When to Plant Watercress in Morgan County, UT
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. 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 6,439 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Watercress to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Watercress successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.1
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Watercress Planting Timeline — Morgan County, UT
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 6 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
75 days
Growing Tips for Morgan County
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Morgan County, UT?
Morgan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, UT?
Morgan County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Morgan County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.