Frost Dates for Carson City, NV 89701
Last spring frost May 29 · First fall frost September 27 · 121 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
ZIP 89701 has about 28,800 people, the largest of 4 ZIP codes in Carson City.
Moderate season: 121 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 7–June 19 (43 days). Fall frost risk spans September 7–October 16 (39 days).
Frost probability for 89701
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 19 | May 29 | May 7 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 7 | September 27 | October 16 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at CARSON CITY (4.3 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Carson City, NV
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 89701 | May 29 | September 27 | 7a |
| 89706 | May 29 | September 27 | 7b |
| 89703 | June 6 | September 27 | 7b |
| 89705 | June 6 | September 27 | 7b |
Which crops fit a 121-day season in Carson City
In Carson City (121 frost-free days, a moderate season), 34 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 6 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 24 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 17 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 79 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 79 available after Jun 12. | — |
| Lettuce | Apr 3 | May 1–May 8 | 156 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 6 |
| Carrots | — | May 8–May 15 | 163 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 163 available after May 8. | Jul 26 |
| Cucumber | May 8 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 93 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 12. | Jul 1 |
| Beans | — | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 107 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 107 available after Jun 5. | Jul 8 |
| Peas | — | Apr 3–Jun 12 | 184 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 184 available after Apr 3. | Jul 17 |
| Zucchini | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 93 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 12. | Jul 6 |
| Onion | Mar 6 | May 1–May 15 | 156 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 156 available after May 1. | — |
| Spinach | — | Apr 3–May 22 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 25 |
| Kale | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 10 |
| Broccoli | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 156 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 156 available after May 1. | Jul 2 |
| Cabbage | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 170 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 170 available after May 1. | Jul 26 |
| Radish | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 26; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 26 |
| Beets | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Potatoes | — | May 15–May 22 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 15. | — |
| Garlic | — | Sep 27 | 226 | overwinter: Plant Sep 27 to Oct 18; harvest the following summer. | Oct 18 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 24–Jun 19 | 177 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 24; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 93 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 5. | Jun 9 |
| Pumpkin | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 12 | 86 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 14 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 17 | May 22–Jun 5 | 135 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 135 available after May 22. | Jul 7 |
| Swiss Chard | Apr 3 | May 15–May 15 | 142 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Arugula | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 198 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Aug 25; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 25 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Apr 3 | May 1–May 15 | 170 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 170 available after May 1. | Jun 26 |
| Butternut Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 86 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 14 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 10 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 79 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 79 available after Jun 12. | — |
| Okra | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 100 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 5. | Jul 6 |
| Basil | Apr 24 | Jun 19–Jun 19 | 86 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 19. | Jul 1 |
| Cilantro | — | May 1–May 22 | 156 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 1 |
| Parsley | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 121 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 121 available after Jun 5. | Jul 12 |
| Celery | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 121 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 121 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 5 |
| Turnip | — | May 1–May 15 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 15; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 15 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 17–May 1 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 17 and again by Aug 10; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 10 |
| Bok Choy | May 1 | May 22–May 29 | 135 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 6 |
| Collards | Mar 20 | May 1–May 15 | 170 | two-plantings: Plant May 1 and again by Aug 5; both mature before Oct 18. | Aug 5 |
| Cantaloupe | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Chives | Mar 6 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 135 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 135 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Dill | — | Apr 3–Jun 26 | 184 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 3 and again by Jul 27; both mature before Oct 4. | Jul 27 |
