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

Planting zone for 87724 — La Loma, NM

ZIP code 87724 (La Loma, Guadalupe County) is in USDA zone 7a: the coldest winter night averages 0 to 5 °F. The median last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost October 13.

Where ZIP 87724 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · 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.

Zone7a0 to 5 °F

Coldest night−17.8 to −15 °C

Last frostMay 2

First frostOct 13

2012 zone6b

Was 6b on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 7a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for La Loma, NM…

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 La Loma, NM

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMay 2median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsMay 16only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostOctober 13median — 10% chance by Sep 29

Growing season162 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around April 21 and returns around October 23.

From the NOAA station Dilia, NM — 4 miles away, elevation 5,151 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 87724

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

SpinachSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 11

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Apr 11 – Apr 25

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Apr 11 – Apr 25

LettuceSow outdoors · Apr 4 – Apr 18

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Apr 11 – Apr 25

TomatoesStart indoors · Mar 7 – Mar 21

TomatoesTransplant · May 9 – May 23

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · May 16 – May 30

BeansSow outdoors · May 9 – May 23

Sweet cornSow outdoors · May 9 – May 23

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · May 9 – May 23

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Aug 18 – Sep 1

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 29 – Nov 3

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (May 2) and first fall frost (Oct 13) 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 87724 came on Feb 16 — 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 1).

average
Mar 12026
Feb 16

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 7a in New Mexico

532 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in New Mexico, and rated by the USDA to survive 0 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7a. 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 La Loma, NM.

Soil in La Loma, NM

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 87724 is Travessilla — channery loam, well drained.

TextureChannery loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.5slightly alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Travessilla-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes.

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 87724; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in La Loma, NM

Summer high92 °Faverage high, July

Winter low22 °Faverage low, January

Hot days67days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights136nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days3,580base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 32 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 47 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation15.7 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall27 inper year; 9 days with snow on the ground

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches · ❄ = snowfall

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Dilia, NM (4 mi away); precipitation: Dilia, NM (4 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

5 of the 8 nearest ZIP codes are in a different zone — elevation and distance from water change winter lows quickly.

877116b

Anton Chico, NM · 10 mi

884357a

Santa Rosa, NM · 22 mi

875696b

Serafina, NM · 22 mi

875836b

Villanueva, NM · 22 mi

877016b

Las Vegas, NM · 26 mi

New Mexico planting zones →

Questions about 87724

What planting zone is ZIP code 87724?

ZIP code 87724 (La Loma, NM) is in USDA hardiness zone 7a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 0 to 5 °F (−17.8 to −15 °C).

When is the last frost in La Loma, NM?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 87724 is May 2; after May 16 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Dilia station.

When is the first frost in La Loma, NM?

The median first fall frost near 87724 is October 13, giving a median frost-free growing season of 162 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 87724?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Mar 7 – Mar 21 and set transplants outside around May 9 – May 23, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 87724 get?

About 15.7 inches of precipitation a year and 27 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Dilia station).

How hot do summers get in La Loma, NM?

The average high peaks at 92 °F in July, with about 67 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 87724 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Travessilla at the center of ZIP 87724: channery loam, well drained, pH about 7.5 (slightly alkaline).

Did spring come early in La Loma, NM in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 87724 came on Feb 16 in 2026, 13 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Mar 1), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in La Loma, NM?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 87724 is 14 h 32 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 87724 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 87724 in zone 6b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 7a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.