Fall in zone 9bPhoto: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Frost dates for ZIP 86440 (Mohave Valley, AZ)
Average last spring and first fall frost dates with 10%, 50% and 90% odds, from NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the nearest weather station, Needles AP, CA (10 miles away).
Freezes are uncommon here
NOAA's normals for this station show a 32°F night in about 37% of years (about 2 freezing night(s) a year on average). The dates below describe freeze timing for the station's record; in many years there may be no 32°F freeze at all.
- Average last spring frostJan 650% chance of a 32°F freeze after this date
- Average first fall frostJan 2 (next year)50% chance of a 32°F freeze by this date
- Growing season (frost-free)year-round in a typical yearmedian, 32°F threshold
- USDA hardiness zone9b25 to 30°F avg. coldest night
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This week in your yard
As of Oct 18, 2026, from your frost dates, zone and soil temperature. Lawn timing · Vegetables · Pruning · Plants
Freezes are uncommon here, so frost-based timing is rough. Local extension calendars for frost-free areas use months.
Soil temperature now
2-inch depth
67°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 64°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Essex (39 mi).
4-inch depth
68°F 55°F or warmer
24-hour average · latest 67°F, as of Oct 18, 2:00 AM CDT
Estimate Not a measurement at this ZIP: distance-weighted average of Essex (39 mi).
Fall: Texas A&M AgriLife times fall pre-emergent (for winter weeds such as annual bluegrass) to soil cooling to about 70°F for several days. The 50–55°F band is the spring trigger. Always read and follow the product label.
7-day forecast and frost risk
The latest National Weather Service 7-day forecast and any Frost Advisory or Freeze Warning for 86440 load here. You can also open the NWS forecast for this ZIP.
Pre-emergent
Soil is 68°F at 4 inches (estimated soil temperature, not a station reading). Fall pre-emergent (annual bluegrass, winter weeds): window open as soil cools through the 70s and 60s.
Fertilizer window
Lawn region: Arid Southwest (low desert). Timing only; always follow the product label.
- Bermudagrass (warm-season): Spring: Several weeks after the lawn is fully green (April–May) (about Feb 21 here, using green-up about 3–4 weeks after your average last frost); Summer: Every 4–6 weeks through mid-August (heaviest feeder of the group); Late: Light, low-nitrogen/high-potassium feeding about 4 weeks before first frost, or skip. Avoid: Heavy late-fall nitrogen (linked to spring dead spot).
- Perennial ryegrass (cool-season): Early fall: September; Late fall: October–November; Overseeded Bermuda: Light feeding once the winter rye is established, if needed. Avoid: Summer feeding.
Plant now
- Kale: fall sowing Sep 26–Oct 24
- Kale: fall transplant Oct 10–Nov 7
- Collards: fall sowing Sep 26–Oct 24
- Collards: fall transplant Oct 10–Nov 7
- Broccoli: fall transplant Sep 26–Oct 24
- Cabbage: fall transplant Sep 26–Oct 24
- Cauliflower: fall transplant Sep 26–Oct 24
- Brussels sprouts: start seeds indoors Oct 14–28
- Carrot: fall sowing Oct 10–24
- Pea (garden, snap, snow): fall sowing Oct 10–24
- Onion (bulbing): start seeds indoors Oct 14–28
- Leek: start seeds indoors Oct 14–28
- Bean, bush (snap): fall sowing Oct 10–24
- Cucumber: fall sowing Oct 10–24
- Summer squash / zucchini: fall sowing Oct 10–24
- Celery: start seeds indoors Oct 14–28
Coming up in the next 3 weeks
- Pepper (sweet and hot): start seeds indoors Oct 28–Nov 11
- Eggplant: start seeds indoors Oct 28–Nov 11
- Lettuce: fall sowing Oct 24–Nov 21
- Lettuce: fall transplant Nov 7–28
- Spinach: fall sowing Nov 7–28
- Broccoli: start seeds indoors Oct 28–Nov 11
- Cabbage: start seeds indoors Oct 28–Nov 11
- Cauliflower: start seeds indoors Oct 28–Nov 11
- Kohlrabi: fall sowing Oct 24–Nov 7
- Bok choy / Asian greens: fall sowing Nov 7–21
- Arugula: fall sowing Nov 7–Dec 5
- Mustard greens: fall sowing Nov 7–21
Prune now
No frost-timed pruning windows are open this week.
