Albuquerque, NM Vegetable Planting Calendar

What to plant now in Albuquerque

No planting windows from our rules fall in October; see the month-by-month list below.

The list above is for the month this page was built; the box is refreshed in your browser for today's date.

Spring planting dates

“Plant out” means transplanting for crops started indoors and sowing or planting directly in the garden for the others. Each column applies CSU Extension's timing rule to a different last-frost anchor: aggressive = typical date (Apr 15, 50% risk), balanced = Apr 21 (30%), safe = Apr 30 (10%). For hardy crops the cell shows the CSU “as early as” window.

A soil thermometer helps here. CSU recommends checking soil temperature at 4 inches (6 inches for beans) before sowing. NOAA doesn't publish soil-temperature normals, so instead of a date, each crop shows CSU's minimum soil temperature.

Fall planting dates

Latest dates for a fall harvest, using the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension count-back formula: days to harvest (CSU) + 14-day fall factor + 14-day frost-tender factor for frost-sensitive crops, counted back from the first-frost date. For transplanted crops (CSU days are from transplant) the result is the latest transplant date; seeds go in CSU's transplant-age weeks earlier. We add no harvest period, so these dates give you a first harvest by the first frost, not a long harvest.

Month-by-month: what to plant in Albuquerque

What to plant in Albuquerque in February

• Start broccoli seeds indoors (Feb 3–17)
• Start cabbage seeds indoors (Feb 3–17)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 17 – Mar 3)

What to plant in Albuquerque in March

• Start eggplant seeds indoors (Mar 3–24)
• Start pepper seeds indoors (Mar 10–24)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Start cauliflower seeds indoors (Feb 17 – Mar 3)

What to plant in Albuquerque in April

• Potatoes: plant (seed pieces) outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Carrots: direct sow outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Cauliflower: transplant outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Beets: direct sow outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Swiss chard: direct sow outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Parsnips: direct sow outdoors (Apr 1–30)
• Start tomato seeds indoors (Apr 4–18)
• Beans (snap): direct sow outdoors (Apr 15–30)
• Summer squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 15–30)
• Sweet corn: direct sow outdoors (Apr 15–30)
• Cucumbers: direct sow outdoors (Apr 15–30)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Onions (dry, from sets): plant sets outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Peas: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Lettuce (leaf): direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Broccoli: transplant outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Cabbage: transplant outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Kohlrabi: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Green onions: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Radishes: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Spinach: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)
• Turnips: direct sow outdoors (Mar 18 – Apr 16)

What to plant in Albuquerque in May

• Tomatoes: transplant outdoors (May 23)
• Peppers: transplant outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Eggplant: transplant outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Cantaloupe: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Watermelon: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)
• Winter squash: direct sow outdoors (Apr 29 – May 14)

What to plant in Albuquerque in June

• Start cabbage seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 1–15)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 21 – Jul 5)

What to plant in Albuquerque in July

• Last day to set out cabbage transplants for a fall harvest (by Jul 20)
• Last day to sow beans (snap) for a fall harvest (by Jul 31)
• Start broccoli seeds indoors for a fall crop (Jun 21 – Jul 5)

What to plant in Albuquerque in August

• Last day to sow carrots for a fall harvest (by Aug 4)
• Last day to sow cucumbers for a fall harvest (by Aug 5)
• Last day to sow peas for a fall harvest (by Aug 9)
• Last day to set out broccoli transplants for a fall harvest (by Aug 9)
• Last day to sow summer squash for a fall harvest (by Aug 10)
• Last day to sow lettuce (leaf) for a fall harvest (by Aug 14)
• Last day to sow green onions for a fall harvest (by Aug 14)
• Last day to sow beets for a fall harvest (by Aug 14)
• Last day to sow swiss chard for a fall harvest (by Aug 14)
• Last day to sow kohlrabi for a fall harvest (by Aug 24)
• Last day to sow turnips for a fall harvest (by Aug 24)

What to plant in Albuquerque in September

• Last day to sow spinach for a fall harvest (by Sep 3)
• Last day to sow radishes for a fall harvest (by Sep 13)

Crop-by-crop notes

When to plant tomatoes in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rules are to set tomatoes out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost and only once nights are above 52°F. In Albuquerque, the frost rule alone would allow about Apr 29, but the average nightly low at Petroglyph National Monument isn't above 52°F until May 23, so the night rule sets the date at every risk level: about May 23. Start seeds indoors Apr 4–18, 5–7 weeks before transplanting on May 23. Fruit set suffers when nights drop below 55°F (CSU). The normal low at Petroglyph National Monument reaches 55°F on Jun 1. Using CSU's typical 65 days from transplant to harvest, tomato plants set out on May 23 would start producing around Jul 27. That's 92 days before the typical first frost (Oct 27).

