When to Plant Carrots in Albany County, WY
May to-do list for Albany County, Wyoming
Your Albany County, Wyoming garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Scatter carrots into prepared beds
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Albany County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 112 days.
At an elevation of 5,863 feet, Albany County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Carrots successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Albany County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Albany County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.6) is more alkaline than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Albany County is excellent for Carrots — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Carrots.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 10.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Albany County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Albany County, WY
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
112 days in Albany County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Albany County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after May 29 in Albany County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Recommended Carrots Varieties for Albany County
Fast-maturing varieties for your season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Albany County, WY?
Albany County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Albany County, WY?
Albany County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Albany County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Albany County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.