When to Plant Pawpaw in Uinta County, WY
Top priorities for Uinta County, Wyoming gardeners in May
Your garden in Uinta County, Wyoming is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Pawpaw is the largest native fruit tree in North America, producing tropical-tasting custard-like fruits. Young trees prefer shade but fruiting trees need good light.
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 Pawpaw 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 Pawpaw's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Pawpaw prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Uinta County is excellent for Pawpaw — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Pawpaw.
How to Plant Pawpaw
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Pawpaw
Pawpaw needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pawpaw 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 | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| 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.
Pawpaw 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.
Pawpaw Planting Timeline — Uinta County, WY
Pawpaw Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
75 days in Uinta County
Growing Tips for Pawpaw in Uinta County
Direct sow Pawpaw 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 Pawpaw (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Uinta County receives only 24" of rain annually. Pawpaw needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant at least two genetically distinct trees for cross-pollination. Provide shade for young trees. Fruits ripen in fall and have a very short shelf life. Harvest when slightly soft.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Pawpaw in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pawpaw in Uinta County, WY?
Uinta County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Pawpaw 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.