Weather Challenges

• The growing season in northern Nevada averages 90 to 100 days. There are numerous microclimates and the growing season is significantly shorter or longer in some areas. With only 6 to 8 inches of annual precipitation, adequate irrigation is a necessity.
  
  

Soil Challenges

• Northern Nevada soil ranges from heavy clay to deep sand. It is alkaline, low in primary elements and often with little organic matter. Soil amendments and fertilizer are necessary for a successful garden.
  
  

Cool-Season Vegetables

• The date of the last spring frost is about May 15. The hardiest cool-season vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, peas, turnips and spinach, are planted between March 15 and May 1. The remainder of the cool-season vegetables, such as beets, radishes, carrots, cauliflower and Swiss chard, are planted from April 1 to May 1. Many cool-season vegetables are planted again in August for a fall crop.
  
  

Warm-Season Vegetables

• Green beans and sweet corn are planted after May 15. The cold-sensitive vegetables such as melons, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, squash and tomatoes are planted in late May or early June. Because of the short growing season, these vegetables are often started indoors and the plants are transplanted outside after the danger of frost is over.