When to Plant Vegetables in New Mexico: Growing Calendar for Northern and Southern Regions

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “When should I start planting my garden in New Mexico?” or “When can you plant vegetables in New Mexico?” you’re not alone. Understanding the best times to plant is crucial for successful gardening in this diverse state. New Mexico’s climate zones and growing seasons vary widely, affecting everything from Albuquerque’s planting calendar to what grows best in northern New Mexico.

In this article, we’ll dive into the optimal times for planting vegetables in both the northern and southern regions of New Mexico. We’ll also discuss factors affecting vegetable planting dates, give you a detailed vegetable planting schedule, and offer tips on the best plants for New Mexico gardens and landscapes.

When to Plant Vegetables in New Mexico

Understanding New Mexico’s Climate Zones

New Mexico is a land of varying climates. From the northern mountains’ chill to the southern deserts’ heat, the state is a patchwork of microclimates. The north tends to have colder winters and shorter growing seasons. The southern part, on the other hand, is generally warmer and has a longer growing season. Knowing your specific climate zone will help you maximize your vegetable garden.

Factors Affecting Vegetable Planting Dates in New Mexico

Several factors can affect planting flowers in New Mexico or when to plant veggies. Soil temperature, frost dates, and elevation all play a role. For instance, the soil must be warm enough for seeds to germinate. Frost can kill tender plants, so knowing the average last frost date in your area is vital. Higher elevations will also have a shorter growing season. These factors can greatly affect your New Mexico vegetable gardening plans.

Planting Vegetables in Northern New Mexico

Northern New Mexico typically has a shorter growing season than the southern part of the state. If you’re wondering what grows best in northern New Mexico, think cold-hardy veggies like lettuce, radishes, and peas. These can be planted as early as late March or early April after the danger of hard frost has passed. It’s best to wait until late May or even early June for crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Optimal Vegetable Planting Times for Southern New Mexico

Southern New Mexico enjoys a longer growing season. This is good news if you’re interested in a wider variety of vegetables. The warmer climate allows for earlier planting of spring crops like spinach and carrots, often as early as February. Summer crops like cucumbers and squash can be planted in late April or early May. It’s essential to watch the weather and adjust your planting times accordingly.

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planting plants or organic vegetable crops on a sustainable farm

Vegetable Planting Schedule for New Mexico

Regarding a planting schedule, New Mexico gardeners need to be flexible. Early spring is good for peas, lettuce, and spinach. Late spring to early summer is ideal for tomatoes, corn, and green beans. Fall can be a good time for a second round of cool-weather crops. It’s always wise to consult a local planting calendar, such as the Albuquerque planting calendar, to get the most accurate dates for your area.

Recommended Vegetables for Early Spring Planting in New Mexico

Early spring is a fantastic time to plant cold-tolerant veggies. Options like kale, spinach, and radishes are well-suited for the chilly mornings and evenings. These can often be planted as soon as the soil can be worked, usually late February to early March in the southern regions and late March to early April in the north.

Late Spring and Early Summer Vegetable Planting Guide for New Mexico

In New Mexico gardens, things heat up in late spring and early summer. This is the perfect time for planting warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini. In the south, you can start as early as late April, while northern gardeners might want to wait until late May or early June. These are also excellent months for planting flowers to add color and attract pollinators to your garden.

Fall Vegetable Planting Tips for Northern New Mexico

Fall is an ideal time to focus on cool-season crops that can tolerate the first frosts in Northern New Mexico. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are great choices for fall planting. Many gardeners also opt for root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips, as they store well and improve in flavor after a frost.

Getting these plants in the ground is best by late August to early September. That way, they have enough time to mature before winter sets in. Covering your plants with mulch can help protect the soil from rapid temperature changes and retain moisture, which is especially important in New Mexico’s arid climate.

Ideal Fall Planting Dates for Southern New Mexico

In Southern New Mexico, the fall planting window extends a bit longer, often into late September or early October. This region’s milder climate allows for a broader range of vegetable options for fall planting. In addition to the cool-weather crops suitable for Northern New Mexico, gardeners in the south can also consider planting greens like arugula and chard.

Since the risk of frost is lower and comes later in the year, you have more flexibility with your planting schedule. However, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as unexpected frosts can still occur and may require protective measures like frost blankets or row covers.

When to Plant and What Vegetables to Grow in New Mexico in Winter

Contrary to popular belief, vegetable gardening in New Mexico doesn’t have to stop when winter arrives. For those in the southern parts of the state, certain crops like garlic, onions, and some leafy greens can be planted in late fall for harvest in early spring. These vegetables can generally tolerate colder temperatures and may even benefit from a period of cold to fully develop their flavors.

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In the north, while outdoor planting is generally not recommended due to the harsh winters, you can still grow various herbs and smaller vegetables indoors. Utilizing windowsills or setting up a simple indoor garden with grow lights can keep your thumb green all winter.

Vegetable Planting Schedule/Calendar Table for New Mexico

Vegetable	Northern NM (Spring)	Southern NM (Spring)	Northern NM (Fall)	Southern NM (Fall)	Southern NM (Winter)
Lettuce	Late March	Late February	Late August	Late September	Late November
Radishes	Late March	Late February	Late August	Late September	N/A
Peas	Early April	Late February	Late August	N/A	N/A
Spinach	Early April	Late February	Late August	Late September	Late November
Carrots	Late April	Early March	Late August	Late September	N/A
Tomatoes	Late May	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Peppers	Early June	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cucumbers	Late May	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Squash	Late May	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Broccoli	N/A	Early March	Late August	Late September	N/A
Cauliflower	N/A	Early March	Late August	Late September	N/A
Green Beans	Late May	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Beets	Late April	Early March	Late August	Late September	N/A
Corn	Late May	Late April	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kale	Early April	Late February	Late August	Late September	Late November
Onions	Late March	Late February	N/A	N/A	Late November
Garlic	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Late November
Arugula	N/A	Early March	Late August	Late September	Late November
Swiss Chard	N/A	Early March	Late August	Late September	Late November

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Conclusion

New Mexico’s varied climate offers gardening opportunities nearly year-round if you know what to plant and when.

When to Plant Vegetables in New Mexico: Growing Calendar for Northern and Southern Regions