Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for Ely, NV

Ely, NV is in USDA zones 5a to 5b across its 2 ZIP codes. The median last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost September 24.

Ely on the zone map

Outlined: its 2 ZIP code areas · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zones5a–5b−20 to −10 °F

ZIP codes2

Last frostMay 28

First frostSep 24

Growing season119 days

5a 1 ZIP 5b 1 ZIP

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Ely, NV…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Ely, NV

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMay 28median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 13only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 24median — 10% chance by Sep 11

Growing season119 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 11 and returns around October 4.

From the NOAA station Mcgill, NV, elevation 6,270 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in Ely

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 16 – Apr 30

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 16 – May 7

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 7 – May 21

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 7 – May 21

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 30 – May 14

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 7 – May 21

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 2 – Apr 16

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 19 – Apr 2

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 11 – Jun 25

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 4 – Jun 18

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 30 – Aug 13

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 10 – Oct 15

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 28) and first fall frost (Sep 24) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 89301 came on Mar 18 — 22 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 9).

average
Apr 92026
Mar 18

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 5a in Nevada

455 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Nevada, and rated by the USDA to survive −20 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5a. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Ely, NV.

Soil in Ely, NV

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 89301 is Zerk — gravelly loam, well drained.

TextureGravelly loama good balance for most vegetables

pH8.5alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.75%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupAwater soaks in fast

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importance, if irrigatedUSDA classification

Map unit: Zerk-Heist-Tosser association.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 89301; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Ely, NV

Summer high88 °Faverage high, July

Winter low14 °Faverage low, December

Hot days25days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights181nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,269base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 57 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 23 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growIntermediateday-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully

Precipitation17.8 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Mcgill, NV (8 mi away); precipitation: Kalamazoo, NV (7 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

ZIP codes in Ely

Nevada planting zones →

Questions about Ely

What planting zone is Ely, NV?

Ely, NV is in USDA hardiness zones 5a to 5b on the 2023 map (5a: −20 to −15 °F; 5b: −15 to −10 °F).

When is the last frost in Ely, NV?

The median last spring frost is May 28 and the median first fall frost is September 24 (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Mcgill station).

When can I plant a garden in Ely, NV?

Cool-season crops like peas and spinach go in around Apr 16 – May 7; tomatoes, peppers, beans and squash after about Jun 4, once frost risk has passed.

What kind of onions grow in Ely, NV?

Intermediate onions: the longest day is 14 h 57 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

How much rain and snow does Ely, NV get?

About 17.8 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals).