Nevada Planting Zones

Known as the Silver State, Nevada encompasses diverse growing environments from the Mojave Desert to the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

The state spans seven growing zones (4a through 8b) with average minimum temperatures ranging from -30°F to 20°F (-34.4°C to -6.7°C), representing one of the widest temperature ranges of any state.
In this article, you will learn:

Nevada's landscape transitions dramatically from the arid southern desert to the alpine regions of the north, creating distinct microclimates influencing gardening success. 

Whether cultivating in Las Vegas's heat or Carson City's mountain valley, understanding your local conditions is essential for mastering desert gardening.
 

Nevada

Image from USDA

Characteristics of Nevada's Planting Region

Nevada's climate is classified as arid to semi-arid, characterized by vast temperature swings between day and night, minimal rainfall averaging just 7 inches (178 mm) annually, and intense sun exposure at high elevations. 

The growing season varies significantly by elevation, with southern regions enjoying up to 285 frost-free days, while northern valleys may see only 90 frost-free days annually.

A Nevada gardener must adapt to high-alkaline soils with poor organic content and intense sunlight that can scorch plants within hours. 

The state's elevation changes create unique opportunities for different growing zones within short distances, allowing for diverse planting options when properly planned.

Challenges of Growing in Nevada

1. High-Alkaline Soils

Nevada's soils typically test at pH 7.8 to 8.3, creating challenges for nutrient absorption and plant growth. The calcium carbonate often forms a concrete-like layer called caliche, which requires special techniques for building raised beds and improving drainage.

2. Extreme Desert Dryness

The state's average humidity hovers around 30%, causing rapid moisture loss from both soil and plants. This intense aridity and drying winds mean plants can dehydrate even when soil moisture appears adequate.

3. Intense Solar Exposure

Nevada's high elevation and clear skies result in intense UV radiation that can damage tender plants and rapidly heat soil surfaces. The combination of intense sunlight and reflective soils creates challenging conditions that require careful plant placement and protection.

The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Nevada

While Nevada's climate presents unique challenges, a greenhouse can transform desert gardening limitations into opportunities.

1. Extend Your Growing Season

  • Without a Greenhouse: Nevada's harsh sun and temperature extremes limit outdoor growing to specific seasonal windows determined by elevation and location. The intense summer heat in lower elevations can make mid-season growing impossible for many crops.

  • With a Greenhouse: Temperature and humidity control allow year-round growing in most Nevada locations, with special benefits during the extreme heat of summer when shade cloth can create optimal growing conditions unavailable outdoors.

Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Nevada.

Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Nevada

2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables

Without a Greenhouse: 

Nevada's outdoor gardens typically succeed with drought-tolerant and heat-resistant plants:

  • Tomatoes

  • Peppers

  • Sweet corn

  • Watermelons

  • Peanuts

  • Peaches

  • Cucumbers

  • Squash

  • Cantaloupes

  • Lima beans

With a Greenhouse: A controlled environment enables growing moisture-loving crops rarely seen in Nevada:

  • Spinach, 

  • Broccoli,

  • Cauliflower, 

  • Brussels sprouts, 

  • Tomatoes, 

  • melons, 

  • Zucchini, 

  • Carrots, 

  • Beets, 

  • Radishes

  • Parsley,

  • Leaf lettuce varieties

  • Spinach

  • Arugula

Why Planta Greenhouses?

For Nevada, we recommend the following greenhouses:

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