Vaughn, NM frost dates
How Vaughn compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Vaughn falls between April 28 and May 22, a 24-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 26 and October 20.
- The median last frost is 6 days later than the New Mexico median of May 3.
- Its 150-day growing season is longer than 40% of the 349 New Mexico places with a regular frost season (state median 164 days).
- The last frost is 23 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 165 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 28 |
| 50% (median) | May 9 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 22 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 26 |
| 50% (median) | October 6 |
| 90% (late) | October 20 |
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 Vaughn, NM
Vaughn, NM frost dates — last frost May 9, first frost Oct 6, zone 7a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Vaughn, NM
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | Apr 11 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 8 |
| Kale | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| Broccoli | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cabbage | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 14 – Mar 28 | Apr 25 – May 9 | — | Jun 30 – Jul 21 |
| Okra | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 30 – Jun 13 | May 30 – Jun 13 | — |
| Basil | Mar 28 – Apr 11 | May 16 – May 30 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Jul 14 – Aug 4 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 28 – Apr 18 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 4 – May 16 | Aug 25 – Sep 15 |
| Cucumbers | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – May 30 | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Apr 11 – Apr 18 | May 23 – Jun 6 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 18 – May 16 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 18 – May 9 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 25 – May 23 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 25 – May 16 | Aug 11 – Sep 1 |
| Green Beans | — | — | May 16 – Jun 6 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | May 16 – May 30 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 23 – Jun 13 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 22 – Oct 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 Pedernal 9 E, NM weather station, 26 km away (elevation 6,152 ft (1,875 m)).
Frost dates near Vaughn
- Encino May 9 · Oct 6
- Yeso Apr 18 · Oct 26
- Cedarvale Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Corona Apr 29 · Oct 20
- Santa Rosa Apr 20 · Oct 23
- Clines Corners May 4 · Oct 12
- La Loma May 2 · Oct 13
- Anton Chico May 2 · Oct 13
- Villanueva Apr 24 · Oct 20
- Willard May 2 · Oct 19
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Vaughn, NM?
The median last spring frost in Vaughn, NM is May 9. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 22, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Vaughn, NM?
The median first fall frost is October 6, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 26.
How long is the growing season in Vaughn, NM?
About 150 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Vaughn, NM?
Vaughn, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7a.