When to Plant Quince in San Juan County, NM
May to-do list for San Juan County, New Mexico
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in San Juan County, New Mexico.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Transplants going out: quince
Quince is a small ornamental tree producing fragrant, golden fruits that are too hard and astringent to eat raw but transform into a beautiful rose-colored paste when cooked.
San Juan County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 Quince during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Quince will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Quince 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 Quince's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.5) is more alkaline than Quince prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in San Juan County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Quince will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Quince.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Quince.
How to Plant Quince
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Quince
Quince needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Quince 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.
Quince 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.
Quince Planting Timeline — San Juan County, NM
Quince Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
147 days in San Juan County
Growing Tips for Quince in San Juan County
Direct sow Quince 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 Quince with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 147.0-day growing season in San Juan County is tight for Quince (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
San Juan County receives only 14" of rain annually. Quince needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered location. Quince is self-fertile. Harvest after frost when fruit is golden and fragrant. Fire blight can be an issue; choose resistant varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Quince in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Quince in San Juan County, NM?
San Juan County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Quince 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 7a. 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 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.