Ely, NV Frost Dates
Average frost dates, USDA hardiness zone, and growing season length for Ely, Nevada.
Gardening in Ely
The high desert mining town sits at 6,400 feet in eastern Nevada, in conditions that challenge the most determined gardener.
Zone 5a with only 110 frost-free days. High-altitude cold, dry air, and alkaline soil create genuine growing challenges. But the intense sun and cool nights produce flavorful food.
Ely's self-reliance culture extends to food production. The Copper District's mining heritage teaches that extraction from difficult conditions is always possible with enough determination.
What This Means for Ely Gardeners
The average last spring frost in Ely is around May 25, and the average first fall frost arrives around September 12. That gives you approximately 110 frost-free days to work with.
110 frost-free days means every warm day counts. Focus on cold-hardy crops that thrive in your moderate temperatures: kale, lettuce, peas, radishes, potatoes, and root vegetables. For warm-season crops, choose only the shortest-season varieties (sub-65-day tomatoes, 55-day beans) and start everything indoors. Season extension — row covers, cold frames, plastic mulch — isn't a luxury here, it's essential infrastructure.
These dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normal data for the Ely area. Your actual frost dates could shift 2-3 weeks in either direction in any given year. Learn more about our data sources.
What to Grow in Ely
With 110 frost-free days, Ely gardeners need to plan strategically — start warm-season crops indoors and choose short-season varieties. Cool-season crops are your strength, thriving in the moderate temperatures that define your growing window. Recommended starting points: kale, lettuce, peas, carrots, potatoes, radishes, garlic, and short-season tomatoes.
See the full Nevada planting guide for all 40 plants: Nevada Planting Calendar. Or enter your zip code for exact planting dates personalized to Ely.
More About Zone 5A
Ely is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5A, which means average annual extreme minimum temperatures between -20°F to -15°F. View the full Zone 5A planting guide.
See the complete planting calendar for Nevada: Nevada Planting Calendar.
Other Cities in Nevada
Frequently Asked Questions
These dates are based on NOAA's 30-year Climate Normal data for the Ely area. They represent historical averages, not predictions. In any given year, the actual last frost could be 2-3 weeks earlier or later. Microclimates within Ely (urban heat islands, hilltops, low-lying valleys) can also shift your local frost dates by a week or more.
Start everything possible indoors — your 110-day season doesn't leave room for a slow start. Direct sow only the fastest, hardiest crops (radishes, lettuce, peas) 3-4 weeks before last frost (May 25). Choose short-season varieties for warm crops. Enter your zip code for exact dates.