Caballo, NM frost dates
How Caballo compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Caballo falls between March 5 and April 17, a 43-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 24 and November 21.
- The median last frost is 39 days earlier than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 226-day growing season is longer than 90% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 4 days earlier than the zone 8a median of Mar 29. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 8a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 90 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with Las Cruces, NM, 88 km away, the last frost here is 13 days later than there and the growing season is 20 days shorter.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | March 5 |
| 50% (median) | March 25 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | April 17 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 24 |
| 50% (median) | November 6 |
| 90% (late) | November 21 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Caballo, NM
Caballo, NM frost dates — last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 6, zone 8a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Caballo, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Dec 31 – Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | — | — |
| Peppers | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Jan 14 – Jan 28 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | Sep 11 – Oct 9 |
| Kale | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Aug 28 – Sep 18 |
| Broccoli | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cabbage | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Cauliflower | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | — | Jul 31 – Aug 21 |
| Okra | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | — |
| Basil | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Aug 14 – Sep 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Feb 11 – Mar 4 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Radishes | — | — | Feb 18 – Apr 1 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
| Cucumbers | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Feb 25 – Mar 4 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Mar 4 – Mar 25 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Mar 11 – Apr 1 | Sep 11 – Oct 2 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 22 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 23 – Nov 27 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Caballo Dam, NM weather station, 12 km away (elevation 4,239 ft (1,292 m)).
Frost dates near Caballo
- Arrey Mar 25 · Nov 6
- Williamsburg Mar 30 · Nov 5
- Hillsboro Apr 23 · Oct 23
- Derry Mar 25 · Nov 6
- Truth Or Consequences Mar 30 · Nov 5
- Garfield Mar 25 · Nov 6
- Elephant Butte Mar 22 · Nov 9
- Salem Mar 25 · Nov 6
- Spaceport City Mar 13 · Nov 15
- Hatch Mar 25 · Nov 6
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Caballo, NM?
The median last spring frost in Caballo, NM is March 25. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after April 17, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Caballo, NM?
The median first fall frost is November 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 24.
How long is the growing season in Caballo, NM?
About 226 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Caballo, NM?
Caballo, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 8a.