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

Planting zone for 89801 — Elko, NV

ZIP code 89801 (Elko, Elko County) is in USDA zone 5a: the coldest winter night averages −20 to −15 °F. The median last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost September 12.

Where ZIP 89801 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.

Zone5a−20 to −15 °F

Coldest night−28.9 to −26.1 °C

Last frostJun 7

First frostSep 12

2012 zone5b

Was 5b on the 2012 map — half a zone colder now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 5a means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Elko, 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 Elko, NV

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 7median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 22only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 12median — 10% chance by Aug 31

Growing season98 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 20 and returns around September 23.

From the NOAA station Ryndon, NV — 16 miles away, elevation 5,289 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 89801

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 26 – May 10

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 26 – May 17

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 17 – May 31

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 10 – May 24

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 17 – May 31

LettuceSow outdoors · May 10 – May 24

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 17 – May 31

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 12 – Apr 26

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 14 – Jun 28

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Mar 29 – Apr 12

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 21 – Jul 5

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 14 – Jun 28

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 14 – Jun 28

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 14 – Jun 28

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 18 – Aug 1

GarlicPlant cloves · Aug 29 – Oct 3

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 7) and first fall frost (Sep 12) 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 89801 came on Mar 25 — 28 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 22).

average
Apr 222026
Mar 25

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 Elko, NV.

Soil in Elko, NV

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 89801 is Tustell — gravelly loam, well drained.

TextureGravelly loama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter1.5%low — add compost

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Tustell-Gance-Mahala 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 89801; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Elko, NV

Summer high93 °Faverage high, July

Winter low12 °Faverage low, January

Hot days53days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights227nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days2,188base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 09 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 12 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growLong-daysummer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too)

Precipitation13.1 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: Ryndon, NV (16 mi away); precipitation: Taylor Canyon, NV (15 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

Tuscarora, NV · 30 mi

Mountain City, NV · 42 mi

898155b

Spring Creek, NV · 42 mi

898225b

Carlin, NV · 52 mi

All 3 ZIP codes in Elko → · Nevada planting zones →

Questions about 89801

What planting zone is ZIP code 89801?

ZIP code 89801 (Elko, NV) is in USDA hardiness zone 5a on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −20 to −15 °F (−28.9 to −26.1 °C).

When is the last frost in Elko, NV?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 89801 is June 7; after June 22 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Ryndon station.

When is the first frost in Elko, NV?

The median first fall frost near 89801 is September 12, giving a median frost-free growing season of 98 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 89801?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 12 – Apr 26 and set transplants outside around Jun 14 – Jun 28, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 89801 get?

About 13.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Taylor Canyon station).

How hot do summers get in Elko, NV?

The average high peaks at 93 °F in July, with about 53 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 89801 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Tustell at the center of ZIP 89801: gravelly loam, well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Elko, NV in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 89801 came on Mar 25 in 2026, 28 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 22), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Elko, NV?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 89801 is 15 h 09 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 89801 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 89801 in zone 5b; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5a. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.