When to plant peppers in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is 2+ weeks after the average last frost, which puts peppers outside around Apr 29 (typical date), May 5 (balanced) or May 14 (safer 10% date). Start seeds indoors Mar 10–24, 6–8 weeks ahead of transplanting on May 5. Below 55°F at night, fruit set suffers (CSU). At Petroglyph National Monument, the normal low reaches 55°F on Jun 1. Using CSU's typical 70 days from transplant to harvest, pepper plants set out on May 5 would start producing around Jul 14. That's 105 days before the typical first frost (Oct 27).

When to plant potatoes in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting potatoes as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 45°F or warmer. For Albuquerque, that's roughly Apr 1–15 by the typical date or Apr 16–30 by the safer date.

When to plant onions (dry, from sets) in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says onions (dry, from sets) can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 in Albuquerque using the typical date, or Apr 2–16 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F.

When to plant peas in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says peas can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 in Albuquerque using the typical date, or Apr 2–16 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 9, or by Jul 29 to be safe. That's 79 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant lettuce (leaf) in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. Per CSU, lettuce (leaf) can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 35°F. For Albuquerque, that works out to roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 (typical date) or Apr 2–16 (safer date). For fall, count back 74 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 14, or by Aug 3 to be safe.

When to plant carrots in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. CSU says carrots can be planted as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil of at least 40°F. In Albuquerque, that's roughly Apr 1–15 going by the typical date, or Apr 16–30 going by the safer date. For fall, count back 84 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 4, or by Jul 24 to be safe.

When to plant beans (snap) in Albuquerque

Tender crop. CSU's timing for beans (snap) is around the average last frost, which is about Apr 15 in Albuquerque. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 30. Seeds want soil at 55°F or warmer. For a fall crop, sow by Jul 31, or by Jul 20 to be safe. That's 88 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant summer squash in Albuquerque

Tender crop. Sow summer squash around the average last frost, per CSU: about Apr 15 in Albuquerque. Waiting until Apr 30 cuts the chance of a later 32°F night to 1 in 10. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F. For fall, count back 78 days from the first-frost date. That means sowing by Aug 10, or by Jul 30 to be safe.

When to plant broccoli in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. Per CSU, broccoli can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Albuquerque, that works out to roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 (typical date) or Apr 2–16 (safer date). CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for broccoli plants is 65 days. Set out on Mar 24, they would start producing around May 28, 152 days before the typical first frost (Oct 27). Fall broccoli: set transplants out by Aug 9. The date counts back from the typical first frost (Oct 27) by UNL Extension's method, using CSU's 65 days from transplant to harvest. Home-grown transplants need seeds started Jun 21 – Jul 5 (CSU: 5–7 weeks).

When to plant cabbage in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. Per CSU, cabbage can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Albuquerque, that works out to roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 (typical date) or Apr 2–16 (safer date). CSU's typical time from transplant to harvest for cabbage plants is 85 days. Set out on Mar 24, they would start producing around Jun 17, 132 days before the typical first frost (Oct 27). For a fall crop, set cabbage transplants out by Jul 20. That's UNL Extension's count-back from the typical first frost (Oct 27), using CSU's 85 days from transplant to harvest. If you grow your own transplants, start seeds Jun 1–15 (CSU: 5–7 weeks to transplant size).

When to plant cauliflower in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, cauliflower can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 1–15 in Albuquerque (typical date) or Apr 16–30 (safer date). The soil should be at least 40°F.

