What Growing Zone Is White Sands?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given White Sands a growing zone designation of 8b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in White Sands's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used White Sands's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 8bLatest NM growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the White Sands area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in White Sands, NM.

Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
map of growing zone 8bLatest NM growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since White Sands is in growing zone 8b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for White Sands's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the White Sands area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. Thatā€™s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in White Sands, NM.

The USDA hardiness zone is 8b for White Sands. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

White Sands's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 8b

Zip Codes: 88002

Longitude: -106.4791

Latitude: 32.3804

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 15 to 20

Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Map of the White Sands Area

All Towns In NM

Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

To see our latest gardening and homesteading projects, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.