New Mexico growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How New Mexico zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across New Mexico
New Mexico covers USDA Zones 6a–8a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 6a — Santa Fe and the northern plateau. Average last frost 05/01, first frost 10/01 (about 153 frost-free days).
- Zone 7a — Albuquerque and the middle Rio Grande. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
- Zone 7b — Roswell and the eastern plains. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
- Zone 8a — Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley. Average last frost 03/28, first frost 11/05 (about 222 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Albuquerque and the middle Rio Grande (Zone 7a)
- Tomatoes: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 2 – July 23
- Peppers: set out April 29 – May 20; fall July 16 – August 6
- Sweet corn: seed April 15 – May 6; fall July 16 – August 6
- Cucumbers: set out April 22 – May 13; fall July 30 – August 20
- Summer squash: seed April 22 – May 13; fall August 6 – August 27
- Green beans (bush): seed April 15 – May 6; fall July 30 – August 20
- Cabbage: set out March 18 – April 8; fall July 2 – July 23
- Broccoli: set out March 18 – April 8; fall July 2 – July 23
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in New Mexico
- State buy-local program: the New Mexico Department of Agriculture runs New Mexico – Taste the Tradition. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Santa Fe Farmers' Market (Railyard). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in New Mexico
- Income tax: Graduated state income tax.
- Sales tax on inputs: Many farm inputs can be deducted from gross receipts tax; give the vendor a Nontaxable Transaction Certificate from the Taxation and Revenue Department.
- Farmland property tax: Agricultural land is valued on its use for farming; apply through the county assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in New Mexico
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (NM Department of Agriculture)
- NM Grown fresh produce programs
- Healthy Soil Program grants (NM Department of Agriculture)
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Western SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- NMSU Cooperative Extension Service — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers