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

Planting zone for 89835 — Wells, NV

ZIP code 89835 (Wells, Elko County) is in USDA zone 5b: the coldest winter night averages −15 to −10 °F. The median last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost September 16.

Where ZIP 89835 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.

Zone5b−15 to −10 °F

Coldest night−26.1 to −23.3 °C

Last frostJun 10

First frostSep 16

2012 zone5a

Was 5a 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 5b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Wells, 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 Wells, NV

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Last spring frostJune 10median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsJune 26only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostSeptember 16median — 10% chance by Sep 1

Growing season94 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around May 23 and returns around September 26.

From the NOAA station Wells, NV — 13 miles away, elevation 5,699 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 89835

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Apr 29 – May 13

SpinachSow outdoors · Apr 29 – May 20

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · May 20 – Jun 3

Onion setsPlant outdoors · May 13 – May 27

PotatoesPlant outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

LettuceSow outdoors · May 13 – May 27

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · May 20 – Jun 3

TomatoesStart indoors · Apr 15 – Apr 29

TomatoesTransplant · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Apr 1 – Apr 15

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Jun 24 – Jul 8

BeansSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Jun 17 – Jul 1

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Jul 22 – Aug 5

GarlicPlant cloves · Sep 2 – Oct 7

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Jun 10) and first fall frost (Sep 16) 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 89835 came on Mar 23 — 26 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18).

average
Apr 182026
Mar 23

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 5b in Nevada

475 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Nevada, and rated by the USDA to survive −15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 5b. 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 Wells, NV.

Soil in Wells, NV

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 89835 is Chayson — loam, well drained.

TextureLoama good balance for most vegetables

pH7.6slightly alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter3%moderate

Hydrologic groupCwater soaks in slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Chayson-Igdell 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 89835; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Wells, NV

Summer high88 °Faverage high, July

Winter low12 °Faverage low, January

Hot days23days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights205nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days1,801base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day15 h 09 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day9 h 11 mindaylight on December 21

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

Precipitation9.1 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: Wells, NV (13 mi away); precipitation: Wells, NV (13 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

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

West Wendover, NV · 48 mi

Nevada planting zones →

Questions about 89835

What planting zone is ZIP code 89835?

ZIP code 89835 (Wells, NV) is in USDA hardiness zone 5b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches −15 to −10 °F (−26.1 to −23.3 °C).

When is the last frost in Wells, NV?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 89835 is June 10; after June 26 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Wells station.

When is the first frost in Wells, NV?

The median first fall frost near 89835 is September 16, giving a median frost-free growing season of 94 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 89835?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Apr 15 – Apr 29 and set transplants outside around Jun 17 – Jul 1, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 89835 get?

About 9.1 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Wells station).

How hot do summers get in Wells, NV?

The average high peaks at 88 °F in July, with about 23 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 89835 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Chayson at the center of ZIP 89835: loam, well drained, pH about 7.6 (slightly alkaline).

Did spring come early in Wells, NV in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 89835 came on Mar 23 in 2026, 26 days earlier than the 1991–2020 average (Apr 18), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Wells, NV?

Long-day onions: the longest day near 89835 is 15 h 09 min, so summer days reach 15+ hours, enough for long-day varieties (intermediate types work too).

Did the zone for 89835 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 89835 in zone 5a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 5b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.