When to Plant Chives in Uinta County, WY
Top priorities for Uinta County, Wyoming gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Uinta County, Wyoming.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: chives
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Uinta County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is August 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 75 days.
At an elevation of 5,768 feet, Uinta County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Uinta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8.3
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 Uinta County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Chives prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Uinta County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Chives.
How to Plant Chives
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Uinta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives 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.
Chives Planting Timeline — Uinta County, WY
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 8 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Nov 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
75 days in Uinta County
Growing Tips for Chives in Uinta County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after June 17 in Uinta County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 75.0-day growing season in Uinta County is tight for Chives (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Uinta County, WY?
Uinta County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Uinta County, WY?
Uinta County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.
Your Uinta County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Uinta County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.