South Valley, NM planting zone & frost dates
South Valley is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 18 and the first fall frost around October 24, for a growing season of about 189 days.
Planting calendar for South Valley
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 18) using the typical timing recommended by U.S. extension services. Warm-season crops go out only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
| Crop | When |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 9 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 7 – Feb 21 Transplant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: Apr 25 – May 2 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 29 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 24).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 1 | Apr 18 | May 3 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 4 | Oct 24 | Oct 13 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 3, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 13. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around March 31.
Nearby cities
- Albuquerque zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- North Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
- Los Lunas zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
- Rio Rancho zone 7b, last frost Apr 8
- Enchanted Hills zone 7b, last frost Apr 16
- Los Alamos zone 7a, last frost May 2
- Santa Fe zone 6b, last frost May 14
- Española zone 7a, last frost May 11
Questions
What growing zone is South Valley, NM?
South Valley is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in South Valley?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in South Valley is April 18. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 3.
When can I plant tomatoes in South Valley?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Apr 25 – May 2. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Albuquerque Valley, NM (USC00290231), 1.9 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 1510 m, based on 29 years of records. Hardiness zone: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023 for the ZIP code nearest to the city center. Microclimates (valleys, hills, cities, coasts) can be warmer or colder: check the local forecast before planting. How we calculate the data.