| Oregano | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 135 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 135 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Rosemary | Mar 6 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 121 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 121 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Sage | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 135 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 135 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 20 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 135 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 135 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 17 | May 15–May 29 | 142 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Aug 1; both mature before Oct 4. | Aug 1 |
| Cosmos | May 1 | May 29–Jun 12 | 107 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 107 available after May 29. | Jul 1 |
| Lavender | Mar 6 | May 29–Jun 12 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 29. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 17 | May 29–Jun 5 | 107 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 107 available after May 29. | Jul 11 |
| Melons | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 79 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 6 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Mint | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 142 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 142 available after May 29. | — |
| Nasturtiums | May 1 | May 29–Jun 5 | 107 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 107 available after May 29. | Jul 6 |
| Pole Beans | — | Jun 5–Jun 19 | 100 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 100 available after Jun 5. | Jun 26 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 86 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 4 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 107 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 107 available after May 29. | Jun 21 |
| Tomatillos | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 86 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Watermelon | May 15 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 86 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 86 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Yellow Squash | May 15 | Jun 12–Jun 19 | 93 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 93 available after Jun 12. | Jul 6 |
| Zinnias | May 1 | May 29–Jun 12 | 107 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 107 available after May 29. | Jul 1 |
Month by month in Carson City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start the slowest-growing crops indoors: onions, leeks, and celery (10–12 weeks before last frost). |
| March | Start indoors: Chives (Mar 6), Lavender (Mar 6), Onion (Mar 6), Rosemary (Mar 6), Celery (Mar 20), Collards (Mar 20), +5 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Broccoli (Apr 3), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 3), Cabbage (Apr 3), Lettuce (Apr 3), Sage (Apr 3), Swiss Chard (Apr 3), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Apr 3), Beets (Apr 3), Dill (Apr 3), Peas (Apr 3), Radish (Apr 3), Spinach (Apr 3), +1 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 24). |
| May | Start indoors: Bok Choy (May 1), Corn (May 1), Cosmos (May 1), Nasturtiums (May 1), Okra (May 1), Zinnias (May 1), +9 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (May 1), Turnip (May 1), Carrots (May 8), Potatoes (May 15), Sunflowers (May 29). Transplant from: Broccoli (May 1), Brussel Sprouts (May 1), Cabbage (May 1), Collards (May 1), Kale (May 1), Lettuce (May 1), +12 more. Last frost around May 29. |
| June | Direct sow from: Beans (Jun 5), Pole Beans (Jun 5). Transplant from: Celery (Jun 5), Chives (Jun 5), Corn (Jun 5), Okra (Jun 5), Oregano (Jun 5), Parsley (Jun 5), +17 more. Last sowing dates: Corn (Jun 9), Sunflowers (Jun 21), Brussel Sprouts (Jun 26), Pole Beans (Jun 26). |
| July | Last sowing dates: Basil (Jul 1), Cosmos (Jul 1), Cucumber (Jul 1), Zinnias (Jul 1), Broccoli (Jul 2), Nasturtiums (Jul 6), +13 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Calendula (Aug 1), Cilantro (Aug 1), Collards (Aug 5), Scallions (Aug 5), Bok Choy (Aug 6), Lettuce (Aug 6), +6 more. |
| September | Direct sow from: Garlic (Sep 27). First frost around September 27. |
| October | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 18). |
| November | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Carson City, NV (ZIP 89701)?
The median last spring frost date for Carson City, NV (ZIP code 89701) is around May 29. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area. One year in ten frost ends before May 7; one in ten it runs past June 19.
What is the first fall frost date in Carson City, NV?
The median first fall frost date for Carson City, NV is around September 27. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around September 7 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Carson City, NV?
The frost-free growing season in Carson City is about 121 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Carson City (121 frost-free days, a moderate season), 34 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 15 get two plantings, 6 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Carson City, NV?
Carson City, NV is in USDA hardiness zone 7a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Carson City, NV?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 24 and plant out Jun 12 in Carson City. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Carson City?
Two: plant May 1 and again by Aug 6; both mature before Oct 4.
When do I plant garlic in Carson City?
Sep 27 to Oct 18; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Carson City?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 12, the outdoor season is about 14 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Dayton (ZIP 89403) has 134 frost-free days, 13 more than Carson City (ZIP 89701). See Dayton ZIP 89403 frost dates
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