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Las Cruces, NM Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Las Cruces usually comes around Mar 3 and the first fall frost around Nov 20, a growing season of about 262 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 20 – Feb 3 and plant them outside Mar 17 – Mar 31.

Last spring frostMar 3
First fall frostNov 20
Growing season262 days

When to plant vegetables in Las Cruces

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 20 – Feb 3Mar 17 – Mar 31—
PeppersJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 24 – Apr 7—
EggplantJan 13 – Jan 27Mar 24 – Apr 7—
Cucumbers—Mar 17 – Mar 31—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 17 – Mar 31—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 24 – Apr 7—
Green beans—Mar 17 – Mar 31Aug 28 – Sep 11
Sweet corn—Mar 17 – Mar 31—
BasilFeb 3 – Feb 17Mar 17 – Mar 31—
LettuceJan 6 – Jan 20Feb 3 – Mar 17Sep 25 – Oct 9
Spinach—Jan 20 – Feb 10Sep 25 – Oct 9
Peas—Jan 20 – Feb 10Sep 11 – Sep 25
Carrots—Feb 3 – Mar 10Aug 28 – Sep 11
Radishes—Jan 27 – Mar 17Oct 9 – Oct 23
BroccoliDec 23 – Jan 6Feb 3 – Feb 17Aug 28 – Sep 11
KaleJan 6 – Jan 20Jan 27 – Feb 10Sep 11 – Sep 25
Onions—Feb 3 – Feb 17—
Potatoes—Feb 10 – Mar 10—
Garlic——Nov 6 – Dec 11

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Las Cruces. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Las Cruces

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  4. AprilPlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberStart indoors: BroccoliPlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Las Cruces?

The median last spring frost is Mar 3 and the median first fall frost is Nov 20, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Las Cruces?

Start seeds indoors Jan 20 – Feb 3 and set plants outside Mar 17 – Mar 31, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Las Cruces?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 20): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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