Carson City, NV planting zone & frost dates
Carson City is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around October 6, for a growing season of about 152 days.
Planting calendar for Carson City
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 4) 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: Mar 9 – Mar 23 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: May 18 – May 25 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 23 – Mar 9 Transplant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 23 – Apr 6 Transplant outdoors: May 11 – May 18 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 11 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 6).
Useful for zone 7a gardens
- Seed starting kit with dome — to start seeds indoors before the last frost
- LED grow light for seedlings — stops leggy seedlings
- Frost cloth / plant covers — for late spring and early fall frosts
- Soil thermometer — warm-season crops need soil above 60°F
As an Amazon Associate, FrostZoneMap earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 20 | May 4 | May 29 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 20 | Oct 6 | Sep 24 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 29, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 24. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Carson City
- 89701 zone 7a
- 89702 zone 7a
- 89703 zone 7b
- 89705 zone 7b
- 89706 zone 7b
- 89711 zone 7a
- 89712 zone 7a
- 89713 zone 7a
- 89714 zone 7a
- 89721 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Gardnerville Ranchos zone 6b, last frost May 30
- Reno zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- Sparks zone 7a, last frost May 1
- Sun Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- Spanish Springs zone 7a, last frost May 3
- Fernley zone 7a, last frost May 9
- Elko zone 5b, last frost May 29
- Pahrump zone 8b, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Carson City, NV?
Carson City is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 7b.
When is the last frost in Carson City?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Carson City is May 4. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 29.
When can I plant tomatoes in Carson City?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 11 – May 18. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Carson City, NV (USC00261485), 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from the city center, elevation 1451 m, based on 26 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.