Spring-flowering shrubs are pruned right after their flowers fade, not by date. See the pruning guide.
Last spring frost odds
| Chance of a 32°F freeze after this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early: most years still freeze after this) | Dec 16 (prior Dec) |
| 50% (the "average" last frost) | Jan 6 |
| 10% (cautious: only 1 year in 10 freezes later) | Feb 10 |
Most gardeners plant frost-tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, basil) after the 50% date, and closer to the 10% date for less risk.
First fall frost odds
| Chance the first 32°F freeze has happened by this date | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early: 1 year in 10 freezes this soon) | Dec 11 |
| 50% (the "average" first frost) | Jan 2 (next year) |
| 90% (late: most years have frozen by now) | Feb 5 (next year) |
Light frost, freeze and hard freeze
| Threshold | Last spring (50%) | First fall (50%) |
|---|---|---|
| 36°F (light frost possible on clear, calm nights) | Jan 15 | Dec 21 |
| 32°F (freeze) | Jan 6 | Jan 2 (next year) |
| 28°F (hard freeze) | n/a | n/a |
n/a means NOAA did not publish a date at that threshold for this station (usually because it rarely gets that cold).
Vegetable planting calendar for 86440
Dates count from your average last spring frost (Jan 6) and first fall frost (Jan 2). Half of years have a frost after the spring date, so give tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) some slack.
| Crop | Start indoors | Spring planting | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Nov 11–25 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) | Sep 5–Oct 3 (transplant) |
| Pepper (sweet and hot) | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Jan 20–Feb 3 (transplant) | Sep 12–Oct 3 (transplant) |
| Eggplant | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Jan 20–Feb 3 (transplant) | Sep 12–Oct 3 (transplant) |
| Tomatillo | Nov 11–25 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) | – |
| Lettuce | Nov 11–25 | Dec 16–Jan 6 (transplant) Dec 9–Jan 20 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–28 (transplant) Oct 24–Nov 21 (sowing) |
| Spinach | – | Nov 25–Dec 16 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–28 (sowing) |
| Kale | Nov 11–25 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) Dec 9–23 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–Nov 7 (transplant) Sep 26–Oct 24 (sowing) |
| Collards | Nov 11–25 | Dec 9–Jan 6 (transplant) Dec 9–Jan 6 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–Nov 7 (transplant) Sep 26–Oct 24 (sowing) |
| Broccoli | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | Sep 26–Oct 24 (transplant) |
| Cabbage | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | Sep 26–Oct 24 (transplant) |
| Cauliflower | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Dec 23–Jan 6 (transplant) | Sep 26–Oct 24 (transplant) |
| Brussels sprouts | Oct 14–28 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | Sep 12–Oct 3 (transplant) |
| Kohlrabi | Nov 11–25 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) Dec 9–23 (sow outdoors) | Oct 24–Nov 7 (sowing) |
| Bok choy / Asian greens | – | Dec 9–23 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–21 (sowing) |
| Arugula | – | Dec 9–Jan 6 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–Dec 5 (sowing) |
| Mustard greens | – | Dec 9–30 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–21 (sowing) |
| Swiss chard | Nov 25–Dec 9 | Dec 23–Jan 13 (transplant) Dec 23–Jan 20 (sow outdoors) | Oct 24–Nov 7 (sowing) |
| Beet | – | Dec 9–Jan 6 (sow outdoors) | Oct 24–Nov 7 (sowing) |
| Carrot | – | Dec 16–Jan 13 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–24 (sowing) |
| Radish | – | Dec 2–Jan 13 (sow outdoors) | Nov 21–Dec 5 (sowing) |
| Turnip | – | Dec 9–30 (sow outdoors) | Oct 24–Nov 7 (sowing) |
| Parsnip | – | Dec 16–Jan 6 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pea (garden, snap, snow) | – | Nov 11–Dec 9 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–24 (sowing) |
| Onion (bulbing) | Oct 14–28 | Nov 25–Dec 9 (transplant) | – |
| Green onion / scallion | – | Nov 25–Dec 23 (sow outdoors) | Oct 24–Nov 7 (sowing) |
| Leek | Oct 14–28 | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | – |
| Garlic | – | – | Nov 21–Dec 19 (sowing) |
| Shallot | – | Nov 25–Dec 9 (transplant) | Nov 21–Dec 19 (sowing) |
| Potato | – | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | Sep 12–26 (transplant) |
