Farmington, NM planting zone & frost dates
Farmington is in USDA hardiness zone 7a. The last spring frost usually comes around May 2 and the first fall frost around October 13, for a growing season of about 160 days.
Planting calendar for Farmington
Dates are counted from the average last spring frost (May 2) 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 7 – Mar 21 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Peppers | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Eggplant | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: May 16 – May 23 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors: Feb 21 – Mar 7 Transplant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Onions (sets) | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Peas | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Spinach | Sow outdoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Lettuce | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Carrots | Sow outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Potatoes | Plant outdoors: Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Beans | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Sweet corn | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Cucumbers | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Squash & zucchini | Sow outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors: Mar 21 – Apr 4 Transplant outdoors: May 9 – May 16 |
Fall garden: cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach and kale can be sown again around Aug 18 (8 weeks before the average first fall frost on Oct 13).
Frost risk in detail
| 90% chance | 50% chance | 10% chance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last 32°F frost in spring is after | Apr 20 | May 2 | May 18 |
| First 32°F frost in fall is before | Oct 25 | Oct 13 | Sep 29 |
How to read it: in spring there is a 10% chance of a frost after May 18, 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 20.
Hardiness zone by ZIP code in Farmington
- 87401 zone 7a
- 87402 zone 7a
- 87499 zone 7a
Nearby cities
- Gallup zone 6a, last frost May 11
- Los Alamos zone 7a, last frost May 2
- Enchanted Hills zone 7b, last frost Apr 16
- Rio Rancho zone 7b, last frost Apr 8
- North Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 23
- Española zone 7a, last frost May 11
- Albuquerque zone 7b, last frost Apr 6
- South Valley zone 7b, last frost Apr 18
Questions
What growing zone is Farmington, NM?
Farmington is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a (average extreme winter low 0°F to 5°F), according to the USDA 2023 map.
When is the last frost in Farmington?
The average last spring frost (32°F) in Farmington is May 2. There is still a 10% chance of frost until May 18.
When can I plant tomatoes in Farmington?
Transplant tomatoes outdoors 1–2 weeks after the average last frost: around May 9 – May 16. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
Frost dates: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, station Farmington Rgnl Ap, NM (USW00023090), 2.0 km (1.2 mi) from the city center, elevation 1675 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.