50-60°F. Most fruit-bearing crops want 65-75°F. Modena's monthly soil curve maps these windows to actual months.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Jul through Aug.
Best Month to Compost
Aug
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
4 months
Short season — insulate pile or use indoor vermicomposting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°F | 20°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Feb | 13°F | 19°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Mar | 20°F | 23°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Apr | 33°F | 33°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| May | 47°F | 43°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Jun | 56°F | 50°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Jul | 65°F | 59°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Aug | 65°F | 59°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 58°F | 55°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Oct | 45°F | 48°F | 🐢 Slow | ~24 weeks |
| Nov | 32°F | 37°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
| Dec | 19°F | 27°F | ❄️ Dormant | ~36 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Modena
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Quick context: Pollinators are the good bugs. Pest pressure is the bad bugs. Modena's climate makes both more abundant in warm humid regions, and rarer in cold dry ones — plan habitat to encourage the good while managing the bad.
Insect Pest Pressure
Moderate — common pests appear but manageable with monitoring.
Disease Risk
Low disease risk — dry conditions reduce fungal problems.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Japanese beetles | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Squash vine borers | Moderate | Jun, Jul |
| Tomato hornworms | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Cucumber beetles | Low | May, Jun, Jul |
| Stink bugs | Moderate | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Maintain healthy soil with regular compost additions to build natural pest resistance
- Practice crop rotation annually to break pest cycles
- Encourage beneficial insects with flowering herbs like dill, fennel, and yarrow
Cover Crops for Modena
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
Quick context: You don't need a farm to use cover crops. A 4x8 raised bed accepts cover crops just as well as a half-acre. Modena's climate determines the calendar; the principle is universal.
Spring Cover Crops (3 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Jun 3 | Aug 6 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Jun 3 | Aug 6 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Apr 25 | Aug 6 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Jun 20 | Sep 10 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (7 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Aug 9 | Apr 30 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Aug 5 | May 7 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Aug 6 | Apr 30 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Jul 22 | Apr 30 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
| Oats | Aug 30 | May 7 | — | Quick biomass, winterkills in cold zones — no spring tillage needed |
| Winter rye | Jul 9 | Apr 30 | — | Suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, breaks up compacted soil |
| Winter wheat | Jun 29 | May 7 | — | Erosion control, weed suppression, good biomass |
Wind & Microclimate in Modena
Quick context: Light wind is good (strengthens stems, aids pollination); strong wind is bad (snaps stems, dries leaves, scatters seeds). Modena averages 0.0 mph. If you garden near coast, ridge, or open plains, you're likely above that — plan for it.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 14 mph Summer: 11 mph
Fall: 12 mph Winter: 15 mph
Prevailing wind: W. Windy area — plant a windbreak hedge on the W side of your garden.
Windbreak Benefit
6.6/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Moderate
Some terrain variation (929 ft range). Garden on slopes or higher ground if possible to avoid late-season frost pockets.
Rainwater Harvesting in Modena
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Quick context: A single rain barrel under a downspout catches 50 gallons in a 0.5" storm. Modena's 25" annual rainfall means even modest harvesting systems quickly amortize their cost in water savings.
Annual Collection
9,918 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
8 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,750 gal tank.
Legal Status
Limited
Your state has quantity limits on rainwater collection — check local regulations before installing large systems.
Best Collection Months
Apr, May, Jul, Aug
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Jan, Feb, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 19.9 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 9,918 gallons annually
- Check UT state regulations — rainwater harvesting has quantity limits
- In your dry climate, every drop counts — consider a larger cistern system
- Position collection tanks in shade to reduce evaporation and algae growth
Monthly Planting Guide for Modena
ZIP Codes in Modena
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Iron County.
Your Iron County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Iron County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log