Mcalister, NM frost dates
How Mcalister compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Mcalister falls between April 12 and May 6, a 24-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 6 and November 3.
- The median last frost is 9 days earlier than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 180-day growing season is longer than 62% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 8 days later than the zone 7a median of Apr 16. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 7a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 122 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 12 |
| 50% (median) | April 24 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 6 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 3 |
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 Mcalister, NM
Mcalister, NM frost dates — last frost Apr 24, first frost Oct 21, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Mcalister, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Mar 27 – May 1 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 | May 15 – May 29 | — |
| Basil | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 13 – Apr 3 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 20 – May 1 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 27 – Apr 3 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 3 – May 1 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 3 – Apr 24 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 10 – May 8 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 10 – May 1 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 1 – May 22 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 1 – May 15 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 8 – May 29 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
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 Ragland 3 Ssw, NM weather station, 10 km away (elevation 5,059 ft (1,542 m)).
Frost dates near Mcalister
- House Apr 24 · Oct 21
- Quay Apr 24 · Oct 21
- Melrose Apr 17 · Oct 26
- Saint Vrain Apr 17 · Oct 26
- Grady Apr 20 · Oct 24
- Taiban Apr 18 · Oct 26
- Fort Sumner Apr 9 · Oct 30
- Floyd Apr 17 · Oct 26
- Tucumcari Apr 18 · Oct 25
- Cannon Afb Apr 14 · Oct 29
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Mcalister, NM?
The median last spring frost in Mcalister, NM is April 24. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Mcalister, NM?
The median first fall frost is October 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 6.
How long is the growing season in Mcalister, NM?
About 180 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Mcalister, NM?
Mcalister, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.