When to plant kohlrabi in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says kohlrabi can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Albuquerque, that's roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 going by the typical date, or Apr 2–16 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 24 (Aug 13 to be safe), which is 64 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant green onions in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says green onions can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 in Albuquerque using the typical date, or Apr 2–16 using the safer one. Wait until the soil can be worked and is at least 35°F. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 14, or by Aug 3 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant radishes in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says radishes can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Albuquerque, that's roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 going by the typical date, or Apr 2–16 going by the safer date. For fall, sow by Sep 13 (Sep 2 to be safe), which is 44 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant spinach in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. CSU says spinach can go in as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, once the soil can be worked and is at least 40°F. In Albuquerque, that's roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 going by the typical date, or Apr 2–16 going by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Sep 3, or by Aug 23 to be safe. That's 54 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant turnips in Albuquerque

Hardy crop. Per CSU, turnips can be planted as early as 2–4 weeks before the average last frost, as long as the soil is workable and at least 40°F. For Albuquerque, that works out to roughly Mar 18 – Apr 1 (typical date) or Apr 2–16 (safer date). For a fall crop, sow by Aug 24, or by Aug 13 to be safe. That's 64 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant beets in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting beets as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Albuquerque, that's roughly Apr 1–15 by the typical date or Apr 16–30 by the safer date. For a fall crop, sow by Aug 14, or by Aug 3 to be safe. That's 74 days back from the first-frost date.

When to plant swiss chard in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. CSU allows planting swiss chard as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost, in soil at 40°F or warmer. For Albuquerque, that's roughly Apr 1–15 by the typical date or Apr 16–30 by the safer date. For fall, sow by Aug 14 (Aug 3 to be safe), which is 74 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant parsnips in Albuquerque

Semi-hardy crop. Per CSU, parsnips can go in as early as 0–2 weeks before the average last frost: roughly Apr 1–15 in Albuquerque (typical date) or Apr 16–30 (safer date). The soil should be at least 35°F.

When to plant sweet corn in Albuquerque

Tender crop. CSU's timing for sweet corn is around the average last frost, which is about Apr 15 in Albuquerque. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 30. Seeds want soil at 50°F or warmer.

When to plant cucumbers in Albuquerque

Tender crop. CSU's timing for cucumbers is around the average last frost, which is about Apr 15 in Albuquerque. For only a 1-in-10 chance of a later 32°F night, hold off until Apr 30. Seeds want soil at 60°F or warmer. For fall, sow by Aug 5 (Jul 25 to be safe), which is 83 days before the first-frost date.

When to plant eggplant in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to set eggplant out at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about Apr 29 using the typical date, May 5 as a balanced choice, or May 14 if you go by the safer 10% date. Start seeds indoors Mar 3–24, 6–9 weeks before transplanting on May 5. Using CSU's typical 60 days from transplant to harvest, eggplant plants set out on May 5 would start producing around Jul 4. That's 115 days before the typical first frost (Oct 27).

When to plant cantaloupe in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. CSU Extension's rule is to plant cantaloupe at least 2 weeks after the average last frost. That's about Apr 29 using the typical date, May 5 as a balanced choice, or May 14 if you go by the safer 10% date. Seeds need soil of at least 60°F.

When to plant watermelon in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant watermelon around Apr 29 at the earliest, May 5 as a balanced choice, or May 14 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

When to plant winter squash in Albuquerque

Very tender crop. Following CSU Extension's rule of 2+ weeks after the average last frost, plant winter squash around Apr 29 at the earliest, May 5 as a balanced choice, or May 14 to be safe. CSU's minimum soil temperature is 60°F.

How these dates are calculated

CSU states its spring rules relative to “the average last spring frost.” We use the 50% date as that average and also show the 30% and 10% anchors. See the methodology for details and limitations.

FAQ

When should I start seeds indoors in Albuquerque?

Start tomatoes Apr 4–18 and peppers Mar 10–24. Both dates count back from a balanced (30%-risk) transplant date using CSU's transplant ages.

When should I plant tomatoes outside in Albuquerque?

About May 23, at every risk level. CSU wants tomatoes out 2+ weeks after the average last frost (that rule alone gives about Apr 29 here) and nights above 52°F. At Petroglyph National Monument, the average nightly low first rises above 52°F on May 23, later than the frost-rule date, so the night rule sets the date.

What can I plant in Albuquerque in the fall?

These sowing deadlines count back from the typical first frost (Oct 27) using UNL Extension's method: peas by Aug 9; lettuce (leaf) by Aug 14; carrots by Aug 4; beans (snap) by Jul 31; summer squash by Aug 10; broccoli by Aug 9 (transplants); cabbage by Jul 20 (transplants); kohlrabi by Aug 24; green onions by Aug 14; radishes by Sep 13; spinach by Sep 3; turnips by Aug 24; beets by Aug 14; swiss chard by Aug 14; cucumbers by Aug 5.

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