Sparks, NV planting zone & frost dates
Sparks is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 1 and the first fall frost around October 10, for a growing season of about 160 days.
Planting calendar for Sparks
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 1) 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 6 – Mar 20 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: May 15 – May 22 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 20 – Mar 6 Transplant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 20 – Apr 3 Transplant outdoors: May 8 – May 15 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 15 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 10).
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
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Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 17 | May 1 | May 25 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 24 | Oct 10 | Sep 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 25, so that is a safe date for tender plants. In fall there is a 10% chance of frost before September 29. A hard freeze (28°F) usually ends around April 16.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Sparks
- 89431 zone 7a
- 89432 zone 7a
- 89434 zone 7b
- 89435 zone 7a
- 89436 zone 7a
- 89437 zone 7b
- 89441 zone 7b
Nearby cities
- Reno zone 7b, last frost Apr 28
- 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 Sparks, NV?
Sparks 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 Sparks?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Sparks is May 1. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 25.
When can I plant tomatoes in Sparks?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 8 – May 15. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Sparks, NV (USC00267697), 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from the city center, elevation 1328 m, based on 28 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.