Frost Dates for Silver City, NM 88061
Last spring frost May 7 · First fall frost October 20 · 166 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7b
ZIP 88061 has about 17,500 people.
Moderate season: 166 frost-free days. Spring frost risk spans April 18–May 25 (37 days). Fall frost risk spans October 6–November 4 (29 days).
Frost probability for 88061
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 25 | May 7 | April 18 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 6 | October 20 | November 4 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at WHITE SIGNAL (8.0 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Which crops fit a 166-day season in Silver City
In Silver City (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Apr 2 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jun 20 |
| Pepper | Mar 26 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jun 25 |
| Lettuce | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 16 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Carrots | — | Apr 16–Apr 23 | 208 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 208 available after Apr 16. | Aug 18 |
| Cucumber | Apr 16 | May 21–May 28 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 21 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Beans | — | May 14–May 28 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 31; both mature before Oct 13. | Jul 31 |
| Peas | — | Mar 12–May 21 | 229 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 229 available after Mar 12. | Aug 9 |
| Zucchini | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 21 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Onion | Feb 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 201 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 9. | — |
| Spinach | — | Mar 12–Apr 30 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Kale | Feb 26 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 201 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 201 available after Apr 9. | Jul 25 |
| Cabbage | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 9. | Aug 18 |
| Radish | — | Mar 12–Jun 4 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Sep 18; both mature before Oct 27. | Sep 18 |
| Beets | — | Mar 12–Jun 4 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 23–Apr 30 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after Apr 23. | — |
| Garlic | — | Oct 20 | 271 | overwinter: Plant Oct 20 to Nov 10; harvest the following summer. | Nov 10 |
| Strawberry | — | Apr 2–May 28 | 222 | perennial: A perennial: plant Apr 2; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Apr 9 | May 14–May 21 | 138 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 138 available after May 14. | Jul 2 |
| Pumpkin | Apr 23 | May 21–May 21 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 21. | Jun 7 |
| Cauliflower | Mar 26 | Apr 30–May 14 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after Apr 30. | Jul 30 |
| Swiss Chard | Mar 12 | Apr 23–Apr 23 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Arugula | — | Mar 12–Jun 4 | 243 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Sep 17; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 17 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Mar 12 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 215 available after Apr 9. | Jul 19 |
| Butternut Squash | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 131 | fits: 100 days to maturity, 131 available after May 21. | Jun 7 |
| Eggplant | Mar 19 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jun 30 |
| Okra | Apr 9 | May 14–May 21 | 145 | two-plantings: Plant May 14 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Basil | Apr 2 | May 28–May 28 | 131 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 131 available after May 28. | Jul 24 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 9–Apr 30 | 201 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Parsley | Feb 26 | May 14–May 21 | 166 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 166 available after May 14. | Aug 4 |
| Celery | Feb 26 | May 14–May 28 | 166 | fits: 120 days to maturity, 166 available after May 14. | Jun 15 |
| Scallions | Feb 26 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Turnip | — | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Sep 7; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 7 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 26–Apr 9 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 26 and again by Sep 2; both mature before Nov 10. | Sep 2 |
| Bok Choy | Apr 9 | Apr 30–May 7 | 180 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 30 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 29 |
| Collards | Feb 26 | Apr 9–Apr 23 | 215 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 28; both mature before Nov 10. | Aug 28 |
| Cantaloupe | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jun 15 |
| Chives | Feb 12 | May 14–May 21 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 14. | — |
| Dill | — | Mar 12–Jun 4 | 229 | two-plantings: Plant Mar 12 and again by Aug 19; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 19 |
| Oregano | Feb 26 | May 14–May 21 | 180 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 180 available after May 14. | — |
| Rosemary | Feb 12 | May 14–May 21 | 166 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 166 available after May 14. | — |
| Sage | Mar 12 | May 14–May 21 | 180 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 180 available after May 14. | — |
| Thyme | Feb 26 | May 14–May 21 | 180 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 180 available after May 14. | — |
| Calendula | Mar 26 | Apr 23–May 7 | 187 | two-plantings: Plant Apr 23 and again by Aug 24; both mature before Oct 27. | Aug 24 |
| Cosmos | Apr 9 | May 7–May 21 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
| Lavender | Feb 12 | May 7–May 21 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after May 7. | — |
| Marigolds | Mar 26 | May 7–May 14 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Aug 3; both mature before Oct 6. | Aug 3 |
| Melons | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 124 | fits: 85 days to maturity, 124 available after May 21. | Jun 15 |
| Mint | — | May 7–May 21 | 187 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 187 available after May 7. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Apr 9 | May 7–May 14 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Pole Beans | — | May 14–May 28 | 145 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 145 available after May 14. | Jul 19 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 131 | fits: 90 days to maturity, 131 available after May 21. | Jun 17 |
| Sunflowers | — | May 7–May 21 | 152 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 152 available after May 7. | Jul 14 |
| Tomatillos | Mar 12 | May 14–May 21 | 131 | fits: 75 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jun 25 |
| Watermelon | Apr 23 | May 14–May 21 | 131 | fits: 80 days to maturity, 131 available after May 14. | Jun 20 |
| Yellow Squash | Apr 23 | May 21–May 28 | 138 | two-plantings: Plant May 21 and again by Jul 29; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 29 |
| Zinnias | Apr 9 | May 7–May 21 | 152 | two-plantings: Plant May 7 and again by Jul 24; both mature before Oct 6. | Jul 24 |
Month by month in Silver City
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start indoors: Chives (Feb 12), Lavender (Feb 12), Onion (Feb 12), Rosemary (Feb 12), Celery (Feb 26), Collards (Feb 26), +5 more. |
| March | Start indoors: Broccoli (Mar 12), Brussel Sprouts (Mar 12), Cabbage (Mar 12), Lettuce (Mar 12), Sage (Mar 12), Swiss Chard (Mar 12), +6 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Mar 12), Beets (Mar 12), Dill (Mar 12), Peas (Mar 12), Radish (Mar 12), Spinach (Mar 12), +1 more. |
| April | Start indoors: Basil (Apr 2), Tomato (Apr 2), Bok Choy (Apr 9), Corn (Apr 9), Cosmos (Apr 9), Nasturtiums (Apr 9), +11 more. Direct sow from: Cilantro (Apr 9), Turnip (Apr 9), Carrots (Apr 16), Potatoes (Apr 23). Transplant from: Broccoli (Apr 9), Brussel Sprouts (Apr 9), Cabbage (Apr 9), Collards (Apr 9), Kale (Apr 9), Lettuce (Apr 9), +6 more. Plant: Strawberry (Apr 2). |
| May | Direct sow from: Sunflowers (May 7), Beans (May 14), Pole Beans (May 14). Transplant from: Cosmos (May 7), Lavender (May 7), Marigolds (May 7), Mint (May 7), Nasturtiums (May 7), Zinnias (May 7), +23 more. Last frost around May 7. |
| June | Last sowing dates: Butternut Squash (Jun 7), Pumpkin (Jun 7), Cantaloupe (Jun 15), Celery (Jun 15), Melons (Jun 15), Spaghetti Squash (Jun 17), +5 more. |
| July | Last sowing dates: Corn (Jul 2), Sunflowers (Jul 14), Brussel Sprouts (Jul 19), Pole Beans (Jul 19), Basil (Jul 24), Cosmos (Jul 24), +9 more. |
| August | Last sowing dates: Marigolds (Aug 3), Parsley (Aug 4), Peas (Aug 9), Cabbage (Aug 18), Carrots (Aug 18), Beets (Aug 19), +8 more. |
| September | Last sowing dates: Kale (Sep 2), Kohlrabi (Sep 2), Turnip (Sep 7), Arugula (Sep 17), Spinach (Sep 17), Radish (Sep 18). |
| October | Direct sow from: Garlic (Oct 20). First frost around October 20. |
| November | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Nov 10). |
| 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 Silver City, NM (ZIP 88061)?
The median last spring frost date for Silver City, NM (ZIP code 88061) is around May 7. 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 April 18; one in ten it runs past May 25.
What is the first fall frost date in Silver City, NM?
The median first fall frost date for Silver City, NM is around October 20. 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 October 6 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Silver City, NM?
The frost-free growing season in Silver City is about 166 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 Silver City (166 frost-free days, a moderate season), 31 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 24 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Silver City, NM?
Silver City, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7b (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 Silver City, NM?
Start tomatoes indoors Apr 2 and plant out May 21 in Silver 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 Silver City?
Two: plant Apr 9 and again by Aug 29; both mature before Oct 27.
When do I plant garlic in Silver City?
Oct 20 to Nov 10; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Which nearby ZIP has a longer season?
Deming (ZIP 88030) has 193 frost-free days, 27 more than Silver City (ZIP 88061). See Deming ZIP 88030 frost dates
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