Wyoming Planting Zones

Wyoming, otherwise known as the cowboy state, is a beautiful but challenging area for gardeners. Although the region presents a variety of difficulties for gardening, having a deeper understanding of both your planting zone and your state will allow you to make informed planting decisions and, in turn, grow a successful garden.

In this article, you will learn:


The region is home to four different growing zones (3,4, 5, and 6) with the average minimum temperature ranging between -40° and -5° F (-40° and -20.6° C) throughout different parts of the state.

Wyoming

Image from Natural Resources Canada

Characteristics of Wyoming Planting Region

Wyoming is a dry, semi-arid state made up of towering rugged mountains and high, sweeping plains. The geographical location and makeup of this state allow for extreme and, at times, unpredictable weather such as:

  • High winds
  • Hail
  • Severe thunderstorms
  • Blizzards/snow storms
  • Minimal rainfall
  • High-intensity sunshine


Additionally, the summers are cool, and growing seasons are short. The average frost-free period is only 115 days, with the possibility of arriving early in certain areas.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

Challenges of Growing in Wyoming

1. Shorter Growing Season

Unfortunately, Wyomingites experience an abridged growing season. Depending on where you live in the state, the last frost can be anytime between May and late July, with the first frost dates averaging between August and early October.

2. High Altitude

High-intensity sunlight, low humidity, poor soil, and unpredictable temperature drops are characteristics of a high-altitude or mountainous region. 

3. High Winds

Wyoming is a very windy state. Wind speeds will frequently reach 30 to 40mph with gusts of 50 to 60mph. In many areas, the wind is strong and consistent, proving the importance of protecting your garden with a covering to avoid damage.

4. Extreme Weather

Blizzards, severe thunderstorms, hail, and more. Wyoming is known for its extreme and unpredictable weather, making gardening a complicated task. It’s essential to monitor the temperature in this region and plan, so you don’t risk losing your plants.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Photo by Toan Chu on Unsplash

 

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Wyoming

Wyoming’s temperamental and extreme climate coupled with a much shorter growing season are both reasons why a greenhouse would work perfectly here. Protection from high winds, snow, and storms are all key benefits of using a greenhouse for your garden. Not to mention, it will help you extend your growing season beyond the summer months.

1. Extend your Growing Season

  • Without a Greenhouse:
    The state’s average outdoor growing season lasts between 3-4 months, limiting the possibility for late-season harvests. Additionally, frosts may come early, meaning warm-season vegetables may struggle to survive in an outdoor setting.
  • With a Greenhouse:
    A greenhouse will allow you to double your planting season in this region. As a result, you can expect between 7-9 months of growing time, allowing you to experiment with various vegetables that may take longer to mature.


Learn more about specific growing dates for your area and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Wyoming.

 

 

Customer Images of the Sungrow greenhouse in similar growing regions

2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables 

  • Without a Greenhouse:
    For those growing outdoors, vegetables that can quickly mature in Wyoming’s tricky weather conditions will bring your garden the most success. Some of the best plants to grow outdoors in Wyoming are:
  • Leaf lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Onions
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Head lettuce
  • Beets
  • Spinach

 

  • With a Greenhouse:
    Short growing seasons coupled with mild summers mean tender, warm-season plants and vegetables will struggle outdoors in most parts of the state. However, a greenhouse will allow you to grow these plants without worrying about late or early frosts and the extreme weather throughout the region. Some vegetables that will thrive in a greenhouse here include:
  • Cucumbers
  • Eggplant
  • Tomatoes
  • Beans
  • Cowpeas
  • Corn
  • Summer Squash
  • Pumpkin
  • Gourds
  • Watermelon
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Cantaloupes
  • Okra
  • Parsnips
  • Bell Peppers
  • Jalapeños
  • Zucchini
  • Winter Squash

 

Lettuce garden | Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

Why Planta Greenhouses?

    Customer Stories from Wyoming

    For Wyoming, we recommend the following greenhouses:

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