When to Plant Onion in San Juan County, NM
What to do in April
Your garden in San Juan County, New Mexico is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this April.
-
Outdoor sowing time: onion
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
May will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: onion
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
San Juan County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 8,301 feet, San Juan County receives approximately 14.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Onion will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Onion successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Juan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in San Juan County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.5) is more alkaline than Onion prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in San Juan County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Onion will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Onion.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Onion
Onion needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Onion Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in San Juan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Onion Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Onion Planting Timeline — San Juan County, NM
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in San Juan County
Growing Tips for Onion in San Juan County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after May 12 in San Juan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in San Juan County dries quickly — mulch Onion with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Onion in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
San Juan County receives only 14" of rain annually. Onion needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in San Juan County, NM?
San Juan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Juan County, NM?
San Juan County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your San Juan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Juan County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.