Frost Dates for Reno, NV 89511
Last spring frost May 22 · First fall frost October 3 · 134 frost-free days · USDA Zone 6b
ZIP 89511 has about 31,000 people, one of 13 ZIP codes in Reno.
Moderate season: 134 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans May 3–June 13 (41 days). Fall frost risk spans September 9–October 27 (48 days).
Frost probability for 89511
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | June 13 | May 22 | May 3 |
| Fall (first frost) | September 9 | October 3 | October 27 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at VIRGINIA CITY (23.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 134-day season in Reno
In Reno (134 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 17 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 92 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 92 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Pepper | Apr 10 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 92 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 92 available after Jun 5. | Jun 8 |
| Lettuce | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 1 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 12 |
| Carrots | — | May 1–May 8 | 176 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 176 available after May 1. | Aug 1 |
| Cucumber | May 1 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 106 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 5. | Jul 7 |
| Beans | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 29. | Jul 14 |
| Peas | — | Mar 27–Jun 5 | 197 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 197 available after Mar 27. | Jul 23 |
| Zucchini | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 106 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 5. | Jul 12 |
| Onion | Feb 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 169 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 24. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 27–May 15 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 31 |
| Kale | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Broccoli | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 169 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 169 available after Apr 24. | Jul 8 |
| Cabbage | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 24. | Aug 1 |
| Radish | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Sep 1; both mature before Oct 10. | Sep 1 |
| Beets | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Potatoes | — | May 8–May 15 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 8. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 3 | 239 | overwinter: Plant Oct 3 to Oct 24; harvest the following summer. | Oct 24 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 17–Jun 12 | 190 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 17; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 24 | May 29–Jun 5 | 106 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 106 available after May 29. | Jun 15 |
| Pumpkin | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 5 | 99 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cauliflower | Apr 10 | May 15–May 29 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after May 15. | Jul 13 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 27 | May 8–May 8 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 211 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 31; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 31 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 27 | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 183 available after Apr 24. | Jul 2 |
| Butternut Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 99 | head-start: Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Eggplant | Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 92 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 92 available after Jun 5. | Jun 13 |
| Okra | Apr 24 | May 29–Jun 5 | 113 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 113 available after May 29. | Jul 12 |
| Basil | Apr 17 | Jun 12–Jun 12 | 99 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 12. | Jul 7 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 24–May 15 | 169 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Parsley | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 134 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 134 available after May 29. | Jul 18 |
| Celery | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 12 | 134 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 134 available after May 29. | — |
| Scallions | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 11 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 21; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 21 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Apr 10–Apr 24 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 10 and again by Aug 16; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 16 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 24 | May 15–May 22 | 148 | two-plantings: Plant May 15 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 12 |
| Collards | Mar 13 | Apr 24–May 8 | 183 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 11; both mature before Oct 24. | Aug 11 |
| Cantaloupe | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 92 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 92 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Chives | Feb 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 148 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 148 available after May 29. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 27–Jun 19 | 197 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 27 and again by Aug 2; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 2 |
| Oregano | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 148 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 148 available after May 29. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 134 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 134 available after May 29. | — |
| Sage | Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 148 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 148 available after May 29. | — |
