The Ultimate Guide to Fall Planting. Everything Utah Homeowners Need to Know About Garlic, Bulbs, and Trees in Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, Magna, West Valley City, and the entire Salt Lake Valley.
Fall in Utah isn’t just about pumpkin spice and prepping your home for winter: it's also one of the best times to set your yard up for a stunning, low-maintenance spring. Whether you’re in Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, Magna, West Valley City, or anywhere in Salt Lake Valley, now’s the time to grab your gloves and get planting.
As your friendly local team at Your Handyman Pros, we see a lot of gardens: and trust us, a little fall effort pays off big come spring. Let’s dive into what, when, and how to plant garlic, bulbs, and trees this autumn in Utah.
Why Fall is the Goldilocks Season for Planting in Utah
You might think spring is the prime planting season, but ask any seasoned Salt Lake handyman or gardener, and you’ll hear: fall is where the magic happens. Why? Because the soil is still warm from summer, inviting new roots to settle in, while cooler air above ground means your plants won’t get stressed out by heat. Plus, Utah’s autumn rains do some of the heavy watering for you!
Benefits of fall planting:
Less transplant shock for trees and shrubs
Stronger, deeper root systems by spring
Beat the summer heat with established plants
Fewer pests and diseases to battle
So if you're hoping for a lush yard next year, November is your secret weapon.
Garlic: The Fall MVP for Utah Gardens
If you’ve ever thought about growing your own garlic (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love homegrown garlic?), late fall is your season. As long as you can still work the soil, you can get cloves in the ground. Salt Lake Valley: including Herriman, Sandy, and Bountiful: is perfect for hardy garlic crops.
When to Plant Garlic in Utah
Best timing: Mid-October to late November (yep, you still have a short window!)
Target cities: Conditions are right from Magna to Riverton and everywhere in between
How to Plant Garlic Like a Pro
Choose the right garlic: Hardneck varieties do best in Utah’s climate.
Prep your soil: Mix in compost for drainage and nutrients.
Break up bulbs: Use only the biggest cloves: pointy side up!
Plant depth: 2–3 inches deep, 3–4 inches apart, in rows 6–10 inches apart.
Water thoroughly.
Mulch: Lay down straw, leaves, or grass clippings for winter insulation.
Come spring, you’ll be snipping tasty green garlic scapes and getting ready for a hearty summer harvest.
Bulbs: Prepping Your Yard for a Utah Spring Color Explosion
Want a riot of blooms when the snow melts? Invest a little time in planting spring-flowering bulbs before Thanksgiving.
Best Bulbs for Salt Lake Valley
Easy classics: Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths.
Native-friendly picks: Allium, fritillaria, and grape hyacinth.
Time to Plant
Prime window: October through early November, but you can plant as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
Planting Bulbs, Step-by-Step
Choose a sunny spot: Good drainage is a must: Utah bulbs hate wet feet over winter.
Dig holes: General rule: twice as deep as the bulb is tall.
Add compost.
Drop in bulbs: Pointy side up!
Backfill and water.
Mulch: Retains moisture and protects from harsh winter temps.
Local tip: Layering bulbs at different depths gives you continuous blooms from early to late spring.
Trees & Shrubs: Set Down Roots Before Winter
Thinking about adding shade or privacy next summer? Plant those trees and shrubs now! Fall-planted trees in Herriman, Riverton, and Magna get a big head start, sending down roots while the soil is still workable.
Fall Favorites for Utah Yards
Shade trees: Maple, bur oak, and Kentucky coffeetree.
Fruit: Apple, pear, cherry: select bare-root or potted stock.
Shrubs: Serviceberry, viburnum, dogwood.
Ornamental grasses: Feather reed, maiden, or switchgrass.
Planting Made Simple
Pick a spot: Notice sun, wind, and drainage.
Dig wide: not deep: Twice the width of the root ball.
Loosen roots and set in place.
Backfill and tamp down.
Water deeply and mulch.
Stake young trees if exposed to wind in the valley.
Pro tip: Water your new plantings during dry winter spells; their roots are still growing underground!
Fall Planting To-Do List for Salt Lake Homeowners
It might feel overwhelming, but if you tackle these before heavy snow, you’ll thank yourself in April.
Order your garlic and bulbs right now: local nurseries may still have stock!
Plant as soon as possible while the soil is workable.
Amend your garden beds with compost or well-rotted manure.
Mulch everything: It’s not just for looks; it insulates and suppresses weeds.
Water everything in: don’t let new plants dry out before winter sets in.
Clean up leaves and debris to avoid overwintering pests. If you need help, remember your favorite salt lake handyman is just a click away!
Keep Your Fall Planting Safe Through Utah’s Winter
Don’t forget about winter protection after you dig in that last garlic clove or tree root ball:
Wrap young tree trunks to prevent sunscald and critter damage.
Spread an extra layer of mulch once the ground freezes.
Inspect plantings after snow: brush off heavy snow from branches to prevent breakage.
Need a Hand This Fall? Your Local Utah Handyman is Here!
If this sounds like a lot: no worries, you’ve got help! Your Handyman Pros love tackling fall yard projects and prepping gardens for spring. Whether you’re in Herriman, Sandy, Magna, or West Valley City, we’re your trusted home repair salt lake source. From soil prep and bulb planting to tree staking or winterizing, we’ll make sure your yard shines next season.
Got questions about your yard, bulbs, or garlic varieties that work for Utah? Reach out to your friendly handyman in Herriman, Bountiful, Sandy, or anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley. Our crews know the soil and seasons, and can handle everything from planting to home repairs and remodels.
Check out more seasonal tips or schedule service at Your Handyman Pros.
What to Plant This Fall Series: Stay Tuned!
If you enjoyed this guide, watch our blog for more November must-dos and winter prep checklists made for busy Utah homeowners. We’ll dig into:
Winter Yard Prep Essentials
Home Repairs to Tackle Before the Freeze
DIY Fall Fixes for a Cozy Home
Catch up on past fall home tips here:
Quick Recap:
Grab your garlic, bulbs, and tree saplings now: Salt Lake Valley’s gardens reward hands-on homeowners! And if you run out of time or energy, remember: Your Handyman Pros has your back.
Serving Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, Magna, West Valley City, and all of Salt Lake and Utah Valley with pride!