| Sweet potato | – | Jan 27–Feb 10 (transplant) | – |
| Sweet corn | – | Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Bean, bush (snap) | – | Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–24 (sowing) |
| Bean, pole | – | Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Lima bean | – | Jan 20–Feb 3 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Southern pea (cowpea, black-eyed pea) | – | Jan 27–Feb 17 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cucumber | Dec 9–16 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–24 (sowing) |
| Summer squash / zucchini | Dec 9–16 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | Oct 10–24 (sowing) |
| Winter squash | Dec 9–16 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Pumpkin | – | Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Watermelon | Dec 9–16 | Jan 20–Feb 3 (transplant) Jan 20–Feb 3 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cantaloupe / muskmelon | Dec 9–16 | Jan 20–Feb 3 (transplant) Jan 20–Feb 3 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Okra | Nov 25–Dec 9 | Jan 20–Feb 3 (transplant) Jan 20–Feb 3 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Celery | Oct 14–28 | Jan 13–20 (transplant) | – |
| Basil | Nov 25–Dec 9 | Jan 13–27 (transplant) Jan 13–27 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Cilantro | – | Dec 23–Jan 20 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–21 (sowing) |
| Parsley | Oct 28–Nov 11 | Dec 23–Jan 6 (transplant) Dec 16–Jan 6 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Dill | – | Jan 6–20 (sow outdoors) | Nov 7–21 (sowing) |
| Sunflower | – | Jan 6–20 (sow outdoors) | – |
| Asparagus (crowns) | – | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | – |
| Rhubarb (crowns) | – | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | – |
| Strawberry (plants) | – | Dec 9–23 (transplant) | Oct 24–Nov 21 (transplant) |
Typical ranges from university extension planting calendars, adjusted to your frost dates. Probabilities, not guarantees. Fall windows that would overlap spring planting are left out, as are fall crops of frost-tender plants where the frost-free season is under 210 days.
Where these numbers come from
Station: Needles AP, CA (NOAA GHCN-Daily ID USW00023179), elevation 890 ft, 9.5 miles from the ZIP's center point. NOAA completeness flag: S (standard, 24+ years).
Nearby stations
| Station | Distance | Last frost (50%) | First frost (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullhead City, AZ | 17 mi | Jan 4 | Dec 23 |
| Laughlin, NV | 19 mi | Jan 5 | Dec 24 |
| Yucca 1 NNE, AZ | 23 mi | Feb 18 | Dec 2 |
The average last-frost dates of these stations span 45 days, a rough guide to local variation. See data sources & methods.
Frost questions for 86440
When is the last frost in 86440?
The average (50% chance) last spring freeze of 32°F for ZIP 86440 is January 6. For a more cautious planting date, use February 10, when only 1 year in 10 still sees a later freeze.
When is the first frost in 86440?
The average first fall freeze is January 2 (next year). In 1 year in 10 it comes by December 11.
What hardiness zone is 86440?
ZIP 86440 is in USDA zone 9b (25 to 30°F average coldest winter night), per the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP listing.
What is the soil temperature in 86440 right now?
This page shows the latest 2-inch and 4-inch soil temperature from the nearest public soil station (USDA SCAN, NOAA USCRN or TexMesonet), or a labeled estimate when no station is close, against the 50–55°F spring pre-emergent band.
Nearby ZIP codes
86426 Fort Mohave 86433 Oatman 92363 Needles 86436 Golden Shores 86442 Bullhead City 89029 Laughlin 86404 Lake Havasu City 86413 Golden Valley
Other ZIP codes in Mohave County
85360 86021 86401 86403 86404 86406 86409 86411 86413 86426 86429 86431 86432 86433 86434 86436 86437 86438 86441 86442 86443 86444 86445 All Mohave County frost dates · Arizona frost dates
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Weekly yard timing, plus frost and soil-temperature alerts for your ZIP code.
- Freeze alerts
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Free. One weekly email plus alerts when your ZIP has a frost or a soil-temperature change worth acting on. After you submit, Kit (our email provider) sends a confirmation email: check your email and click the link to confirm. You aren't subscribed until you do. We collect only your email address and ZIP, sent to Kit to deliver The Dial. Unsubscribe anytime.