Elko, NV planting zone & frost dates
Elko is in USDA hardiness zone 5b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 29 and the first fall frost around September 18, for a growing season of about 111 days.
Planting calendar for Elko
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 29) 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: Apr 3 – Apr 17 Transplant outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: Jun 12 – Jun 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: May 1 – May 15 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 17 – May 1 Transplant outdoors: Jun 5 – Jun 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Jul 24 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 18).
Useful for zone 5b 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
- Cold frame / mini greenhouse — adds weeks to a short season
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | May 10 | May 29 | Jun 16 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 1 | Sep 18 | Sep 3 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 16, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 3. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 11.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Elko
- 89801 zone 5a
- 89802 zone 5b
- 89803 zone 5b
Nearby cities
- Fernley zone 7a, last frost May 9
- Spanish Springs zone 7a, last frost May 3
- Sparks zone 7a, last frost May 1
- Sun Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- Reno zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- Carson City zone 7a, last frost May 4
- Mesquite zone 9a, last frost Mar 16
- Gardnerville Ranchos zone 6b, last frost May 30
Questions
What growing zone is Elko, NV?
Elko is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (average extreme winter low -15°F to -10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zone 5a.
When is the last frost in Elko?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Elko is May 29. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 16.
When can I plant tomatoes in Elko?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jun 5 – Jun 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Elko Rgnl Ap, NV (USW00024121), 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from the city center, elevation 1533 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.