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

Planting zone for 88230 — Dexter, NM

ZIP code 88230 (Dexter, Chaves County) is in USDA zone 7b: the coldest winter night averages 5 to 10 °F. The median last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost November 7.

Where ZIP 88230 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.

Zone7b5 to 10 °F

Coldest night−15 to −12.2 °C

Last frostMar 29

First frostNov 7

2012 zone7a

Was 7a 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 7b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Dexter, 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 Dexter, NM

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostMarch 29median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 15only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 7median — 10% chance by Oct 26

Growing season223 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 10 and returns around November 16.

From the NOAA station Roswell Ind Air Pk, NM — 9 miles away, elevation 3,648 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 88230

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Feb 15 – Mar 1

SpinachSow outdoors · Feb 15 – Mar 8

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 18 – Feb 1

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Mar 8 – Mar 22

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

LettuceSow outdoors · Mar 1 – Mar 15

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Mar 8 – Mar 22

TomatoesStart indoors · Feb 1 – Feb 15

TomatoesTransplant · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 18 – Feb 1

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Apr 12 – Apr 26

BeansSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Apr 5 – Apr 19

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 12 – Sep 26

GarlicPlant cloves · Oct 24 – Nov 28

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 29) and first fall frost (Nov 7) 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 88230 came on Feb 13 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Feb 13).

average
Feb 132026
Feb 13

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 7b in New Mexico

535 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in New Mexico, and rated by the USDA to survive 5 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 7b. 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 Dexter, NM.

Soil in Dexter, NM

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 88230 is Reeves — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH8.5alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter0.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupBwater soaks in moderately

Farmland classFarmland of statewide importanceUSDA classification

Map unit: Reeves loam, 0 to 1 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 88230; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Dexter, NM

Summer high97 °Faverage high, July

Winter low28 °Faverage low, January

Hot days110days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights87nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days5,604base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 21 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 57 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation11.6 inper year, rain and melted snow

Snowfall10 inper year; 6 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: Roswell Ind Air Pk, NM (9 mi away); precipitation: Roswell Ind Air Pk, NM (9 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Lake Arthur, NM · 19 mi

Loco Hills, NM · 36 mi

New Mexico planting zones →

Questions about 88230

What planting zone is ZIP code 88230?

ZIP code 88230 (Dexter, NM) is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 5 to 10 °F (−15 to −12.2 °C).

When is the last frost in Dexter, NM?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 88230 is March 29; after April 15 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Roswell Ind Air Pk station.

When is the first frost in Dexter, NM?

The median first fall frost near 88230 is November 7, giving a median frost-free growing season of 223 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 88230?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Feb 1 – Feb 15 and set transplants outside around Apr 5 – Apr 19, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 88230 get?

About 11.6 inches of precipitation a year and 10 inches of snowfall (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Roswell Ind Air Pk station).

How hot do summers get in Dexter, NM?

The average high peaks at 97 °F in July, with about 110 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 88230 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Reeves at the center of ZIP 88230: loam, well drained, pH about 8.5 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Dexter, NM in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 88230 came on Feb 13 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Feb 13), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Dexter, NM?

Intermediate onions: the longest day near 88230 is 14 h 21 min, so day-neutral types bulb best; long-day varieties may not bulb fully.

Did the zone for 88230 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 88230 in zone 7a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 7b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.