What to plant this week in Reno, NV
With average last frosts officially ending March 28, Reno gardeners are moving into peak spring planting as the high desert heat begins to drive daily temperatures well above 5°F minimums. This week marks the perfect window to direct-sow warm-season staples like Bush Beans and Yellow Summer Squash while harvesting early basil and cantaloupe before the intense summer sun sets in.
The next 7 days
Reno, NVGrowing in Reno right now
- Reno's rapid temperature swings between freezing nights and 90-degree days require mulching heavily around transplants once established to retain moisture.
- The region's alkaline, sandy-loam soil drains quickly during spring rains, so incorporate organic matter like compost before planting squash and melons to prevent nutrient leaching.
- Watch for the brief late-winter dust storms common in Truckee Meadows; cover tender seedlings with row covers immediately after any major wind event.
- Avoid overwatering young French Marigolds and Zinnias until the spring runoff from nearby Sierra snowmelt has fully ceased, typically by mid-April.
Sow this week
4 crops- Bush Bean
- French Marigold
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
37 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet Potato
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession sowing with Pole Beans or Peas every two weeks for a continuous supply of fresh pods.
- Pinch back the tops of Basil to encourage bushier growth before the heat sets in.
- Apply a light layer of compost around harvested crops to replenish soil nutrients.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are becoming active on heat-loving crops like Okra and Malabar Spinach as afternoon highs climb past 75°F.
- Cutworms often hide in loose topsoil of the Washoe County area to devour young Bean and Corn seedlings; check stems daily for hollowed-out bases.
- Powdery mildew can strike early on Cucumbers and Zucchini if humidity lingers overnight after a warm, dry spring day.
Watering this week
Provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, ensuring deep watering during hot afternoons.
Harvest Basil in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated for peak flavor.
Reno gardening questions
3Can I plant my Sweet Potato slips now in Reno?
Yes, since the average last frost is March 28, this week is ideal for setting out Sweet Potato slips in a sheltered spot. Ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of sun to establish roots before the intense summer heat arrives.
Is it too early to sow Zucchini seeds directly into my garden beds?
Not yet; while you can pull some bulbs for storage, wait until the foliage starts yellowing and falling over naturally in late spring. Premature harvesting will result in smaller cloves with poor keeping qualities.
Is it safe to plant Zucchini seeds outside right now?
Absolutely, as the soil has warmed enough after the March 28 frost date and warmth-loving crops thrive in this timeframe. Plant them deep in full sun since they will need consistent moisture to handle Reno's dry desert conditions.
Other cities in zone 7b
12See the full zone 7b guide → · Plan your Reno garden in SproutGuide →