Gardnerville Ranchos, NV planting zone & frost dates
Gardnerville Ranchos is in USDA hardiness zone 6b. The last spring frost usually comes around May 30 and the first fall frost around September 26, for a growing season of about 119 days.
Planting calendar for Gardnerville Ranchos
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 30) 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 4 – Apr 18 Transplant outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: Jun 13 – Jun 20 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: Jun 13 – Jun 20 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: May 2 – May 16 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Apr 18 – May 2 Transplant outdoors: Jun 6 – Jun 13 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 1 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Sep 26).
Useful for zone 6b 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 8 | May 30 | Jun 14 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 9 | Sep 26 | Sep 9 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after June 14, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 9. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around May 6.
Nearby cities
- Carson City zone 7a, last frost May 4
- 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 Gardnerville Ranchos, NV?
Gardnerville Ranchos is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b (average extreme winter low -5°F to 0°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Gardnerville Ranchos?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Gardnerville Ranchos is May 30. There is still a 10% chance of frost until June 14.
When can I plant tomatoes in Gardnerville Ranchos?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around Jun 6 – Jun 13. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Minden, NV (USC00265191), 8.0 km (5.0 mi) from the city center, elevation 1435 m, based on 30 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.