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When to Plant Parsnip in Wasatch County, UT

Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 8,190 feet, Wasatch County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Parsnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Wasatch County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Wasatch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Parsnip

Parsnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Parsnip Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Wasatch County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Parsnip Planting Timeline โ€” Wasatch County, UT

Parsnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Harvest August 18 Aug 18 โ€“ Sep 29
Fall Sowing July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Aug 1

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Fall Sowing
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

100โ€“130 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

130 days in Wasatch County

Growing Tips for Wasatch County

Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Carrots
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsnip in Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wasatch County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wasatch County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.