| Thyme | Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | 148 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 148 available after May 29. | — |
| Calendula | Apr 10 | May 8–May 22 | 155 | two-plantings: Plant May 8 and again by Aug 7; both mature before Oct 10. | Aug 7 |
| Cosmos | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 22. | Jul 7 |
| Lavender | Feb 27 | May 22–Jun 5 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 22. | — |
| Marigolds | Apr 10 | May 22–May 29 | 120 | two-plantings: Plant May 22 and again by Jul 17; both mature before Sep 19. | Jul 17 |
| Melons | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 92 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 92 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Mint | — | May 22–Jun 5 | 155 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 155 available after May 22. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 24 | May 22–May 29 | 120 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 120 available after May 22. | Jul 12 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 29–Jun 12 | 113 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 113 available after May 29. | Jul 2 |
| Spaghetti Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 99 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 99 available after Jun 5. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | May 22–Jun 5 | 120 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 120 available after May 22. | Jun 27 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | 99 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 99 available after May 29. | Jun 8 |
| Watermelon | May 8 | May 29–Jun 5 | 99 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 99 available after May 29. | Jun 3 |
| Yellow Squash | May 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | 106 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 106 available after Jun 5. | Jul 12 |
| Zinnias | Apr 24 | May 22–Jun 5 | 120 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 120 available after May 22. | Jul 7 |
Month by month in Reno
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 27), Lavender (Feb 27), Onion (Feb 27), Rosemary (Feb 27). |
| March | Start indoors: Celery (Mar 13), Collards (Mar 13), Kale (Mar 13), Oregano (Mar 13), Parsley (Mar 13), Scallions (Mar 13), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 27), Beets (Mar 27), Dill (Mar 27), Peas (Mar 27), Radish (Mar 27), Spinach (Mar 27). |
| April | Start indoors: Eggplant (Apr 3), Calendula (Apr 10), Cauliflower (Apr 10), Marigolds (Apr 10), Pepper (Apr 10), Basil (Apr 17), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Apr 10), Cilantro (Apr 24), Turnip (Apr 24). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 24), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 24), Cabbage (Apr 24), Collards (Apr 24), Kale (Apr 24), Lettuce (Apr 24), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 17). |
| May | Start indoors: Cucumber (May 1), Butternut Squash (May 8), Cantaloupe (May 8), Melons (May 8), Pumpkin (May 8), Spaghetti Squash (May 8), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (May 1), Potatoes (May 8), Sunflowers (May 22), Beans (May 29), Pole Beans (May 29). Transplant from: Calendula (May 8), Swiss Chard (May 8), Bok Choy (May 15), Cauliflower (May 15), Cosmos (May 22), Lavender (May 22), +15 more. Last frost around May 22. |
| June | Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jun 5), Cantaloupe (Jun 5), Cucumber (Jun 5), Eggplant (Jun 5), Melons (Jun 5), Pepper (Jun 5), +6 more. Last sowing dates: Watermelon (Jun 3), Pepper (Jun 8), Tomatillos (Jun 8), Eggplant (Jun 13), Corn (Jun 15), Sunflowers (Jun 27). |
| July | Last sowing dates: Brussel Sprouts (Jul 2), Pole Beans (Jul 2), Basil (Jul 7), Cosmos (Jul 7), Cucumber (Jul 7), Zinnias (Jul 7), +10 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Cabbage (Aug 1), Carrots (Aug 1), Beets (Aug 2), Dill (Aug 2), Swiss Chard (Aug 2), Calendula (Aug 7), +10 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Radish (Sep 1). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 3). First frost around October 3. Last sowing dates: Garlic (Oct 24). |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| 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 Reno, NV (ZIP 89511)?
The median last spring frost date for Reno, NV (ZIP code 89511) is around May 22. 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 3; one in ten it runs past June 13.
What is the first fall frost date in Reno, NV?
The median first fall frost date for Reno, NV is around October 3. 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 9 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Reno, NV?
The frost-free growing season in Reno is about 134 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 Reno (134 frost-free days, a moderate season), 37 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 16 get two plantings, 2 need an indoor start, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Reno, NV?
Reno, NV is in USDA hardiness zone 6b (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 Reno, NV?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 17 and plant out Jun 5 in Reno. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Reno?
Two: plant Apr 24 and again by Aug 12; both mature before Oct 10.
When do I plant garlic in Reno?
Oct 3 to Oct 24; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Butternut Squash in Reno?
Yes, with help. Even planted out Jun 5, the outdoor season is about 1 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Sparks (ZIP 89436) has 143 frost-free days, 9 more than Reno (ZIP 89511). See Sparks ZIP 89436 frost dates
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for Reno, NV 89502 (9.6 mi)
- Frost dates for Sun Valley, NV 89433 (14.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Sparks, NV 89436 (17.3 mi)
- Frost dates for Truckee, CA 96161 (18.5 mi)
- Frost dates for Reno, NV 89506 (20.5 mi)
- When to plant in Reno, NV: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in NV
- When to plant Peppers in NV
- When to plant Cucumbers in NV
- When to plant Zucchini in NV
- When to plant Butternut Squash in NV
- When to plant Basil in NV
- When to plant Sweet Corn in NV
- Look up another ZIP