Reno, NV planting zone & frost dates
Reno is in USDA hardiness zone 7b. The last spring frost usually comes around April 28 and the first fall frost around October 27, for a growing season of about 182 days.
Planting calendar for Reno
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (April 28) 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 3 – Mar 17 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: May 12 – May 19 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 17 – Mar 3 Transplant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 17 – Mar 31 Transplant outdoors: May 5 – May 12 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Sep 1 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 27).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 9 | Apr 28 | May 19 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Nov 10 | Oct 27 | Oct 10 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 19, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before October 10. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 10.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Reno
- 89501 zone 7b
- 89502 zone 7b
- 89503 zone 7b
- 89504 zone 7b
- 89505 zone 7b
- 89506 zone 7b
- 89507 zone 7a
- 89508 zone 7a
- 89509 zone 7b
- 89510 zone 7a
- 89511 zone 6b
- 89512 zone 7b
- 89513 zone 7b
- 89515 zone 7b
- 89519 zone 7b
- 89520 zone 7b
- 89521 zone 7a
- 89523 zone 7a
- 89533 zone 7b
- 89555 zone 7b
- 89557 zone 7a
- 89570 zone 7b
- 89595 zone 7b
- 89599 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Sparks zone 7a, last frost May 1
- Sun Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- Spanish Springs zone 7a, last frost May 3
- Carson City zone 7a, last frost May 4
- Fernley zone 7a, last frost May 9
- Gardnerville Ranchos zone 6b, last frost May 30
- Elko zone 5b, last frost May 29
- Pahrump zone 8b, last frost Mar 29
Questions
What growing zone is Reno, NV?
Reno is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b (average extreme winter low 5°F to 10°F), according to the USDA 2023 map. Some ZIP codes of the city fall in zones 6b, 7a.
When is the last frost in Reno?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Reno is April 28. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 19.
When can I plant tomatoes in Reno?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 5 – May 12. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Reno Wfo, NV (USC00266791), 4.6 km (2.9 mi) from the city center, elevation 1520 m, based on 23 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.