Frost dates for 89803 — Elko, NV
How Elko compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Elko falls between May 10 and June 16, a 37-day window. The first fall frost falls between September 3 and October 1.
- The median last frost is 18 days later than the Nevada median of May 11.
- Its 112-day growing season is longer than 15% of the 84 Nevada places with a regular frost season (state median 149 days).
- The last frost is 28 days later than the zone 5b median of May 1. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5b chart.
- The weather station records an average of 195 nights a year at or below 32°F.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | May 10 |
| 50% (median) | May 29 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | June 16 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | September 3 |
| 50% (median) | September 18 |
| 90% (late) | October 1 |
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 Elko, NV
Frost dates for 89803 — Elko, NV — last frost May 29, first frost Sep 18, zone 5b. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Elko, NV
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 1 – May 15 | — | — |
| Peppers | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Mar 20 – Apr 3 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – May 22 | May 1 – Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Aug 21 |
| Kale | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 1 – May 15 | May 1 – May 15 | Jul 10 – Jul 31 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 8 – May 22 | — | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | May 15 – May 29 | — | — |
| Okra | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 | — |
| Basil | Apr 17 – May 1 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Jun 26 – Jul 17 |
| Spinach | — | — | Apr 17 – May 8 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Radishes | — | — | Apr 24 – Jun 5 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| Cucumbers | May 1 – May 8 | Jun 12 – Jun 19 | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | May 1 – May 8 | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins Warning: Your frost-free season is about 112 days, which is tight for winter squash & pumpkins (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | May 1 – May 8 | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | May 1 – May 8 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jun 26 – Jul 10 |
| Beets | — | — | May 8 – Jun 5 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Potatoes | — | — | May 8 – May 29 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | May 15 – Jun 12 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | — | May 15 – Jun 5 | Jul 24 – Aug 14 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Jun 5 – Jun 26 | — |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Jun 5 – Jun 19 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes Warning: Your frost-free season is about 112 days, which is tight for sweet potatoes (100+ days). Choose early varieties and use transplants or row covers. | — | Jun 12 – Jul 3 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
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 Elko Rgnl Ap, NV weather station, 2 km away (elevation 5,030 ft (1,533 m)).
ZIP codes in Elko: 89801 89802 89803
Frost dates near Elko
- Spring Creek Jun 6 · Sep 16
- Carlin May 29 · Sep 18
- Lamoille frost any month
- Deeth frost any month
- Ruby Valley May 27 · Sep 23
- Tuscarora Jun 4 · Sep 24
- Wells Jun 10 · Sep 16
- Crescent Valley Jun 2 · Sep 17
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Elko, NV?
The median last spring frost in Elko, NV is May 29. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after June 16, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Elko, NV?
The median first fall frost is September 18, with about a 10% chance of frost before September 3.
How long is the growing season in Elko, NV?
About 112 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Elko, NV?
Elko, NV is in USDA hardiness zone 5b.